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ASST. DIRECTOR OF DEV. SERVICES - PLANNING - Development Services

JOB SUMMARY

Under general direction of the Director of Development Services, function as assistant department head. Plan, budget, supervise and evaluate, coordinate, direct and otherwise control the activities of the Planning Division of Development Services. Prepare and provide professional planning counsel and technical services to the City Council, City Plan Commission, other boards/commissions as assigned, and the public. Responsibly and effectively manage work and functions of assigned work groups. Perform other related work as required.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Leadership & Department Administration

• Function as assistant department head; assumes the responsibilities of the department head in their absence.
• Manage and evaluate planners, engineers, technicians, clerical personnel, and/or other subordinate employees, as assigned.
• Supervises, hires, trains and evaluates the performance of assigned staff, including making hiring, dismissal, and disciplinary recommendations. Effectively prepares and conducts performance evaluations of assigned staff, including establishing appropriate performance goals and benchmarks to support employee professional growth and performance, consistent with organizational expectations and work plans.
• Effectively manage work schedules and assignments for assigned staff to ensure work is completed professionally, accurately, and timely in accordance with department and organizational expectations.

Planning, Zoning, and Development Administration

• Review and processing of zoning and development proposals for conformance to City codes, ordinances and policies, including coordination with other City departments and outside agencies, and ensure compliance with state statutory requirements.
• Research, prepare and present technical planning studies and recommendations including but not limited to elements of the Comprehensive Plan, Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance, and amendments to other zoning and development regulatory ordinances.
• Negotiate with applicants to seek solutions to issues or concerns, using individual professional knowledge, judgment, and research including best planning practices appropriate for the City.
• Attend all meetings of the City Plan Commission and Zoning Board of Adjustment, and as required, City Council; serve as the primary liaison in the absence of the department head.
• Effectively and clearly read, evaluate, interpret, and distinguish color and details on maps, plans, and documents for compliance with adopted City policies and regulations.
• Prepare presentations, make corrections as needed, and ensure presentations are organized in a manner that can be understood by elected and appointed officials and the public related to complex zoning and development proposals and/or ordinance amendments.
• Conduct site visits including evaluating surrounding conditions, taking photographs, and confirming notice of public hearing signage posted.
• Effectively represent positions of the City to the public and media, including providing technical information related to zoning and development proposals and activities in a manner that can be understood by the general public.
• Provide assistance with administering and implementing the long-range (comprehensive) planning and implementation program.
• Administer consultant contracts in compliance with City and state requirements.

Grants, Budget & Resource Management

• Provide assistance with preparation of the department’s annual budget.
• Review and apply for planning-related and sustainable development grants or similar funding programs through the North Central Council of Governments or other governmental agencies.

Professional Representation

• Communicate courteously and effectively with other employees, city officials, the business community, contractors, developers, and the public, in person, in writing, and by telephone and/or videoconferencing – sometimes in stressful situations.
• Effectively represent the City in professional organizations, governmental agencies, and outside activities as needed.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, DEGREES, CERTIFICATES AND/OR LICENSES

Bachelor’s degree in planning, architecture, landscape architecture or closely related field is required; Master’s degree is preferred. Certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is strongly preferred; preferential consideration will be given to candidates that possess this certification. Texas driver’s license, Class C, required.

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE, AND SKILLS

Minimum of six (6) years progressively responsible experience required in a municipal planning agency, with demonstrated ability to effectively deal with elected and appointed officials, developers, and the public.

Proficiency required in administrative and managerial skills, with a minimum of two (2) years of supervisory experience.

Skill required in processing zoning and development case management, with demonstrated ability to resolve conflicting ordinance requirements.

Skill required in reviewing development plans, including but not limited to site plan, landscape plans, building elevations, and plats, with demonstrated ability to resolve conflicting ordinance requirements.

Demonstrated proficiency required in public speaking, presentations, and report writing.

Proficiency required in computer applications such as Microsoft Office applications. Experience in ArcGIS and Bluebeam (or similar plan review software) applications is beneficial but not required.

Knowledge of the concepts of New Urbanism preferred.

Must have ability to mentally focus during assigned work activities and have ability to work effectively in a team environment.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Regular and reliable attendance is essential. Work extended hours, including evenings, as necessary to attend meetings and meet operational needs. Sit and operate a computer and standard office equipment for extended periods. Perform field inspections requiring travel to development sites.