WE ARE HIRING! Join our team and become our new full-time PLANNER I in the Community Development department. Reporting to the Village Planner, this position performs professional-level planning activities for the Village, including research and analysis of technical data, assisting the public in applying planning and zoning regulations, and supporting the general planning process and the administration of the Village Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code.

Some info about the position…
• Serves as the key zoning contact at the Department’s front counter; reviews building permit applications to ensure zoning compliance.
• Coordinates planning and zoning activities with developers, builders, and property owners to expedite plan review and approval; assists in the business license review for zoning compliance.
• Assists the Senior Planner in processing zoning applications for the Planning and Zoning Board, including special use permits, variances, zoning map amendments, and other zoning matters.
• Explains zoning projects and answers questions from residents, business owners, and developers; resolves zoning violations or works with other departments to resolve them.
• Meets with developers, architects, and homeowners to discuss the Village’s zoning requirements for residential and commercial developments.
• Prepares staff reports and supporting materials for the Planning and Zoning Board; attends Board and other meetings, and coordinates special projects as assigned by the Community Development Director.

Qualified candidates should…
• Bring a Bachelor’s degree or higher in Urban Planning, Urban Studies, Landscape Architecture, Public Administration, or a related field, plus at least two years’ experience in local government or planning, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Apply working knowledge of the principles, practices, and theories of planning, zoning, and community development, and of governmental organizations and processes.
• Interpret and apply zoning and subdivision regulations and other legal planning tools for development proposals, and review construction plans for compliance with local zoning codes and the Village site plan review ordinance.
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with strong interpersonal, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Exercise sound judgment and work well with the public, coworkers, residents, business owners, and developers, drawing on map-making techniques, Plan Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals functions, technical writing, and the reading of legal descriptions.
• Maintain a valid Illinois driver’s license and the ability to drive a vehicle.

Pay, benefits, and more…
• Salary range is $79,223 - $110,912 per year (starting salary is typically no higher than the midpoint and is dependent on qualifications).
• Typical hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Paid leave.
• Health insurance.
• Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) pension, and 457b retirement plans.
• Niles Fitness Membership and wellness program.

It’s possible here. The Village of Niles strives to create a community and workplace where everyone feels welcomed. We care deeply about our residents and businesses, and we work hard on their behalf to keep making Niles better. Ready to join us? APPLY NOW by downloading an application from the Village’s website (https://www.vniles.com/Jobs.aspx) and sending your application along with your resume in PDF format to personnel@vniles.com. Applications will be accepted until July 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.