10–20 hours/week May 2012 through May 2013
http://www.planning.org/research/ 
http://www.planning.org/pas/ 

The American Planning Association (APA) seeks an individual with strong communication, research, and writing skills, a solid foundation of urban and regional planning knowledge, and a customer-service orientation for an internship with APA’s research department. The principal duties of the position are responding to a wide variety of research requests from Planning Advisory Service (PAS) subscribers and performing research resulting in the enrichment of APA’s best practices information holdings. The intern may also assist with sponsored research projects on topics such as solar energy and drought mitigation. For these projects, the intern will assist staff with conducting research, writing reports, and developing educational and outreach activities.

This position offers an excellent opportunity to be exposed to the full variety of planning issues in the United States in an exciting, collegial atmosphere.

Successful candidates will have strong Internet research skills and writing ability, be organized and efficient in compiling and maintaining information, and be able to problem solve with limited supervision. Previous planning-related experience or current enrollment in an accredited graduate planning program is preferred but not required.

We expect a part-time commitment from all candidates through May 2013.

Hourly rate: $16.00/hour

Please send a cover letter, resume, and writing sample (see specifications below) with the subject line “Research Intern Application” to:

David Morley, AICP
Planning Advisory Service Coordinator
Research Associate/Co-editor, Zoning Practice
dmorley@planning.org

In your cover letter, please briefly describe any previous classes or work experience related to renewable energy or drought issues. Please note, incomplete submissions will not be considered. No phone calls please. Submissions accepted through May 18, 2012.

Writing Sample Specifications

All interns will be responding to research requests from PAS subscribers who use the Inquiry Answer Service to gain information on a wide variety of planning topics. Compose a 500–750 word response to one of the following sample inquiries:

• What specific policies and programs are local governments using to deal with high residential and commercial vacancy rates?
• What are some of the potential strengths and weaknesses of form-based codes?
• How are local governments responding to climate change in their plans, policies, and codes?

Your response should include a summary of research findings followed by a list of references and links to at least eight different articles, reports, plans, or regulatory documents available online that support your claims.

City of Des Plaines, IL, 58,710 pop., covering 15.85 sq. miles, seeks candidates for the position of Director of Community & Economic Development. Des Plaines is a vibrant community of residential, commercial, and industrial uses, located 17 miles from the Chicago Loop and five minutes from O’Hare International Airport. The City welcomed the Rivers Casino and entertainment complex in 2011. The City operates under the Council/Manager form of government. The City Council consists of a Mayor and eight Alderman each representing a separate ward.

The Director is appointed by and reports to the City Manager and is responsible for the organizational direction and leadership of the department with a staff of 16 full-time employees and a budget of $2 million across three divisions: Planning & Zoning, Building & Property Inspection, and Economic Development. The Director serves as the key advisor to the City Council and City Manager on all development policy matters including: the formation, adoption and enforcement of zoning regulations and comprehensive plans; the review and assessment of development plans and proposals for land use; and the administration of building and other related codes. Ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree in urban planning or a closely related field, with 7 years of increasingly responsible administrative and supervisory experience. Masters degree and AICP certification a plus.

Current salary range: $105,694 - $137,402. Appointment salary DOQ. Excellent fringe benefits. Residency required within twelve months of appointment. Send cover letter, resume and five work-related references to: Director of Human Resources, City of Des Plaines, 1420 Miner Street, 60016; fax, 847-827-2292 by 5 pm., Monday, May 21, 2012. For additional information, visit the city’s website at: http://www.desplaines.org. For questions contact Mike Earl, Director of Human Resources, at 847-391-5651.

The City of Des Plaines is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), located in downtown Chicago, is currently accepting applications to fill the position of ADA Certifier.

Under the direction of the Manager, Paratransit Certification Program the incumbent is responsible for conducting certification of ADA eligible paratransit riders which includes monitoring eligibility determinations on a continuing basis to assure consistency and equity. Also, responsible for adherence to ADA guidelines.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

1. Reviews and analyzes assigned ADA Paratransit applications using pre-established ADA and RTA review guidelines following applicant’s completion of an in-person interview and functional assessment. Determines if further information is needed from site staff, 3rd party professional(s), and on occasion, from applicant prior to making eligibility decision.
2. Consults with Interview and Assessment site staff, 3rd party professionals and others as appropriate to gain full understanding of applicant’s functional abilities and limitations related to use of public transportation.
3. Based upon information obtained on application, interview, functional assessment(s), professional verification and any subsequent discussions with site staff, 3rd party professionals, applicant and/or their family, determines ADA Paratransit eligibility of applicant. Eligibility decisions are made according to RTA procedures and within ADA guidelines.
4. Identifies and refers applicants to Travel Training and monitors training results.
5. Summarizes in writing the rationale for the eligibility determination for the benefit of the applicant. Responds to post-certification inquiries from applicants and/or their representatives.
6. Maintains accurate and timely record of all applicant-related activities via the computerized database.
7. Participates in ongoing training and development activities with Interview and Assessment site staff. Makes site visits on a regular basis, observing interviews and functional assessments and providing continuing education regarding assessment or certification-related issues. Assists with quality control issues at sites.
8. Provides information to applicants and/or their representatives regarding ADA Certification Appeal Process. Testifies at Formal Appeal hearings on request of Eligibility Review Board.

The ideal candidate will have knowledge and skills equivalent to the completion of a Bachelor’s Degree in the Social Services or a related field or equivalent experience. Master’s of Social Work is preferred. The candidate must have at least three years experience relating to the provision of services to persons with disabilities or three years advanced direct service experience in the paratransit field. Possess knowledge and sensitivity to issues relating to persons with disabilities. Excellent communication skills required, both verbal and written. Familiarity with the Americans with Disabilities Act and computer literacy in a Windows environment are a plus. Ability to maintain confidentiality of information is required.

Minimum Starting Salary: $43,500

The RTA offers a competitive compensation and benefits package. Relocation is not available. For more information about the RTA, visit our website at www.rtachicago.com. Please submit a cover letter, resume and salary history to:

Regional Transportation Authority
Human Resources, Attn: 12-ADAC
175 W. Jackson, Suite 1650
Chicago, IL 60604

To apply online, go to: https://www.rtachicago.com/jobposting/?job=99

The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), located in downtown Chicago, is currently accepting applications to fill the position of ADA Certification Coordinator.

Under the direction of the Manager, ADA Paratransit Certification Program, supervise daily operation of certification-related activities in the ADA Paratransit Certification program. Monitor application distribution and eligibility determinations on a continuing basis to ensure timeliness, accuracy, consistency and equity. Ensure adequate staff coverage for certification processes and that quality certification decisions are rendered. Spearhead certification-related projects as assigned. Provide direct supervision to ADA Certifiers. Responsible for adherence to productivity standards and ADA deadlines.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

1. Supervise assigned exempt employees ensuring high productivity and that assignments and responsibilities are performed in an accurate and efficient manner and in accordance with established policies, procedures and objectives, including all relevant ADA regulatory requirements. Provide ongoing, timely and descriptive feedback to employees and prepare annual written performance appraisals. Resolve personnel issues in a consistent and professional manner. Assist in performance monitoring and evaluation of other program personnel and temporary agency staff.
2. Monitor the daily work flow of the ADA Certifier staff, including status of application distribution and certification of ADA Paratransit applications. Monitor the accuracy, timeliness, consistency and equity of application reviews/analyses, eligibility determinations and certification notifications. Monitor referrals to the RTA travel training program and training outcomes. Adjust assignments and discuss with staff and/or program manager as indicated. Perform certification activities in select circumstances to supplement Certifier staff coverage.
3. Respond to complaints, problems and special requests from applicants and/or their representatives, public officials, the general public and other concerned parties. Maintain accurate and timely record of applicant-related contacts and activities in computerized database. Discuss with staff the management of common certification-related issues and appropriate responses to specific certification concerns.
4. Assist in the development and implementation of program policies, procedures, and quality assurance activities. Direct staff in day-to-day procedural matters and interpretation of ADA guidelines. Identify areas of program operation that require additional clarification or procedural revision and make recommendations to program manager. Assist in planning and implementing any enhancements or modifications to program operations. Spearhead new program initiatives as assigned.
5. Participate in ongoing training, development and quality assurance activities with Interview and Assessment Site staff. Make site visits on a regular basis, observing interviews and functional assessments and providing continuing education regarding assessment or certification related issues.
6. Participate in outreach activities, including speaking engagements to community organizations and interested professionals. Provide program information on request to other transit agencies, interested professionals and community organizations.

The ideal candidate should possess a Bachelor’s Degree in the Social Services or a related field or equivalent experience. Master’s of Social Work or similar professional degree preferred.

The candidate must have a minimum of three (3) years experience relating to the provision of professional services to persons with disabilities or three years professional experience in the paratransit field. Must possess knowledge and sensitivity to issues relating to persons with disabilities. Excellent written and verbal communication skills required. Ability to maintain confidential information is required. Previous supervisory experience strongly preferred. Familiarity with the ADA and computer literacy in a Windows environment is helpful.

The RTA offers a competitive compensation and benefits package. Relocation is not available. For more information about the RTA, visit our website at www.rtachicago.com.

Minimum salary is $61,300

Please submit a cover letter, resume and salary history to:
Regional Transportation Authority
Human Resources, Attn: 12-ADACC
175 W. Jackson, Suite 1650
Chicago, IL 60604

To apply online, go to: https://www.rtachicago.com/jobposting/?job=97

Starting Salary: $47,058 to $52,764
Hours: 40 hours per week

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
This position will support planning activities consistent with County, metropolitan, State, park district, conservation district, township, and municipal plans. Also, this position will work to continue to coordinate mass transit services in McHenry County and support the County’s planning efforts including traffic analysis, transit operations analysis, and bicycle/pedestrian facilities planning for annual updates to the five year Highway Improvement Program and writing the 2040 Long Range Transportation Plan.

This position will be required to develop, interpret, coordinate, implement and monitor transit or transportation policy and planning work, including completion of written documents and reports; track, develop and analyze various local, regional, state and Federal funding programs and project details, including preparation of reports; design and prepare maps, charts, and other graphic materials to illustrate plans or reports; present transit/transportation planning issues before community groups, civic leaders, and/or elected officials; develop and evaluate consultant scopes of services and proposals for planning studies; analyze and evaluate transportation related data; prepare plans and projections of future transit, transportation, economic or demographic conditions and trends; investigate and review federal and state legislation and regulations for potential impact on transit/transportation plans and programs; provide general administrative and technical assistance as directed by the principal transportation planner and/or other Division of Transportation staff.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree from a four year college or university in planning, geography, engineering or related field and four to six (4-6) years of progressively responsible related experience; OR Master’s degree in planning or a related field and two (2) years of progressively responsible related professional experience. American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is not required but is desirable. Candidate should possess excellent analytical, communication, public speaking, and organizational skills

BENEFITS: Paid holiday, vacation, sick and personal days.

No applicant for employment shall be discriminated against because of age, race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin or disability.

TO APPLY
Please submit completed County application with resume to:

McHenry County Human Resource Department
2200 N. Seminary Ave
Woodstock, IL 60098
Phone: 815-334-4220 Fax: 815-334-4648
Email: humanresources@co.mchenry.il.us

McHenry County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.