Wilmette, IL – Planner II/Development Planner

The Village of Wilmette is excited to announce an opportunity for a Planner II/Development Planner to become a part of a highly professional organization and make a meaningful, positive impact on our community. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of the Director of Community Development and work closely with the Village Manager’s Office to ensure the continued vibrancy of Wilmette’s business community.

The primary responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to, managing, and evaluating commercial and mixed-used development projects, serving as the primary contact to support existing businesses and assist new business seeking to open in Wilmette, and providing staff support to the village’s Housing Commission.

The Village of Wilmette is located along Chicago’s North Shore and is easily accessible from the City of Chicago via the Metra UP North Line and the CTA Purple Line. The Village is 5 square miles with a population of 28,170. The Village has 5 business districts with a vibrant downtown known as the go-to dining destination on the North Shore and two regional shopping centers with Edens Plaza and Plaza del Lago. Both shopping centers have been recently purchased by a new owner who is poised to revitalize them with the addition of Wayfair’s first large format brick and mortar retail store at Edens Plaza (spring 2024) and new, exciting retail offerings at Plaza del Lago (spring 2025).

As a progressive organization, the Village is committed to making Wilmette a livable and welcoming community. The Village Board is committed to exceptional and transparent communications, sustainability, optimizing land use & economic development, diversity, equity & inclusion, affordable housing, and active transportation.

General Responsibilities:
The primary responsibilities of the Planner II/ Development Planner will include providing assistance and guidance to new and existing businesses through the Village’s regulatory process. Specific responsibilities include informing and assisting any potentially new or current commercial, institutions and multi-family residential property owners of the application, land use permit and zoning processes as required. The person in this position will coordinate the review of the application process, complete a preliminary zoning review, conduct courtesy on-site inspections, review site plans, review food and liquor licenses, outdoor sitting requests, and all other related aspects of this process. Also serve as a public relations liaison coordinating the interaction between the business community and the Village.

As part of a planning team this position will also be responsible for helping in the staffing of various boards and commissions including the Plan Commission and Housing Commission. In addition, the position will be responsible for general planning duties including assisting the public at the counter and over the phone.

The Community Development Department is responsible for building, code enforcement, architectural review, housing, planning, and zoning, allowing for exposure to a wide variety of planning work.

Position Requirements:
The successful candidate will have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college. Qualified individuals will include those with three years of experience in commercial planning, business/economic development, or an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered. Essential position requirements include the ability to interact and effectively communicate with others on a one-to-one basis and in a group setting. The ability to understand oral and written communication is important, in addition to having good interpersonal skills, being detail-oriented and able to handle multiple and simultaneous projects. The successful candidate must be able to establish positive working relationships with co-workers and members of the community. The ideal candidate is a self-starter who can thrive with little oversight but not be afraid to ask for help and guidance when necessary. In addition, the successful candidate must have knowledge of principles and practices of urban planning and zoning; and be able to learn the departmental rules and regulations, and pertinent codes, ordinances and statutes related to planning and zoning.

Compensation and benefits:
The salary range is $80,630 to $106,992 and the starting salary is based on the experience and qualifications of the successful candidate. The Village offer an excellent benefits package with participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), medical, dental, vision and life insurance, paid time off for vacation, sick, annual salary step increases; and voluntary participation in the IMRF Voluntary Additional Contribution (VAC) fund, MissionSquare (457 plan), supplemental life insurance, and flexible spending accounts for medical, dependent care and commuter expenses. Hybrid remote work may be allowed as authorized by the Assistant Village Manager.

Selection Process:
Candidates will undergo multiple interviews. The selected candidate will need to successfully complete a reference check, drug and alcohol testing and driver’s license record review.

How to Apply:
Interested candidates should complete an online employment application found on the Village’s Self-Service Employment Opportunities webpage at https://wilmette.munisselfservice.com/ess and attach your resume and cover letter. Paper submissions will not be accepted. The position remains open until filled. Resumes will be reviewed and interviews scheduled as they are received.

The Village of Wilmette is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are critical to the Village’s success. The Village seeks to recruit the most talented individuals from a diverse candidate pool and strongly encourages applications to be submitted from all genders, all races, all sexual orientations, people with disabilities, and Military Veterans.