Job Descriptions

DEFINITION:

Under the administrative direction of the Director of Development Services, assists in planning, directing and organizing of the Planning, Engineering, and Building and Safety Divisions of the Department of Development Services. Represents the Department in the absence of the Director. Specifically responsible for management and administration of complex technical, financial, statistical and analytical work of the Planning Division, including land use planning, General Plan administration and environmental review functions that enhances the high quality of life in Turlock. The incumbent may assist the Director in public activities or meetings and oversees coordination of other service areas as directed. Performs other job related work as required.

This position is designated as un-represented for Labor Relations purposes and is considered exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

General direction is provided by the Director of Development Services. The job incumbent provides general supervision to subordinate level professional/technical and clerical staff in the Planning program area. At the discretion of the Department Manager, may also be required to provide supervision to other divisions of the department.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is a mid-management classification responsible for the supervision of discrete sub-departmental organizational component(s) and programs/functions within a department as determined by the Department Director, City Manager and City Council. The incumbent serves as a member of the City policy advisory team with responsibilities for developing means for implementing policies and procedures developed by the executive team. Exercises policy development and promulgation responsibilities for specific program/functional areas. Demonstrates technical competence while working as a team member and exercise independent judgment in a number of confidential and sensitive assignments. Duties and responsibilities are performed in accordance with municipal codes, ordinances, City policy, federal and state law and related regulating entities.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES (Duties may include, but are not limited to the following):

• Manages the development, maintenance, and enforcement of the City’s General Plan, zoning, subdivision, and environmental ordinances.
• Serves as Secretary to the Planning Commission and provides professional advice, recommendations and information to this and other advisory groups.
• Manages the day-to-day activities of the Planning Division of the Department of Development Services.
• Acts as project planner on the most complex land use planning projects.
• Prepares staff reports and other appropriate analysis to the Planning Commission and City Council on planning, zoning, and subdivision issues. Prepares complex reports, surveys, studies, resolutions, ordinances and exhibits.
• Oversees the state-mandated environmental review duties of the division, including preparation of the core complex California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) documents.
• Manages division activity and the coordination of workload for all division responsibilities related to public assistance, ministerial permits and land use entitlements.
• Serves as technical advisor to the City Council, City Manager, Department Manager and Planning Commission on a broad range of planning projects and issues; prepares and submits reports and recommendations for management consideration.
• Oversees and monitors projects through all phases and assures compliance with regulations of various local, state and federal agencies.
• Develops and monitors compliance with divisional policies and procedures.
• Consults and coordinates with City departments, citizens and officials regarding conflicts and issues related to contract and regulatory compliance.
• Prepares multiple specialized budgets related to assigned activities; oversees budget implementation; determines budget forecasts; administers the approved budget.
• Makes presentations before various groups, including City Council, commissions, boards, committees, task forces, and on and off-site public meetings, as needed.
• Supervises staff including provision of timely performance evaluations; recommends and implements approved discipline; provides staff development; and maintains high standards necessary for efficient, professional operations.
• Manages the activities of consultants, including selection, evaluation, and contract administration.
• Answers questions; provides information to the public, other City departments, and other agencies; recommends and coordinates corrective actions; investigates, reports, documents and resolves complaints.
• Builds and maintains respectful, positive working relationships with staff, supervisors, outside agencies and the public using principles of good customer service; provides effective conflict resolution, as needed.
• Models appropriate professional management conduct; maintains appropriate confidentiality of sensitive information; complies with and supports City policies and procedures, labor laws, and MOU provisions.
• Attends assigned meetings and training; interacts with outside agencies and commissions; consortium, participates in teams, or committees, as needed.
• Assures staff works in a safe manner; follows safety requirements; monitors and assures compliance with regulations and other legal requirements.
• Performs other duties, as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of:

• Advanced principles and practices and theories of urban planning, land use, zoning and related areas.
• State Planning Law, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and Municipal Organization Act (MORGA) policies and procedures.
• California state laws affecting the planning, development, subdivision, and zoning processes.
• Statistical methods and principles.
• Modern office procedures, and methods including computer equipment, word processing, spread sheet, data base, graphic presentations and other needed specialized software applications, and internet and electronic communication usage and methods.
• Budgeting procedures and techniques.
• Principles and practices of supervision, staff selection, training and personnel management.
• Principles of effective file management and time management
• Safe work practices and related regulations.
• Principles of public speaking, conflict resolution and excellent customer service.
• Provisions, principles and practices of, municipal structure and organization

Ability to:

• Understand and interpret complex state and federal regulations, laws, codes, policies and solutions in the area of planning, land use, environment, and community organization.
• Develop program services that benefit the community; analyze policy issues and develop sound recommendations.
• Understand City processes and procedures and specific requirements of assigned program area.
• Work with and control sensitive and confidential information.
• Plan, initiate, manage and complete complex and multiple simultaneous work assignments with a minimum of direction; set priorities and organize work to meet deadlines.
• Lead, manage, evaluate and train personnel effectively and maintain discipline.
• Organize, implement and supervise departmental goals and City objectives.
• Make presentations before groups and represent the City in public forums.
• Use computer and needed programs in a highly effective manner.
• Organize, analyze, manage and implement a variety of programs.
• Prepare, forecast and administer a budget.
• Establish and maintain respectful, effective and cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Communicate effectively, orally, electronically and in writing.

EXPERIENCE:

Four years of increasingly responsible professional experience with a public agency in planning, public administration, or a related field, which includes two years of progressively responsible administrative and supervisory experience, or any experience that would have provided the opportunity to develop the required skills, knowledge and abilities.

EDUCATION & TRAINING:

Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with significant course work in the areas of Planning, Urban Studies, Geography, Public Administration, or related fields. A Master’s degree or possession of an A.I.C.P. certificate is desirable.

LICENSE AND/OR CERTIFICATE:

Possession of a valid California Driver’s License in the category necessary to perform essential duties of the position may be required as the time of appointment. Maintenance of a valid California Driver’s license and proof of automobile liability insurance is a condition of continued employment.

Vision adequate to operate vehicles and office equipment, read instructions and follow directions; hearing adequate to converse on telephone and in person; body mobility adequate to drive and perform required office duties including reaching and bending for files and related office items; use of hands and fingers adequate for operating vehicles, writing, typing, computer, copier, and fax machine and related functions; ability to lift office files, binders and small office equipment, as needed.

Revised 4/95

Revised 4/96

Revised 2/02

Revised 6/07

Reviewed and Approved: