Director of Planning

SALARY: $77,704.85

JOB OBJECTIVES:

This position is responsible for the administration and supervision of the Planning, Inspections, and Code Enforcement Divisions. Formulates and implements department policies, recommends and implements community development policies and programs for the city. Proposes, establishes, interprets, and enforces ordinances and regulations affecting land use and urban development. Prepares the departmental budget and monitors approved budget to ensure departmental operation is within the budget. Initiates and coordinates the development of special studies and projects. Participate in inter-governmental relations.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Interpret, and enforce city codes, and requisitions as provided by ordinance; makes frequent decisions with few precedents and standards.
• Administers and implements the City's Master Plan, subdivision and zoning ordinances, and other related codes and policies, including providing staff direction regarding department policy interpretation and conducting meetings with the public regarding related issues.
• Confers with engineers, developers, architects, and a variety of agencies and the general public in acquiring information and coordination of planning, zoning, subdivision, building, environmental, and related matters; provides information regarding City development.
• Oversees and manages City-wide Planning and Zoning, and code compliance activities.
• Participates on and makes presentations to a variety of boards and commissions; attends and participates in professional group meetings, stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of engineering and other types of public services as they relate to the area of assignment.
• Monitors changes in laws, regulations, and technology that may affect City or departmental operations, implements policy and procedural changes as required.
• Prepares, reviews, and presents staff reports, various management and information updates, and reports on special projects as assigned and/or as needed to the Planning, Board of Adjustments and Appeals, City Commission and other City committees.
• Responsible for addressing difficult and sensitive public inquiries and complaints, and assists with resolutions and alternative recommendations.
• Responsible for staffing, supervision, performance evaluation and the administration of the department's annual budget.
• Schedule, attend, and conduct advisory board meetings and public hearings.
• Represent department at all city management and interdepartmental meetings.
• Develop and maintain land use data base as part of the city growth management planning activities.
• Provides staff support for program coordination with the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council on the implementation of the Valley Metro Transit.
• Inspect CDBG, city initiated and private development construction projects.
• Other duties as assigned by city manager.

EQUIPMENT / MATERIALS:

Personal computer, specialized word processing (Microsoft Word) and spreadsheet software (Excel), 10-key calculator, phone, copy machine, fax machine, printer and scanner. Utilize subdivision and City maps, digital and video camera, code books, etc.

WORKING CONDITIONS / PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Individual works indoors in a well-lighted, air-conditioned office. The job has no significant hazards and requires little or no physical demands. Duties involve working with lightweight materials, and/or using force for lifting between 5 to 50 pounds.

EDUCATION / SKILLS REQUIRED:

Requires a Bachelor's Degree in: Planning, Government or related field. Three (3) to five (5) years of progressively responsible planning experience (including managerial) required. Must have specialized knowledge in theory, principles and practice of urban planning techniques and methods in order to organize, develop, and coordinate activities of a complicated, diversified or highly technical nature. Must be computer literate include: MSWord, Excel, and Internet. Also requires excellent grammar, writing communication and organizational skills. Bilingual (English and Spanish) is required and a valid Texas driver's license with a satisfactory driving record. Certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) preferred.