Planning Director (20552034)

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (include but are not limited to the following)

• Assumes full management responsibility for all Planning Department programs, services and activities, including current and advanced planning, code enforcement, building permits, and housing; coordinates development activities with the Contra Costa County Conservation and Development Department.
• Develops, directs and coordinates implementation of department goals, objectives, policies, priorities, procedures and work standards for each assigned service area; establish, within Town policy, appropriate budget, service and staffing levels; allocate resources accordingly.
• Manages and participates in the development and administration of the department’s annual budget; directs the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; directs the monitoring of and approves expenditures; directs and implements adjustments as necessary.
• Represents the department to other Town departments, elected officials and outside agencies; explains and interprets Planning Department programs, policies and activities; negotiates and resolves sensitive, significant, and controversial issues.
• Selects, trains, motivates, and directs department personnel; evaluates and reviews work for acceptability and conformance with department standards, including program and project priorities and performance evaluations; works with employees on performance issues; responds to staff questions and concerns.
• Represents the Town in regional planning and development efforts.
• Meets with developers, engineers, property owners, contractors, and other agencies to discuss merits and concerns of development proposals; provides various parties with guidance on how to process; oversees negotiations and agreements regarding environment-related issues, rights-of-way, and open space easements, and financial participation; discusses status of development projects with applicants.
• Directs, coordinates and reviews amendments to the General Plan; provides General Plan and code interpretation as needed; provides analysis, recommendations, and implementation of policies and procedures; develops and presents recommendations on a variety of permits, maps, ordinances, zone changes, subdivision matters, applications and all other planning related matters.
• Conducts a variety of departmental organizational and operational studies and investigations; recommends modifications to programs, policies and procedures as appropriate.
• Oversees the development of consultant requests for proposals for professional services and the advertising the bid processes; evaluates proposals and recommends project award; coordinates with legal counsel to determine Town needs and requirements for contractual services; negotiates contracts and agreements and administers the same after award.
• Provides staff assistance to the Town Manager, Town Council, the Planning Commission and the Design Review Board; prepare and present meeting agendas, staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
• Directs the monitoring and coordination of public housing issues related to the Town’s Housing Element.
• Participates in and makes presentations to the Town Council, and a variety of boards and commissions; attends and participates in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of planning, zoning, code enforcement, housing, and other related fields.
• Identifies opportunities for improving the City’s economic base and provides professional advice and assistance to business groups, property owners and developers on strategies for planning and zoning.
• Monitors changes in laws, regulations and technology that may affect Town or department operations; drafts recommendations for code and/or ordinance changes or standards.
• Interprets and applies the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of: 

• Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of planning projects, programs, policies, procedures, and operational needs; principles and practices of municipal government administration.
• Principles and techniques of conducting site planning, architectural review, architecture, urban, and subdivision design, land use, and other analytical studies, evaluating alternatives, and making sound recommendations.
• Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation, and evaluation, and supervision of staff, either directly or through subordinate levels of supervision.
• Public agency budget development, contract administration, Town-wide administrative practices, and general principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.
• Theories, principles, and contents of municipal, zoning, subdivision, and urban planning codes, regulations, natural resource protection, and environmental laws.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and organizational policies and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Technical, legal, financial, and public relations problems associated with the management of development programs and city planning.
• Methods and techniques for the development of presentations, contract negotiations, business correspondence, and information distribution; research and reporting methods, techniques, and procedures.
• Methods and techniques of eliciting community participation in planning and development issues.
• Record keeping principles and procedures.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Techniques for effectively representing the Town in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and Town staff.

Ability to:

• Develop and implement goals, objectives, policies, procedures, work standards, and internal controls for the Planning Department and assigned program areas.
• Provide administrative and professional leadership and direction for the department and the Town.
• Prepare and administer budgets; allocate limited resources in a cost-effective manner.
• Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures
• Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the work of management, supervisory, professional, and technical personnel; delegate authority and responsibility.
• Select, train, motivate, and evaluate the work of staff and train staff in work procedures.
• Effectively administer special projects with contractual agreements and ensure compliance with stipulations; effectively administer a variety of community development programs and administrative activities.
• Conduct effective negotiations and effectively represent the Town and the department in meetings with governmental agencies, contractors, vendors, and various businesses, professional, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
• Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports.
• Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record keeping, and tracking systems.
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Operate office equipment and computer applications related to the work.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

QUALIFICATIONS: (minimal qualifications necessary for entry into the classification)

• Education: Graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in urban planning, landscape architecture, public administration or related field.  A Master’s degree is desirable.  
• Experience:  Minimum of six (6) years extensive, progressively responsible administrative and supervisory experience in community development, planning, or related field.
• License/Certificate: Possession of a valid California driver’s license or the ability to obtain one. AICP certification is preferred.  

*The employer will make reasonable accommodation in compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990.