Planner I

Village of Niles, IL

$79K — $110K *
Niles, IL 60714In-Person
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Urban Studies, Landscape Architecture, Public Administration, or related field required.
  • Minimum two years of experience in local government or planning, or equivalent education and experience.
  • Knowledge of planning, zoning, and community development principles and practices.
  • Ability to interpret zoning and subdivision regulations and apply them to development proposals.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills with emphasis on interpersonal and organizational abilities.
  • Valid Illinois driver's license and ability to drive a vehicle.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as primary zoning contact at the Department's front counter; review building permit applications for zoning compliance.
  • Coordinate planning and zoning activities with developers, builders, and property owners to expedite approvals.
  • Assist in processing zoning applications for Planning and Zoning Board and handling special use permits and variances.
  • Address zoning project inquiries from residents, business owners, and developers; resolve zoning violations in collaboration with other departments.
  • Meet with stakeholders to discuss zoning requirements for residential and commercial projects.
  • Prepare reports and materials for Planning and Zoning Board meetings; coordinate special projects as assigned.

Benefits

  • Paid leave.
  • Health insurance.
  • Participation in Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) pension and 457b retirement plans.
  • Niles Fitness Membership and wellness program.
  • Typical work hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Full Job Description
Join our team and become our new full-time PLANNER I in the Community Development department. Reporting to the Village Planner, this position performs professional-level planning activities for the Village, including research and analysis of technical data, assisting the public in applying planning and zoning regulations, and supporting the general planning process and the administration of the Village Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code.

Some info about the position...
  • Serves as the key zoning contact at the Department's front counter; reviews building permit applications to ensure zoning compliance.
  • Coordinates planning and zoning activities with developers, builders, and property owners to expedite plan review and approval; assists in the business license review for zoning compliance.
  • Assists the Senior Planner in processing zoning applications for the Planning and Zoning Board, including special use permits, variances, zoning map amendments, and other zoning matters.
  • Explains zoning projects and answers questions from residents, business owners, and developers; resolves zoning violations or works with other departments to resolve them.
  • Meets with developers, architects, and homeowners to discuss the Village's zoning requirements for residential and commercial developments.
  • Prepares staff reports and supporting materials for the Planning and Zoning Board; attends Board and other meetings, and coordinates special projects as assigned by the Community Development Director.


Qualified candidates should...

  • Bring a Bachelor's degree or higher in Urban Planning, Urban Studies, Landscape Architecture, Public Administration, or a related field, plus at least two years' experience in local government or planning, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Apply working knowledge of the principles, practices, and theories of planning, zoning, and community development, and of governmental organizations and processes.
  • Interpret and apply zoning and subdivision regulations and other legal planning tools for development proposals, and review construction plans for compliance with local zoning codes and the Village site plan review ordinance.
  • Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with strong interpersonal, analytical, and organizational skills.
  • Exercise sound judgment and work well with the public, coworkers, residents, business owners, and developers, drawing on map-making techniques, Plan Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals functions, technical writing, and the reading of legal descriptions.
  • Maintain a valid Illinois driver's license and the ability to drive a vehicle.


Pay, benefits, and more...

  • Salary range is $79,223 - $110,912 per year (starting salary is typically no higher than the midpoint and is dependent on qualifications).
  • Typical hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Paid leave.
  • Health insurance.
  • Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) pension, and 457b retirement plans.
  • Niles Fitness Membership and wellness program.


It's possible here. The Village of Niles strives to create a community and workplace where everyone feels welcomed. We care deeply about our residents and businesses, and we work hard on their behalf to keep making Niles better. Ready to join us? APPLY NOW by downloading an application from the Village's website and sending your application along with your resume in PDF format to [redacted]. Applications will be accepted until July 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

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