Senior Planner - Land Use & Code Compliance

Grundy County – Job Posting

Position Title: Senior Planner — Land Use & Code Compliance

Department: Land Use / Development

Reports To: Development Director

FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Type: Full Time, Regular

Union Status: Non‑Union

Salary: $70,000 - $80,000

SUMMARY

Under general supervision from the Development Director, the Senior Planner provides professional leadership for land‑use review, zoning interpretation, and code compliance, leading complex plan reviews, managing enforcement cases, conducting field inspections, and preparing staff reports for commissions and the County Board. This role supervises permit operations, coordinates interdepartmental review, and represents the department at public hearings to ensure consistent, timely application of county land‑use policy.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES RESPONSIBLITIES

· Lead technical review of major land‑use applications, site plans, subdivisions, conditional uses, and zoning amendments.

· Serve as the county’s primary code compliance officer: intake complaints, prioritize cases, assign inspections, prepare enforcement documentation, and coordinate legal follow‑up.

· Conduct and document field inspections; prepare technical reports, sworn affidavits, and enforcement notices as needed.

· Prepare clear, concise staff reports, memos, and recommendations for the Development & Review Committee, Zoning Board of Appeals, Land Use Committee, and County Board.

· Oversee GIS mapping and spatial analyses for planning and enforcement matters.

· Supervise and mentor the Permits, Records & Operations Coordinator and any permit counter staff; set workflows and performance expectations.

· Coordinate interdepartmental review with Building, Engineering, Legal, and other County offices.

· Lead or support long‑range planning projects, Comprehensive Plan updates, and ordinance amendments.

· Represent the department at public meetings and hearings.

· Oversee and plan County ERCO events throughout the year.

· Supervise the record keeping of all recycled amounts from the Waste Haulers to provide an average recycling rate for the County. Receive on a quarterly basis the intake of waste into landfill areas of Grundy County.

· Coordinates with other divisions and departments, as well as other governmental entities, organizations, and stakeholder groups on planning projects as needed.

· Assists in the process and analysis for zoning text amendments, zoning map amendments, special use permits, subdivision plats and provides recommendations as they relate to the County’s long-range planning and development goals and objectives, projects and comprehensive plan.

· Assists Development Director with ensuring high performance customer service within the Development Department.

· Perform other duties as assigned by the Development Director.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum 3 years of professional planning and/or code enforcement experience; municipal or county experience preferred.

EDUCATION

Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Geography, Public Administration, Environmental Studies, Architecture, or related field.

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE:

Valid Driver’s License required. AICP or code enforcement certification preferred

SKILLS

· Interpret National, IL State, and County zoning and land-use codes

· Proficiency with ArcGIS

· Supervisory principles and practices

· Commercial and residential construction technique

· Use geographic information systems software

· Ability to use Microsoft Office

· Strong technical written, presentation and verbal skills

· Organize and prioritize workload

· Learn and use new software

· Deal effectively and fairly with the public

· Analyze alternative means of compliance

· Execute directives in a timely manner

· Safely operate county vehicles

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Primarily office work with frequent public contact; regular field inspections in all weather conditions. Ability to sit for extended periods, walk uneven terrain, and occasionally lift 25–35 pounds. Any qualified applicant with a disability and require reasonable assistance or accommodation for the application and/or interview process should notify the HR Department.

Attendance at evening meetings may be required.

SUPERVISORY DUTIES

Directly supervises the Permits, Records & Operations Coordinator and may supervise interns or temporary staff.

TO APPLY : Candidates must meet the minimum requirements of the position to be considered. Send resume and salary requirements to [email protected] with “ Senior Planner ” in the subject line.

No phone calls please.

Grundy County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will give consideration to all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, marital status, order of protection status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or unfavorable discharge from military service as those terms are defined in Section 1- 103 of the Illinois Human Rights Act (775 ILCS 5/1-103).

Pay: $70,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person