Darien, IL – City Planner

JOB SUMMARY:

The Planner performs professional work and handles a variety of highly responsible planning, zoning and research assignments for the Department of Municipal Services Community Development division.  This employee provides staff assistance to the Director of Community Development, acting as an initial planning and zoning contact for the department, and coordinating development reviews, agendas and staff reports for the Plan Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, Planning and Development Committee and the City Council.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

·         Maintains a highly visible public profile including telephone contact and contact in person with residents, developers, attorneys, elected and appointed officials.

·         Reviews all building permit and development inquiries for compliance with Zoning, Sign and Subdivision Regulations.

·         Reviews zoning petitions, plats, special use requests, annexations and site plan reviews.

·         Handles walk-in and telephone requests for information and answers questions on zoning and subdivision regulations.

·         Conducts site inspections of proposed developments and projects under construction for pre-existing conditions and compliance with approved plans.

·         Reviews all landscape plans for compliance with the Zoning Ordinance and conducts on-site inspections prior to the issuance of certificates of occupancy.

·         Assists the Director of Community Development in the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan and with the annual update of the Subdivision and Zoning Codes.

·         Reviews and processes business license applications from the City Clerk’s office for compliance with the Zoning Ordinance.

·         Regularly attends various evening meetings.  Prepares and presents staff reports to the public, Plan Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, Planning and Development Committee and City Council.

·         Responsible for property maintenance code compliance

·         Prepares monthly reports as directed

·         All City of Darien employees are expected to follow policies as directed in the City of Darien’s Employee and Safety Manual, unless otherwise instructed if the position is included in a bargaining unit agreement.

·         Performs other duties as assigned.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

·         Prepares graphic materials for presentations.

·         Performs annual Zoning Map update.

·         Creates and maintains an Annexation Agreement file and map to monitor conformance with terms.

·         Prepares grant applications

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

·         Computer

·         Vehicle

·         Engineering and Architectural Scales

·         Digital Camera

·         Tape Measure

·         General Office Equipment

·         Graphic and Presentation Material

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

·         A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning or related field.

·         Two years experience in professional planning in a local government setting.

REQUIRED LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:

·         AICP Certification required within one year of hire.

REQUIRED TRAINING AND SKILLS:

·         Principals and practices of Urban Planning and Zoning Administration, including an understanding of the fundamentals of urban design, economics, municipal finance, sociology, engineering, architecture, and building construction.

·         Current literature and recent legal developments in the planning and zoning fields.

·         Public Administration and political relations as they relate to Planning and Zoning at the local government level.

·         General algebra, geometry and ratio calculations and principals.

·         Computer applications as they relate to work in Urban Planning including knowledge of all Microsoft Office components.  Knowledge of database packages, SPSS and GIS is desirable.

·         Accurately read plats and perform plan reviews.

·         Analyze problem situations, research and interpret ordinances and codes, and apply the appropriate information to develop recommendations and solutions.

·         Communicate clearly both in writing and verbally and use interpersonal skills to reach consensus and resolve conflict as necessary.

·         Analyze and systematically compile technical and statistical data presenting results in a clear and interesting manner to a variety of audiences with differing levels of understanding.

·         Maintain concentration to detail while performing many tasks simultaneously.

·         Prepare graphic display materials including maps, layouts, and sketch plans for use in research, presentations and recommendations.

·         Resolve conflicts, negotiate solutions and maintain composure in stressful and confrontational situations both internal and external.

·         Establish and maintain effective working relationships with professional colleagues, residents, business owners, elected and appointed officials, and representatives of other public agencies.

·         Ability to operate City vehicle.

MENTAL AND PHYSICAL ABILITY:

·         Ability to concentrate and pay close attention to detail with constant breaks in concentration associated with answering phones or speaking in person to citizens/builders/developers requiring assistance.

General Minimum Requirements

·         Valid driver’s license, a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university,

·         A minimum of 2 year’s municipal planning experience

·         Must be able to attend evening meetings requested or required.

·         Open Gov web based platform preferred

For more information, contact:

Lisa Klemm
lklemm@darienil.gov
6303538104