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Land Use Associate Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Associate's degree in Engineering Technology, or related field preferred; * 0-2 years' experience ... Familiarity with current local, state, and federal land use permitting; * Familiarity with AutoCAD ...

Associate's degree in Engineering Technology, or related field preferred; * 0-2 years' experience ... Familiarity with current local, state, and federal land use permitting; * Familiarity with AutoCAD ...

Project Surveyor

Rock Island, IL · On-site

$77K - $98K/yr

You'll work under the leadership and review of a Senior Survey Coordinator or Senior Land Surveyor ... Associates Degree in Civil Engineering, or equivalent required • 6 years of experience minimum ...

You'll work under the leadership and review of a Senior Survey Coordinator or Senior Land Surveyor ... Associates Degree in Civil Engineering, or equivalent required 6 years of experience minimum ...

Project Surveyor (Field)

Lisle, IL · On-site

$40 - $50/hr

Survey and investigate land surfaces to project precise measurement and location of lines, angles ... Associate's degree in Surveying, Civil Engineering, or other closely related field of study ia ...

Showing results 21-40

Land Use Associate information

What is the difference between Land Use Associate vs Land Planning Technician?

AspectLand Use AssociateLand Planning Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in urban planning, environmental science, or related field; often requires knowledge of zoning lawsAssociate's or bachelor's degree; technical training in GIS, mapping, or land development
Work EnvironmentOffice-based with site visits; involved in planning meetings and public hearingsPrimarily office work; GIS mapping, data analysis, and drafting
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipalities, planning agencies, environmental firmsEngineering firms, land development companies, government agencies

Both roles support land use and planning projects but differ in education requirements and daily tasks. Land Use Associates focus more on policy, regulations, and public engagement, while Land Planning Technicians handle technical mapping and data analysis. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path in land planning and development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a land use associate?

To thrive as a Land Use Associate, you need a strong understanding of zoning laws, environmental regulations, and land use planning, often backed by a degree in urban planning, law, or a related field. Familiarity with GIS software, legal research tools, and permitting systems is typically expected. Excellent communication, negotiation, and analytical skills help professionals effectively advocate for clients and collaborate with public agencies. These skills and qualities ensure successful navigation of complex regulatory environments and the achievement of development objectives.

What are some common challenges faced by land use associates when working on development projects?

Land Use Associates often navigate complex zoning regulations, balance the interests of multiple stakeholders, and manage tight project deadlines. They frequently collaborate with local government officials, developers, and community members to ensure compliance and address concerns. Successfully managing these competing priorities requires strong organizational, communication, and negotiation skills. It's also common to encounter unexpected regulatory or environmental hurdles, so adaptability and proactive problem-solving are crucial in this role.

What does a land use associate do?

A Land Use Associate typically assists attorneys or planners in researching, analyzing, and preparing documentation related to land development, zoning, and environmental regulations. Their work often involves reviewing municipal codes, preparing permit applications, and communicating with government agencies or stakeholders. Land Use Associates play a key role in helping clients navigate the legal and regulatory aspects of land use projects, ensuring compliance and facilitating project approvals.
What job categories do people searching Land Use Associate jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Land Use Associate jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Land Use Associate jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Land Use Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Land Use Associate job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Associate Director - Land Development

Atwell, LLC

Lincolnshire, IL

$120K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Atwell rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

80th of 441 rated engineering


Job description

Who We Are

Atwell, LLC is a bold leader in the consulting, engineering, and construction services industry, delivering a broad range of creative solutions to clients in the real estate & land development, and energy markets. We have a strong national presence and a diverse, award-winning project portfolio. Atwell is a privately owned company, with 2,000+ passionate team members across 75+ locations and growing!

Atwell, LLC is a proud recipient of the following 2025 awards:

  • Ten consecutive years in a row as a "Best Place to Work" by Zweig Group (#11)
  • Recognized as #70 in the ENR Top 500 Design Firms, ranked in every region
  • Recognized in Crain's "Fast 50" as one of the fastest-growing companies (#14)
  • Recognized as the 2025 ENR Design Firm of the year for the Southeastern US

As an Associate Director at Atwell, you will work with a dynamic and growing multi-disciplinary firm on land development projects. Your responsibilities will encompass actively contributing to our firm's growth while providing leadership and management to the team.

Establish Business Objectives:

  • Collaborate with leadership to set clear business objectives.
  • Develop and present annual business plans to the VP/Regional Leader.
  • Work with department heads to establish department-specific goals.
  • Support and manage business development activities and internal BD training.

Establish Team Plan:

  • Cultivate and maintain strong client relationships.
  • Strategically develop future business opportunities and maintain relationships with current and potential clients.
  • Drive revenue goals and monitor team utilization, invoice ratio, effort margin, and profitability.
  • Oversee project management, including AR collections, contract value vs. effort, project profitability, change order management, and monthly invoicing.
  • Manage risks through contract and proposal review and licensing compliance.
  • Supervise invoices and subcontractors as needed.

Establish Product Objectives:

  • Ensure adherence to company and service sector standards.
  • Promote the use of company templates and ensure their functionality.
  • Manage survey equipment and fleet to ensure operational excellence.
  • Recommend and justify technology improvements.
  • Ensure a consistent and repeatable process for deliverables.

Communicate with Employees:

  • Maintain an Open Door Policy for effective communication.
  • Share company objectives, reports, and data with the team.
  • Facilitate employee development through performance management, training, and mentorship.

Manage Staff:

  • Supervise and lead the team, including recruitment, interviews, hiring, onboarding, training, performance reviews, and disciplinary actions (up to and including termination).
  • Collaborate with Human Resources on staffing needs, onboarding, workers' compensation, ADA accommodations, performance issues, and offboarding.

Responsible for Health & Safety:

  • Understand and enforce safety protocols related to onboarding, training, and reporting.
  • Promote a culture of safety awareness within the team.
  • Ensure team engagement, direction, and training on safety aspects and requirements of projects.

Maintain Professional Knowledge:

  • Attend workshops and relevant educational events.
  • Stay updated on industry trends and best practices through professional publications.
  • Build and maintain personal and professional networks.
  • Participate in professional societies and trade associations.

Promote Internal Communication:

  • Encourage dialogue and collaboration within project teams and across market sectors.
  • Foster a culture of open and effective communication throughout the organization.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering from an EAC/ABET Accredited University
  • PE Licensure Required
  • 8+ years of experience
  • Relevant work experience in Illinois preferred.
  • AutoCAD Civil 3D experience

Disclaimer

While AI tools may support your application process, this role is built on human talent. Your judgment, experience, and character matter most, so we encourage you to showcase what makes you uniquely you.

Atwell does not accept unsolicited resumes from any 3rd party agencies. No fee will be paid to 3rd parties who submit unsolicited resumes to any Atwell employee. Resumes from approved vendors must be specifically requested by Atwell and approved by the Atwell Talent Acquisition Team.

#LI-LG1

Pay Range
$120,000—$180,000 USD

Atwell Benefits: To attract and retain the best professionals in the industry, we aim to provide an excellent working environment and a progressive benefits program designed to support your personal and professional needs.

Work/Life:

  • Generous Paid Time Off
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Flexible work schedules are available for some positions
  • Tenure Awards — Travel Vouchers to see the world based on your travel preferences

Compensation:

  • Competitive Compensation packages
  • Annual bonuses, spot bonuses and peer recognition awards
  • 401K match - 1:1 up to 4% of compensation
  • Tuition Assistance
  • Student Loan Repayment
  • Paid Licensing / Certification Fees and Renewals
  • Financial Rewards for Obtaining Licensure
  • Employee Referrals
  • Annual Wellness Reimbursement for anything wellness related (Gym memberships, fitness tracker, home gym equipment, etc.)
  • Dependent Care Match

'Atwell'ness:

  • Medical (BC/BS), Dental (Delta), and Vision (VSP)
  • Family Planning & IVF Benefits
  • Pet Insurance
  • Health Savings Account & Flex Spending Account options
  • Employer paid LTD, STD, and life insurance
  • Metlife Supplemental Benefits covering accident, hospitalization, and critical illness
  • Member Assistance Program (MAP) with complimentary counseling sessions, legal benefits, financial consultations, and work/life referral services

What Atwell employees say

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