Associate Planner: Shape City Planning & Zoning

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 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.