Planner

Salary : $66,607.00 - $94,837.00 Annually
Location : Government Center (2nd Floor) - 115 E. Washington St. Bloomington, IL, IL
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 01026
Department: Development Services
Division: Planning
Opening Date: 06/03/2026
Closing Date: 6/11/2026 11:59 PM Central
FLSA: Exempt
Hours/Shift: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm


Description
The City of Bloomington seeks a full-time planner to join our dynamic team in the Development Services Department. The Planning Division works with the Economic Development and Building Safety Divisions to create a one stop shop for all resident and business land use inquiries and plans.
The ideal candidate will have the technical and technology experience suited to working in a small city, and the ability to work in a fast-paced public service center with professionalism and collaboration. The successful candidate will be able to provide exceptional internal and external customer service, while managing multiple ongoing processes and requests. Effective communication in oral and written form is key, with a keen attention to detail, and willingness to connect with different styles of communication to ensure understanding. Adaptability and willingness to learn are essential, as the position may evolve based on department needs. Technical and administrative acumen are expected at the assigned level; ongoing professional development is encouraged. Ability to develop strong working relationships and assist others to achieve their business goals is also essential.
Representative Duties/Assignments

Planner I:

• Develops or assists in the preparation of background and recommendations to the Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals and Historic Preservation Commission on items related to zoning, subdivision, annexation, and historic preservation, providing the information necessary to assist the boards and commission in making decisions. May assist in ensuring appropriate application close out and record retention.
• Uses ArcGIS and design tools (e.g. SketchUp) for planning research and assessment of appropriateness of various developments or modifications.
• Reviews commercial sign applications, for permanent and temporary signs. Advises businesses and developers on sign requirements, provides verbal and written comments to customers and sign company representatives.
• Responds in a timely basis to inquiries from developers, attorneys, engineers, architects, fellow employees and citizens regarding planning, zoning and housing issues.
• Reviews site plans and permit applications of moderate complexity for conformance with codes, polices and various regulations.
• Assists with updates and maintenance of the Comprehensive Plan, other city plans, and various land development regulations.

Planner II:

• All of the duties of a Planner I plus the following:
• Works with Regional Planning Commission staff on specific projects as assigned.
• Coordinates special projects, as assigned by the Planning Manager, related to a variety of planning disciplines.
• Works with ad hoc commissions, committees and community groups to develop long range and strategic plans for City neighborhoods and districts on specific issues.
• Updates City zoning maps and ensure their completeness and accuracy.

Planner III:

• All of the duties of a Planner II plus the following:
• Assists the Planning Manager in directing the section work program tasks including the gathering and preparation of reports, general meeting preparation and necessary public contact.
• Prepares special planning studies, ordinance revisions, and carries out special projects as needed.
• Leads cross-sectional work teams and may supervise intern and fellow staff members.
• Performs project management responsibilities independently.

Full Salary Ranges:
Planner I = $66,607 - $99,910
Planner II = $74,933 - $112,398
Planner III = $84,299 - $126,448
Our employees are our greatest asset and reason for our success. As a full-time Classified/non-union employee, you will receive a Total Compensation package including healthcare/wellness benefits, paid time off (PTO), insurance and retirement. Details below:

Healthcare/Wellness

• Medical - choice between a lower deductible PPO, an HSA-compatible PPO, and an HMO
  • All plans administered by BCBS
  • 75% employer subsidy provided, for employee and any covered dependent(s). Working spouse exclusion applies, however, to the Medical Plan
• Dental - PPO
  • Administered by BCBS
  • 50% employer subsidy provided, for employee and any covered dependent(s)
• Vision - PPO
  • Administered by VSP
  • 50% employer subsidy provided, for employee and any covered dependent(s)
• Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Extensive Wellness program, including an annual Health Club Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - for assistance with work, health & life topics such as overall wellbeing, relationship management, workplace challenges, addiction, child/elder care resources, legal advice, financial guidance, nutrition & physical health

Paid Time Off (PTO)

• 2 weeks vacation, provided on your start date
  • 3 weeks provided 1-4 years
  • 4 weeks provided 5-15 years
  • 4 weeks and 1 day provided 16 years
  • 4 weeks and 2 days provided 17 years
  • 4 weeks and 3 days provided 18 years
  • 4 weeks and 4 days provided 19 years
  • 5 weeks provided 20+ years
• 12.5 paid holidays each year
  • New Year's Day
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Day
  • Good Friday
  • Memorial Day
  • Juneteenth
  • 4th of July
  • Labor Day
  • Veterans Day
  • Thanksgiving
  • Day After Thanksgiving
  • Christmas Eve
  • Christmas Day
  • New Year's Eve (1/2 day)
• 2 personal days provided each year
• Opportunity to earn a Wellness Day each year
• 1 sick day earned each month, up to a maximum bank of 60 days

Insurance

• $50,000 Employer-provided benefit
• Voluntary Life Insurance buy-up

Retirement

• Automatic enrollment in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) Pension - benefit details can be found
• Voluntary retirement options available:
  • 457 Account (similar to a 401k)
  • Roth IRA
  • Additional Voluntary After-Tax Contribution (VAC) plan via IMRF

01


Do you have any experience as a professional planner?

• Yes
• No

02


Do you have experience with Boards or Commissions?

• Yes
• No

03


Do you have any of the following certifications?

• Geographic Informational Systems Professional
• Project Management Professional
• Congress for the New Urbanism Accreditation
• Certificate in Historic Preservation
• LEED AP Neighborhood Development
• American Institute of Certified Planners
• None

Required Question