Economic Development Coordinator / Community Planner

DATE APPROVED: December 2023

POSITION TITLE: Economic Development Coordinator / Community Planner

GROUP: Community Development

REPORTS TO: Community Development Director

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

Job Summary:

Works in conjunction with the Director of Community Development to encourage and promote orderly City planning, facilitate development, and ensure compliance with all zoning codes. The anticipated starting salary for this position is up to $80,000, depending on qualifications, with a generous benefit package. Must meet the 30-mile residency requirement within one year of appointment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Receives development applications and supporting documents submitted by developers and reviews for completeness, appropriateness and compliance with City zoning and development codes, regulations, and ordinances.

2. Reviews site plans, subdivision plats, and architectural plans for zoning/code/site plan compliance.

3. Coordinates and communicates planning and zoning process activities with developers, builders, property owners and their representatives to expedite plan review and approval.

4. Leads or conducts special studies on assigned topics, such as land use compatibility, population trends, neighborhood planning and development and transportation issues.

5. Presents development projects at Departmental meetings and participates in making recommendations on development proposals.

6. Coordinates and presents reports and recommendations to the Planning & Zoning Commission, City Council and various other commissions and committees.

7. Composes supporting documentation for agenda items and ordinances based on development requests for consideration and approval by the Planning & Zoning Commission and City Council.

8. Represents the Department at meetings with developers and other City department representatives to contribute technical planning and zoning comments.

9. Responds to inquiries from developers, realtors, organizations, City departments and the public regarding planning and zoning issues and activities.

10. Serves as back-up to the Zoning Administrator, as needed, regarding planning and development activities.

11. Research and responds to assigned FOIA requests.

12. Assists other City Staff with various planning and development activities.

13. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Job Scope:

1. Budgetary: Minimal budgetary responsibilities.

2. Supervisory: May directly supervise administrative employees.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

1. Knowledge of principles and practices related to urban planning and development.

2. Knowledge of laws and regulations regarding land use and management.

3. Knowledge of applicable City statutes and policies.

4. Knowledge of general office equipment and procedures.

5. Knowledge of relevant Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel and Outlook.

6. Strong organizational skills.

7. Good project management skills.

8. Strong written and verbal communication skills.

9. Strong problem-solving skills.

10. Ability to analyze data, identify patterns and draw logical conclusions.

11. Ability to proofread and check documents for errors.

12. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

13. Ability to manage time effectively to complete assigned work in a timely manner.

14. Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Education, Experience and Certifications:

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Planning or another related field.

2. Two or more years of experience in planning or a related field.

3. Valid Illinois Driver’s License required.

Physical Demands/Work Environment Conditions:

The duties listed above are representative of those performed by the position but are not exhaustive nor exclusive of duties that may be similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will frequently be required to sit, talk, and hear. The employee will be required to sit or stand at a personal computer for a reasonable length of time typing and reading. The employee will occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. The work environment is a general office environment. Occasional site visits with potential exposure to inclement weather and extreme temperatures.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change, according to the business needs of the organization.

The City of Sycamore is an E.O.E.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: Up to $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person