Job Descriptions

DEFINITION

Under administrative direction, plans, directs, organizes and reviews the housing, planning, and building divisions of the Department of Development Services; responsible for budget, and program direction; provides direction to assure compliance to federal, state and local regulations. Provides leadership and direction to meet City goals and to coordinate with other service areas, agencies, boards, commissions and the public. May act as City Manager in his/her absence and 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

Administrative direction is provided by the City Manager. The incumbent is expected to work with minimal direct supervision, exercising independent judgment and initiative in a number of complex responsible and sensitive areas. The incumbent supervises, housing, planning, building, and administrative support staff directly or through subordinate supervisory staff.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is a department head management classification responsible for the discrete departmental organizational component(s) and programs/functions involving the management and coordination of the City-wide planning, building staff, and housing. In addition, the job incumbent has direct responsibilities for overseeing and directing the work of subordinate staff. The incumbent exercises policy development and promulgation responsibilities for multiple program/functional areas. Serves as a member of the City executive team with responsibilities for establishing and overseeing programs and policies that affect multiple departments and the City as a whole. Approves and has final responsibility for all written and other types of presentations to the City Council and other commissions, boards and policy adopting bodies. Demonstrates professional competence while working as a team member and exercise independent judgment in a number of confidential and sensitive areas. Duties and responsibilities are performed in accordance with municipal codes, ordinances, City policy, federal, and state regulating entities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Plans, develops, and implements or directs the implementation of goals, objectives, policies and priorities relating to, housing, planning and building.
• Confers with and makes recommendations to the City Manager regarding projects and programs
• Directs departmental policy; collaborates with division managers regarding divisional policies and procedures.
• Provides administrative direction to activities relating to the effective utilization of personnel, facilities and equipment.
• Directs, plans, and coordinates strategy to achieve the City’s goals for local, state and federal programs related to affected programs and projects.
• Supervises and participates in the development and administration of the housing, Planning and Building budget; directs and forecasts additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitors and approves expenditures; implements mid-year adjustments.
• Directs the preparation of agenda items for the City Council, Planning Commission and other committees, commissions and boards involved in land use, development and general planning activities.
• Participates in the work of area-wide and regional groups/agencies concerning growth, development, environmental quality, and economic development
• Provides leadership, direction and technical advice on most complex projects and issues; negotiates with land owners and developers concerning economic development/redevelopment of the City; conducts environmental impact evaluations on proposed projects.
• Provides interpretation and advice on the most complex areas of compliance regarding regulations of local, state and federal agencies.
• Consults, confers and coordinates with City departments, citizens and officials regarding conflicts and issues related to contract and regulatory compliance; participates with Executive Team; consults with individuals and groups in the community concerning the growth and development of the City.
• Directs and participate in the preparation of multiple specialized budgets related to assigned activities; oversees budget implementation; directs the forecast of additional funds; approves expenditures; implements mid-year adjustments.
• 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.
• 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;, 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.
• Selects, trains, and evaluates personnel; establishes and monitors employee performance objectives; prepares and present employee performance reviews; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination actions.
• Selects, oversees, and evaluates adequacy of, housing, planning and building services; prepares requests for proposal; coordinates contract activities and provides technical advice and interpretation as required.
• Responds to and resolves the most difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
• Meets with the public in small and large groups to discuss City development services policies, practices, and problems.
• Determines need for new equipment and facilities, major repairs, and rebuilding projects.
• Coordinates planning, housing and building activities with other City Departments and with outside agencies.
• Ensures close coordination with other City departments and affected outside groups.
• Prepares specialized budgets related to assigned activities; assists in budget implementation; participates in budget forecasts; administers the approved budget.
• Prepares highly complex and technical reports; documents policies and procedures; performs research.
• Makes presentations before various groups, including City Council, Commissions, and professional and public meetings, as needed.
• Participates in recruitment and selection activities; makes recommendations for appointment of new staff; assists with staff orientation and training.
• 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.
• Answers questions; provides information to the public; recommends 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; provides leadership for teams, or committees, as needed.
• Ensures staff works in a safe manner; follows safety requirements; and monitors compliance.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Advanced principles and practices of community development, urban planning, housing, and building inspections, municipal structure and organization and related areas.
• Research and statistical methods and sources of information related to urban growth and development.
• 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.
• Applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations and related guidelines governing development, , building inspections, housing and planning..
• Recent developments, current literature, and sources of information in municipal public works administration.
• Principles and techniques of budget development and administration.
• Budgeting procedures and techniques.
• Principles and practices of supervision, staff selection, training and personnel management.
• Safe work practices and related regulations.
• Principles of public speaking, conflict resolution and excellent customer service.

Ability to:

• Plan, organize, direct and supervise the work of professional, technical, and office support staff.
• Organize, direct, and coordinate the activities of a large division in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale.
• Delegate authority and responsibility and schedule and program work on a long-term basis.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with elective officials, administration, other employees, and the general public.
• Communicate clearly and concisely orally and in writing.
• Read and comprehend complex laws and regulations and initiate policies and procedures for their implementation.
• Select, 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 effectively.
• 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

Five years of increasingly responsible professional experience with a public agency in public administration, urban planning and development services, municipal engineering experience, or a related field including three years of administrative/supervisory responsibility.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with significant course work in the areas of Urban Planning, Public Administration, Civil Engineering or related fields.

Desirable Qualification: Possession of an AICP certificate or Master’s Degree in Planning, Public Administration or related field 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 at the time of appointment. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a physical disability will be considered for accommodation on a case-by-case basis. Maintenance of a valid California Driver’s license and proof of automobile liability insurance thereafter is a condition of continued employment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

While performing the essential duties of the position, the employee is regularly required to stand; sit, walk; use hands; move fingers to feel objects, tools and controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk and hear. Specific vision abilities required for this position include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. The employee must occasionally lift and move up to 15 pounds; the employee may occasionally be required to work outdoors in inclement weather.