Associate Planner

City of Des Plaines; Des Plaines (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare

Paid vacation

Personal leave

Sick leave

Paid holidays

Employer-paid Life Insurance

Illinois Municipal Retirement System (

Job summary

The City of Des Plaines is seeking a motivated Associate Planner to support planning, zoning, and community development initiatives. This early-career role involves reviewing development projects, assisting with zoning administration, and working with internal departments, developers, and the public to advance the City’s planning goals.

Candidates should be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in urban planning or related field; a completed degree and municipal planning experience are preferred.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of planning, zoning, and land development principles.

Responsibilities

• Review development plans, proposals, and permits for zoning compliance.
• Prepare staff reports and present at Planning and Zoning Board hearings.
• Conduct pre-application meetings with residents, architects, and developers.
• Assist with zoning verifications, violations, service requests, and disputes.
• Explain zoning regulations and planning processes to the public.
• Support updates to the Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Code.
• Assist with land use planning studies, including Comprehensive Plan and zoning changes.

Skills

Planning knowledge

Zoning & land use

Research & writing

Communication skills

Project management

Public-facing service

Education

Coursework toward a bachelor’s degree in urban planning

Bachelor’s degree and municipal planning experience preferred

Tools

GIS software

Job description

The City of Des Plaines is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Associate Planner to support the City’s planning, zoning, and community development initiatives. This role is ideal for an early-career planning professional interested in reviewing development projects, supporting zoning administration, and working collaboratively with internal departments, developers, and the public to advance the City’s planning goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Review development plans, proposals, and permits for zoning compliance
• Prepare staff reports and present at Planning and Zoning Board hearings
• Conduct pre-application meetings with residents, architects, and developers
• Assist with zoning verifications, violations, service requests, and disputes
• Explain zoning regulations and planning processes to the public
• Support updates to the Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Code
• Assist with land use planning studies, including Comprehensive Plan and zoning changes

What You Bring

Education & Experience

• Coursework toward a bachelor’s degree in urban planning or a related field required
• Bachelor’s degree and municipal planning experience preferred

Skills & Knowledge

• Knowledge of planning, zoning, and land development principles
• Familiarity with zoning and subdivision procedures
• Experience with research, technical writing, and planning studies
• Working knowledge of GIS
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
• Professional, customer-focused approach when working with the public

Why Join Us?

This position offers the chance to work in a dynamic municipal environment where your contributions help maintain the financial integrity of our City operations. You’ll enjoy a collaborative team atmosphere and the satisfaction of serving your community.

Check out our incredible benefits package!

• Comprehensive Healthcare: We’ve got you covered with medical, dental, and optical insurance options tailored to fit your needs—offering low deductibles, low premiums, and an overall low cost to you and your family.
• Generous paid vacation, personal, and sick leave for a balanced work-life experience
• Paid holidays to enjoy special moments throughout the year
• Employer-paid Life Insurance for peace of mind
• Participation in the prestigious Illinois Municipal Employee Retirement System (IMRF)

This benefits package ensures your well-being, security, and a bright future!