Job Title: Planner Department: Community Development
Reports to: Community Development Director Effective Date: April 8, 2025
Union: NON-Union/EXEMPT Salary: $70,000 – $76,000 DOQ
JOB SUMMARY
The Village of Itasca (pop. 9,627) is seeking a motivated planning professional to serve as its next Village Planner. Itasca is a warm and friendly community that embraces families and businesses alike. Incorporated in 1890, Itasca is located in the northeast corner of DuPage County just west of O’Hare International Airport. Home to large industrial and office parks with over 20,000 employees, Itasca is known for its strong business climate, multimodal transportation, and Interstate highway access. The Planner requires professional planning experience of high complexity and variety; this position ideally has experience working in a municipal setting. Planners at this level exercise substantial independence and judgment, receiving direct supervision from the Director of Community Development.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
- Advanced knowledge of the philosophies, principles, practices, and techniques of planning.
- Well-developed knowledge of one or more planning disciplines, such as urban design, economic development, and/or land use.
- Working knowledge of development codes – zoning, sign, subdivision, etc.
- Experience serving as a staff liaison to commissions/committees.
- Significant plan/zoning review experience.
- Basic concepts of TIF, sales tax shares, and other economic development incentives.
- Knowledge of principles, methodology, practices of research and data collection.
- Knowledge of Chicagoland laws and economy.
- Knowledge of computer hardware and software programs, which may include Microsoft Office, Internet applications, CADD, and GIS.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills for preparing and presenting planning reports and projects.
- Excellent interpersonal skills for facilitating relationships with elected/appointed officials, other decision-makers, and prospective businesses.
- Creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve less well-defined planning problems.
- Group facilitation skills for use with community workshops.
- Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously.
- Ability to manage projects effectively and meet firm deadlines.
- Knowledge and experience in construction processes is a plus.
JOB DUTIES/KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Performs advanced professional work related to a variety of planning assignments.
- Manages complex planning studies, development applications, and reviews consultant proposals.
- Reviews and processes complex comprehensive plan or code amendments, re-zonings, site plans, and plats.
- Performs field inspections to gather data relevant to the development review process and/or to verify that development projects comply with approved plans.
- Schedules and conducts meetings with advisory boards and elected officials.
- Presents reports and other findings to staff, Plan/Historic Commission, and the Board of Trustees as well as serves as liaison to such committees.
- Provides professional planning assistance on varied land use projects.
- Performs Zoning inspections.
- Attends regular number of evening meetings.
- Economic development
- Business outreach, retention, recruitment, and expansion.
- Economic Development incentives including TIF, SSA, and sales tax sharing.
- Analyzes and advises on economic development incentives.
- Grantsmanship (Application and management of grants).
- Represents the Village at various multi-jurisdictional organizations.
- Conducts research and prepares reports on land use, physical, social, and economic issues.
- Other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/CERTIFICATIONS AND/OR LICENSCING
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in planning, landscape architecture, architecture, or a related field.
- 3 – 5 years of planning experience.
- Exceptional customer service skills.
- A valid state drivers’ license or the ability to obtain one is needed.
Preferred:
- Experience in municipal government.
- American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification
SALARY RANGE: Hiring range for this position is $70,000 to $76,000 per year, DOQ.
The position is a full-time, exempt position. Regular office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Occasional evening meetings will be required.
BENEFITS:
The Village offers a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and life insurance, Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) pension, paid time off, and professional development.
HOW TO APPLY:
To be considered for this position, apply at https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/All/1f3e5d9a-3f3f-42f5-836e-95c8b4616589/VILLAGE-OF-ITASCA
Applications will be accepted until April 30, 2025, with the first review of applications to begin on April 23, 2025.
Village of Itasca is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
