Opportunity at a Glance

The Village of Orland Park is a premiere community with a claim to prominent dining, retail, entertainment, historic neighborhoods, wide-ranging residences, and ever broadening business development. This regional destination in the South Suburbs, ranks #5 in total retail sales out of all of the Chicagoland Communities (excluding Chicago). In addition, Orland Park has received a number of accolades including: Ranked as one of the Best Places to Live by Chicago Magazine (2013 & 2022), named "Village of the Year" by the Home Builders Association of Greater Chicago (2014) and the 9750 on the Park - Transit-Oriented Development was named "Best Building by the Congress for New Urbanism", Illinois Chapter. Our Development Services Department seeks a creative, talented, and confident professional to join our progressive development efforts as an Associate Planner to provide general guidance of planning and development processes, zoning reviews, and other duties as assigned.

Key Responsibilities

This important role will review development plans for conformance to local codes, plans, and policies; inspect and survey development sites; collect, organize, and analyze information pertaining to plans and developments; advise developers; prepare reports and graphics for Plan Commission and Village Board review; obtain resident and staff input; recommend board actions; recommend improvements to the development review process; research, collect, reorganize and analyze information pertaining to updating ordinances; obtain input from Staff, residents, and officials relating to ordinance revisions; recommend revisions to the Village Board; and prepare reports and graphics. 

In addition, this position will advise on the need for plans, plan content, and other policies; advise on the employment of planning and economic development consultants; coordinate the work of consultants, as assigned or as may be required; advise citizens, developers, and officials regarding code requirements; schedule petitioners for pre-application, Plan Commission, and Village Board meetings; maintain records of the Plan Commission including case files, agendas, and minutes; conduct orientation sessions for the new members of the Plan Commission; and be staff liaison for various Village Commissions, as assigned. 

This position also handles general development and zoning inquiries; advises residents, contractors, developers, and other members of the public about the procedures administered by the Development Services Department; makes verbal and graphic presentations to Staff, Plan Commission, and Village Board; serves an advisory role to parking and traffic; assists with federal, state, and local programs; reviews plans and reports of others; attends staff and committee meetings; attends seminars, workshops, and conferences in order to maintain professional skills; and keeps the Director and Assistant Director of Development Services advised of proposed program goals, budget, goal attainment, and problems encountered on comprehensive planning and economic development issues. 

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

A Bachelor's degree in urban planning, public administration, or related field is required. A Master's degree in urban planning or related field is highly preferred. Experience in urban planning, economic development, and/or architecture in a governmental or consulting environment is preferred. 

Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of urban planning with particular emphasis on land use regulations, including but not limited to architectural and special design, residential, commercial, office, and industrial planning, landscaping, site design, environmental policies, economic development, transportation, and population analysis; considerable knowledge of village policies, procedures, ordinances, and resolutions relating to land development; knowledge of historic preservation and intergovernmental cooperation activities; some knowledge of state, county, federal, and Council-Manager forms of government; and some knowledge of intergovernmental agencies.

The ideal candidate will have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals and groups; work within time constraints, and to prioritize work; review and analyze development plans and to make recommendations based upon said analysis; prepare plans, reports, and studies; make verbal presentations and persuade individuals and groups to follow certain courses of action; perform duties with initiative and a minimum amount of supervision; ability to make accurate design drawings and mathematical computations; ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; maintain professionalism and objectivity; and be tactful and courteous in stressful situations.

Availability to attend evening bi-weekly planning meetings is necessary.

We seek a candidate that shares in the Village of Orland Park's employee values which include integrity, communication, teamwork, professionalism, and quality of life.

Compensation & Benefits

The Village of Orland Park's competitive salary and benefits package consists of an annual salary of /- $72,000, depending on experience & qualifications, along with a comprehensive employee benefits and wellness program which includes three (3) medical insurance plan options; village-sponsored dental, vision, and life insurance plan; a discounted membership to our Sportsplex facility; and enrollment in IMRF (Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund).

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply in a timely manner to be considered. Interviews will commence during the week of 09/25/2023.