DEFINITION

Under general direction, plans, organizes, manages and coordinates the current, advanced and environmental planning function for the City; participates in the development of policies and strategies for division operations; acts as a liaison between customers and other City departments and outside agencies; manages the effective use of division resources to improve organizational productivity and customer service; provides complex professional assistance to the Assistant Community Development Director in areas of expertise; and performs related duties as assigned.

Examples of Duties

• Plans, manages, and oversees the daily functions, operations, and activities of the Planning section including zoning, development, land use and environmental review.
• Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the division; continuously monitors the efficiency and effectiveness of assigned programs, service delivery methods, and procedures; assesses and monitors workload, administrative, and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities and makes recommendations for improvement.
• Participates in the selection of, trains, motivates and evaluates personnel; works with employees to correct deficiencies; recommends and implements discipline and termination procedures.
• Develops requests for proposals, scope of work statements, and technical specifications; analyzes proposals and recommends selection; manages work performed by consultants for the department; performs contract administration.
• Participates in the development, administration, and oversight of assigned budget; determines funding needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; ensures compliance with budgeted funding.
• Oversees and participates in the preparation of environmental impact reports; assures compliance with California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for all City activities/projects.
• Analyzes and develops projects and determines project priorities and scheduling; estimates personnel, resources, and time required for project completion; maintains and updates general plan elements as required; prepares and conducts presentations to decision-makers and the public; prepares and reviews detailed staff reports in areas such as subdivision review, zone changes, environmental impact, and grant application.
• Serves as project manager or assists with the most complex current and/or long-range planning projects, environmental review, General Plan and Local Coastal Program updates, and special planning studies, including in-depth application and plan review.
• Oversees the review and analysis of development proposals, subdivision maps, zoning amendments, and other development applications, including ensuring adequate community outreach and participation.
• Reviews, interprets, and analyzes new and proposed legislation; determines effect of legislation on operations and programs of the organization served; advises superiors of findings; takes appropriate action in order to ensure compliance with existing rules and regulations; proposes legislation if appropriate.
• Serves as a liaison for the department with other City departments, divisions, and outside agencies; provides staff support to commissions, committees, and task forces, as necessary; negotiates and resolves significant and controversial issues.
• Responds to inquiries regarding the Municipal Code and the Local Coastal Program and its applicability to various situations, the building and planning processes in general, the existence and scope of permits and plans in effect on specific properties.
• Ensures staff observe and comply with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Performs related duties as required.

Typical Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education:

Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in urban planning, architecture, environmental design, public administration, or a related field.

Experience:

Five (5) years of increasingly responsible professional planning experience, including two (2) years in a lead or supervisory capacity.

Licenses and Certifications:

Possession of a valid California Driver's License and a satisfactory driving record, to be maintained throughout employment.