City of Evanston
Position Type:
Community Development/Planner
Date Posted: 8/28/2025
Location: New Civic Center
Date Available: TBD
Closing Date: 09/11/2025 $47.46 - $60.36 per hour *Starting salary is dependent upon qualifications, but in most cases is no higher than the midpoint for the range. NATURE OF WORK: Under the direction and supervision of the Planning & Zoning Manager, this position is primarily responsible for zoning review and enforcement activities within the Planning & Zoning Division of the Community Development Department. As a Planner, you will perform professional, administrative, technical, and programmatic functions related to zoning plan review and enforcement and historic preservation. This position examines proposals for new development and rehabilitation of existing development for their compliance with the City's Zoning and Preservation Ordinances; enforces zoning and preservation regulations; makes interpretations and decisions in applying provisions to individual projects; performs other planning functions of the Planning & Zoning Division.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF WORK (Specific assignment will include some or all of the following):
Conduct thorough review and analysis of proposed development for compliance with zoning and preservation ordinances, including zoning analysis applications, Certificate of Appropriateness, sign reviews, special use permits, and major & minor variations. This position may also work on or support planned developments and text amendments from time to time. Research existing records; analyze and interpret the regulations of the zoning ordinance pertaining to uses, structures, and construction within the City of Evanston and respond to FOIA requests for zoning and preservation-related information from external customers. Provide technical assistance to residents, contractors, developers, and City officials regarding provisions and requirements of the City's Zoning and Preservation Ordinances. Make recommendations for amendments to the City Code in support of planning, development, historic preservation, building, housing, and other applicable City Codes related to Community Development. Review applications and prepare reports, presentations, and recommendations for the Land Use Commission, Preservation Commission, Planning and Development Committee, and City Council as required. Support the Historic Preservation Commission, stakeholders, and community members to promote awareness and implement preservation efforts including assisting in the identification, documentation, and evaluation of historic properties within the City of Evanston. Respond to inquiries and complaints related to zoning violations, providing guidance and assistance to property owners and residents. Conduct on-site inspections of properties to ensure compliance with zoning laws. This involves assessing land use, building structures, signage, and other factors against zoning regulations. Maintain accurate records of inspections, investigations, and enforcement actions. This includes documenting violations, issuing notices of violation, and keeping records of correspondence with property owners. Take appropriate enforcement actions to address zoning violations, which may include issuing citations, fines, or orders to comply. In some cases, enforcement actions may escalate to legal proceedings or court appearances. Research, write, and submit grant applications to implement Department initiatives related to land use, planning, historic preservation, and housing. Engage with the community through public meetings, workshops, and outreach events to solicit input on zoning and land use matters and historic preservation initiatives. Attends evening meetings as required for neighborhood meetings, Land Use Commission, Preservation Commission, Planning and Development Committee or City Council. Performs other duties as required or assigned.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF WORK:
Must possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in urban planning, architecture, preservation, public administration, housing, or substantially similar areas. Possession of a master's degree is preferred. Must possess three (3) or more years of progressively responsible experience working in the public or private sector with zoning, land use, historic preservation, housing, project, or grant management. Must possess a valid driver's license and a safe driving record. Knowledge, skills, and abilities in the following areas:
Well-developed knowledge of one or more planning disciplines, such as land use, urban design, housing, landscape architecture, or preservation. Considerable knowledge of zoning and/or preservation ordinances and land use and housing regulatory policy. Working knowledge of zoning, preservation, housing, or land use principles and practices. Working knowledge of the legal procedures involved in enforcing zoning ordinances and other related codes. Ability to read and understand architectural plans, plats of survey, site plans, etc. Considerable knowledge of and ability to use Internet search engines, word processing software, email, and Windows operating systems. Ability to understand the theory and process of land use regulations as administered by local municipalities throughout the U.S. Functional knowledge of personal computer applications including word processing, spreadsheets, web-based applications, databases, and GIS. Ability to work with and relate to a diverse group of residents from varying socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds. Excellent organizational and project management skills. Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills in dealing with individuals and groups at all levels. Self-motivated, disciplined, organized, and reliable. Innovative, creative, resourceful, and independent thinking.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF WORK:
The ability to work in a primarily sedentary position, with the ability to occasionally use force to exert up to 10 pounds The ability to lift, carry, sit, bend, stoop, climb or otherwise move objects, books, materials, etc. using up to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects The ability to occasionally work outside in a variety of weather and environmental conditions The ability to use machines, tools, equipment, and work aids of those commonly associated with this type of work including but not limited to automobiles, flashlights, telephones, code books, digital recorders, personal computers, software, copiers etc.
SUPERVISION: Work is performed under the general direction of the Planning and Zoning Manager (with supervision by the Development Services Supervisor) who outlines work assignments, reviews work in progress, and complete work. Work is evaluated by the Planning & Zoning Manager. This position coordinates closely with all relevant departments to facilitate the processing of planning and zoning related applications, issues, and policies; and applies best practices as appropriate. This position is expected to provide coordination with all City departments. Guidance is provided through the Comprehensive Plan, City Code, City policies and procedures, and applicable state and Federal laws and regulations, ensuring that initiatives are met. Work is evaluated at least annually with respect to progress toward achieving goals, leadership, communication skills, customer service, and ability to work productively and effectively with employees at all levels in the organization as well as elected and appointed officials, community groups, and the general public.
PUBLIC CONTACT: The employee has regular and frequent contact with City employees, property owners, agents, tenants, contractors, developers, residents, and groups, including elected officials.
SELECTION METHOD TYPE OF ELIGIBILITY LIST
LIFE OF ELIGIBILITY LIST Structured Oral Interview Qualifications Assessment
Chosen candidates will be required to provide proof of licenses, certifications, and education required for this position. Candidates will also be subject to qualifying pre-employment processes, including medical examination, drug/alcohol screen, employment verification, and criminal background check. The City of Evanston is an equal opportunity employer and ensures against discrimination in employment on the basis of a person's race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income, housing status, or gender identity. The City of Evanston is also committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. Any person needing mobility or communications access assistance should contact Human Resources at 847-448-8240 (voice) or 847-866-5095 (TTY).
Date Posted: 8/28/2025
Location: New Civic Center
Date Available: TBD
Closing Date: 09/11/2025 $47.46 - $60.36 per hour *Starting salary is dependent upon qualifications, but in most cases is no higher than the midpoint for the range. NATURE OF WORK: Under the direction and supervision of the Planning & Zoning Manager, this position is primarily responsible for zoning review and enforcement activities within the Planning & Zoning Division of the Community Development Department. As a Planner, you will perform professional, administrative, technical, and programmatic functions related to zoning plan review and enforcement and historic preservation. This position examines proposals for new development and rehabilitation of existing development for their compliance with the City's Zoning and Preservation Ordinances; enforces zoning and preservation regulations; makes interpretations and decisions in applying provisions to individual projects; performs other planning functions of the Planning & Zoning Division.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF WORK (Specific assignment will include some or all of the following):
Conduct thorough review and analysis of proposed development for compliance with zoning and preservation ordinances, including zoning analysis applications, Certificate of Appropriateness, sign reviews, special use permits, and major & minor variations. This position may also work on or support planned developments and text amendments from time to time. Research existing records; analyze and interpret the regulations of the zoning ordinance pertaining to uses, structures, and construction within the City of Evanston and respond to FOIA requests for zoning and preservation-related information from external customers. Provide technical assistance to residents, contractors, developers, and City officials regarding provisions and requirements of the City's Zoning and Preservation Ordinances. Make recommendations for amendments to the City Code in support of planning, development, historic preservation, building, housing, and other applicable City Codes related to Community Development. Review applications and prepare reports, presentations, and recommendations for the Land Use Commission, Preservation Commission, Planning and Development Committee, and City Council as required. Support the Historic Preservation Commission, stakeholders, and community members to promote awareness and implement preservation efforts including assisting in the identification, documentation, and evaluation of historic properties within the City of Evanston. Respond to inquiries and complaints related to zoning violations, providing guidance and assistance to property owners and residents. Conduct on-site inspections of properties to ensure compliance with zoning laws. This involves assessing land use, building structures, signage, and other factors against zoning regulations. Maintain accurate records of inspections, investigations, and enforcement actions. This includes documenting violations, issuing notices of violation, and keeping records of correspondence with property owners. Take appropriate enforcement actions to address zoning violations, which may include issuing citations, fines, or orders to comply. In some cases, enforcement actions may escalate to legal proceedings or court appearances. Research, write, and submit grant applications to implement Department initiatives related to land use, planning, historic preservation, and housing. Engage with the community through public meetings, workshops, and outreach events to solicit input on zoning and land use matters and historic preservation initiatives. Attends evening meetings as required for neighborhood meetings, Land Use Commission, Preservation Commission, Planning and Development Committee or City Council. Performs other duties as required or assigned.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF WORK:
Must possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in urban planning, architecture, preservation, public administration, housing, or substantially similar areas. Possession of a master's degree is preferred. Must possess three (3) or more years of progressively responsible experience working in the public or private sector with zoning, land use, historic preservation, housing, project, or grant management. Must possess a valid driver's license and a safe driving record. Knowledge, skills, and abilities in the following areas:
Well-developed knowledge of one or more planning disciplines, such as land use, urban design, housing, landscape architecture, or preservation. Considerable knowledge of zoning and/or preservation ordinances and land use and housing regulatory policy. Working knowledge of zoning, preservation, housing, or land use principles and practices. Working knowledge of the legal procedures involved in enforcing zoning ordinances and other related codes. Ability to read and understand architectural plans, plats of survey, site plans, etc. Considerable knowledge of and ability to use Internet search engines, word processing software, email, and Windows operating systems. Ability to understand the theory and process of land use regulations as administered by local municipalities throughout the U.S. Functional knowledge of personal computer applications including word processing, spreadsheets, web-based applications, databases, and GIS. Ability to work with and relate to a diverse group of residents from varying socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds. Excellent organizational and project management skills. Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills in dealing with individuals and groups at all levels. Self-motivated, disciplined, organized, and reliable. Innovative, creative, resourceful, and independent thinking.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF WORK:
The ability to work in a primarily sedentary position, with the ability to occasionally use force to exert up to 10 pounds The ability to lift, carry, sit, bend, stoop, climb or otherwise move objects, books, materials, etc. using up to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects The ability to occasionally work outside in a variety of weather and environmental conditions The ability to use machines, tools, equipment, and work aids of those commonly associated with this type of work including but not limited to automobiles, flashlights, telephones, code books, digital recorders, personal computers, software, copiers etc.
SUPERVISION: Work is performed under the general direction of the Planning and Zoning Manager (with supervision by the Development Services Supervisor) who outlines work assignments, reviews work in progress, and complete work. Work is evaluated by the Planning & Zoning Manager. This position coordinates closely with all relevant departments to facilitate the processing of planning and zoning related applications, issues, and policies; and applies best practices as appropriate. This position is expected to provide coordination with all City departments. Guidance is provided through the Comprehensive Plan, City Code, City policies and procedures, and applicable state and Federal laws and regulations, ensuring that initiatives are met. Work is evaluated at least annually with respect to progress toward achieving goals, leadership, communication skills, customer service, and ability to work productively and effectively with employees at all levels in the organization as well as elected and appointed officials, community groups, and the general public.
PUBLIC CONTACT: The employee has regular and frequent contact with City employees, property owners, agents, tenants, contractors, developers, residents, and groups, including elected officials.
SELECTION METHOD TYPE OF ELIGIBILITY LIST
LIFE OF ELIGIBILITY LIST Structured Oral Interview Qualifications Assessment
Chosen candidates will be required to provide proof of licenses, certifications, and education required for this position. Candidates will also be subject to qualifying pre-employment processes, including medical examination, drug/alcohol screen, employment verification, and criminal background check. The City of Evanston is an equal opportunity employer and ensures against discrimination in employment on the basis of a person's race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income, housing status, or gender identity. The City of Evanston is also committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. Any person needing mobility or communications access assistance should contact Human Resources at 847-448-8240 (voice) or 847-866-5095 (TTY).