Village of Plainfield
The Village of Plainfield is seeking to hire a full time Planner. This is a highly responsible administrative
work in the administration of the Village’s long-range planning, current planning, and interpretation of the
Village’s Zoning Ordinance. This position also handles the coordination of special projects for the Planning
Department Director including special planning studies, economic development programs, and other such
projects.
Work involves performing responsible technical review, analysis, and evaluation. This position also
involves performing responsible technical assignments in the administration of the comprehensive plan,
plan review, land use management, code review for signage, code and design guideline development
and/or modification, and other related matters. Works with considerable independence but is expected to
exercise exceedingly high levels of good judgment, tact, and diplomacy/customer service.
The Plainfield Planning Department is a fast-paced work environment that is managing strong growth in
every sector. The department encourages and fosters creativity in planning and welcomes new
approaches, ideas and concepts that could invariably be implemented as part of the Village’s plans or
processes. The following are current and upcoming projects the Planning Department will be undertaking:
Current Projects:
• A complete overhaul to the zoning ordinance and creating a Unified Development Ordinance.
• New Woodman’s Food Market under construction creating new development opportunities.
• The Planning Department reviewed over 1,300 residential homes/units in 2025.
• 250+ acres of industrial land under contract with pending applications.
• Commercial (re)development opportunities are being pursued in every part of the community.
• The Village averaged 60 new home permits per month in 2025.
• Due to the large growth, a special census is being completed.
• Plainfield Development Projects GIS Portal
Upcoming or Future Projects:
• Downtown Lockport St. & Main St. master planning project.
• The continued evaluation of housing and affordability assessments.
• Village wide wayfinding signage plan.
• Sustainability/resiliency planning.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Compiles and analyzes data on economic, social, and physical factors affecting land use, and
prepares or requisitions graphic and narrative reports on data.
• Confers with local authorities, civic leaders, business and development community, and land
planning and development specialists to devise and recommend arrangements of land and
physical facilities development for residential, commercial, industrial, and community uses.
• Reviews and understands architectural, landscaping, and lighting designs as part of plan
submittals.
• Monitors planning activities of neighboring jurisdictions; coordinates work with other affected
agencies; assists in the development of regional plans, as assigned.
• Coordinates and manages public involvement efforts including public meetings, public hearings,
informational meetings, and informal request.
• Monitors and implements long range plans, sector plans, and project review and evaluation for
compliance with long-range plans, policies, and codes.
• Interprets, administers, and enforces Zoning Laws, Building Codes, and Village long range
comprehensive plans; develops amendments to existing codes and/or develops new codes to
achieve the policy direction of the Village Board.
• Assesses impacts of development proposals based on the Village’s comprehensive plan.
• Reviews development proposals submitted to the Village to determine whether consistent with
Village’s design guidelines and site plan review ordinance.
• Coordinates special planning studies, i.e., parking studies, bikeway planning, open space
planning, historic preservation planning, downtown issues, and others as assigned and
coordinates these efforts with consultants, other agencies, elected and appointed officials, and
the public.
• Assists in the creation and implementation of economic programming.
• Draw maps, charts, sketches, and plans to illustrate proposed designs or to facilitate planning
design work.
• Performs field studies and maps general character and consideration of properties in designated
areas.
• Assists Village staff in the enforcement of local ordinances and in interpreting village codes and
master plans.
• Serves as a member of various staff committees as assigned.
Qualifications:
• 3+ years of experience in a responsible planning position with a bachelor’s degree in urban
planning, public administration, or closely related field. Master’s degree preferred. (Candidates
with less experience may be considered at our Planner I level.)
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical
procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and
procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from
groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common
fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar
graphs.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to
interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal
with several abstract and concrete variables.
• To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Microsoft Excel database
software, Adobe Photoshop design software, ArcGIS, and Microsoft Word software. Experience in
design (Illustrator, Google 3D Sketchup) a plus.
• Must possess a current and valid Illinois motor vehicle operator’s license.
• Considerable ability to write clearly and concisely; extensive ability in speaking extemporaneously
before large public groups and in addressing their questions in a concerned, open, and forthright
manner; considerable ability to interpret and explain laws, ordinances and regulations;
considerable ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with developers,
contractors, property owners, Village officials, other employees, and the general public; work
independently with little or no supervision.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the principles of urban planning and zoning; comprehensive
knowledge of the laws, rules and regulations governing municipal planning and zoning;
comprehensive knowledge of research and analytical techniques and principles; and knowledge
and abilities regarding oral, verbal, and graphic presentations practices.
Salary/Benefits:
The Village is pleased to offer a comprehensive employee benefits program that includes medical
insurance options at a low cost as well as complimentary dental, vision, and life insurances. This position
will participate in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund Pension, 457 Retirement plan, and an employee
wellness program. Paid vacation, two personal, twelve sick, and eleven holidays are also provided
annually. The salary range for this exempt position is $90,715 – $122,464 annually, depending on
qualifications and experiences. Anticipated starting salary is from the minimum to the middle of the range.
Please note: Candidates with less qualifications than posted, may be considered at our Planner I level.
The salary range for the Planner I is $66,675 – $90,012.
Email your application and resume along with a cover letter to humanresources@goplainfield.com
Hard copies may be dropped off or mailed to:
Village Hall
24401 W. Lockport Street
Plainfield, IL 60544.
The Village of Plainfield is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages persons
of diverse backgrounds to apply for available positions. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the
essential functions.
For more information, contact:
Mary Harris
humanresources@goplainfield.com
8154394807
To apply for this job email your details to mharris@goplainfield.com