Hinsdale, IL – Planner – New role! Expanding our Planning Team

POSITION:                 Planner

DATE:                        April 1, 2026

DEPARTMENT:        Community Development

REPORTS TO:          Assistant Director of Community Development

PAY GRADE:            Effective 5/1/25, M104 ($78,334 – $115,935)

FLSA STATUS:         Exempt

 

New position!  We are expanding our Planning Team. We are seeking a qualified candidate and will compensate with a competitive starting salary.

 

Position Purpose

The Village of Hinsdale is seeking a professional, collaborative, and detail-oriented planner to join its Community Development Department. This position performs professional planning work related to current and long-range planning, zoning administration, land use regulation, and historic preservation. The position manages and reviews development projects through the zoning entitlement process, assists with code amendments, prepares professional planning reports, conducts field inspections, and provides technical assistance to the Village Board, Commissions, applicants, developers, businesses, and residents.

The Village Planner assists with implementation of the Village’s planning goals, coordinates interdepartmental development review, and ensures that proposed development complies with applicable Village codes, plans, and policies. This work requires considerable judgement in technical planning matters and must be familiar and ensure compliance with aspects of Federal, State, and Municipal regulations. The Planner works under the general supervision of the Assistant Director of Community Development.

 

Supervision Exercised

None.

 

Job Duties

·         Reviews applications and development proposals, including site plans, subdivisions, zoning requests, sign permits, historic preservation incentives, certificate of appropriateness applications, landmark designations, and related land use or development applications to ensure compliance with Village codes and adopted plans.

·         Meets with and assists developers, architects, engineers, attorneys, businesses, and property owners to discuss proposed development projects, historic preservation projects, zoning compliance, and other regulatory requirements.

·         Assists applicants through the zoning entitlement and development review process from pre-application through final approval.

·         Prepares staff reports, meeting agendas, correspondence, recommendations, supporting documentation, and presentations regarding development proposals and planning cases to the Village Board, Committees, Commissions, and the general public as assigned.

·         Attends meetings and provides professional planning support to the Plan Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, and other Boards or Commissions as assigned.

·         Assists with the development of sub-area plans or comprehensive plans and text amendments to the Zoning Code or Village Code.

·         Coordinates planning activities with other Village departments and outside agencies.

·         Coordinates the interdepartmental review process for development applications.

·         Responds to requests for information from the public and outside organizations.

·         Presents planning analyses and recommendations at public meetings and hearings.

·         Maintains planning records, reports, and development files in accordance with Village policies.

·         Evaluate, recommend, and propose to the Director of Community Development the adoption of new policies, procedures, and ordinances necessary to implement planning programs set by the Village Board.

·         Performs other duties as assigned.

 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

·         Knowledge of the principles and practices of urban planning and policy.

·         Knowledge of long-range and current planning, zoning and subdivision regulations, and site development regulations and ordinances.

·         Knowledge of municipal administration and organization.

·         Ability to interpret, apply, and ensure project compliance with Federal, State, and local laws, particularly those pertaining to Village planning codes.

·         Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with the public, Village employees, elected and appointed officials, developers, attorneys, vendors, local businesses, community organizations, and other government agencies.

·         Skill in providing excellent customer service and handle situations requiring diplomacy, fairness, firmness, and sound judgment.

·         Ability to analyze and interpret plans and determine whether plans conform to the provisions of the applicable codes and ordinances.

·         Ability to comprehend complex planning problems, to identify alternative solutions, and prepare appropriate recommendations.

·         Ability to prepare and analyze technical and administrative reports, statements, and correspondence.

·         Frequently prepares written reports; must be able to communicate effectively in writing.

·         Excellent file maintenance and organization skills required.

·         Occasionally handles confidential information, must be able to maintain confidential information and accurate records.

·         Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and in a timely manner.

·         Experience with historic preservation planning is preferred.

·         Knowledge of computer programs and applications, which may include Microsoft Office, Adobe and other PDF programs, GIS software, and database management.

 

Position Requirements

·         Education: Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, regional planning, public administration, or a closely related field is required. A Master’s degree in planning or related field is preferred.

·         Experience: Minimum of one to five (1–5) years of progressively responsible government, municipal, or planning experience is required.

 

Environmental Factors

The work environment is primarily an office setting with frequent interaction with the public. Occasional work and field inspections will occur outdoors. Attendance at evening meetings is required.

 

Physical Requirements

Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, and use hands to handle or operate a computer and other office equipment. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move items up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

 

Rate of Pay and Benefits

The Village of Hinsdale offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits plan which includes generous contributions to medical, dental, vision, life insurance and the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), optional 457 plans, and paid vacation, personal, sick and holiday time.

 

Interested candidates should submit an application, resume and cover letter to the Village of Hinsdale, Village Manager’s Office, Attn: Human Resources, 19 E. Chicago Avenue, Hinsdale, IL 60521, or email hr@villageofhinsdale.org. Visit www.villageofhinsdale.org/jobs for a job application. The position is open until filled. The Village of Hinsdale is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

 

 

 

For more information, contact:

Tracy McLaughlin
tmclaughlin@villageofhinsdale.org
6302476364