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Land Use Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL (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 (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 ...

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 ...

Sales Associate Chicago

Chicago, IL · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Crafting watches that excel from air to land and sea, we embrace a unique blend of casual ... While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to ...

Showing results 21-40

Land Use Associate information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$11

$20

$34

How much do land use associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for land use associate in Chicago, IL is $20.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.34 and $21.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Land Use Associate jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Land Use Associate jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Land Use Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Land Use Associate job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,573 per year, or $20.5 per hour.

Associate Director - Land Development

Atwell, LLC

Lincolnshire, IL

Other

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

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.

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