Deputy Development Services Director

About the role

The City of Arcadia is seeking a highly motivated Deputy Development Services Director to join the Development Services Department team. The incumbent will assume management responsibility for the department and related activities, including direct oversight of planning, zoning, environmental review (CEQA), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), historic preservation, and business license. They will also assist in the coordination and oversight of other departmental functions and serve as second-in-command to ensure continuity of leadership across the department.

Responsibilities

• Exercises direct supervision over supervisory, professional, technical, and clerical staff.
• Assume management responsibility for Development services and activities including planning, zoning, environmental review (CEQA), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), historic preservation, and business license.
• Manage and participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned programs including planning, zoning, environmental review (CEQA), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), historic preservation, and business license.
• Recommend, within Departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; recommend and administer policies and procedures.
• Select, train, motivate, and evaluate assigned personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline and termination procedures.
• Plan, direct, coordinate, and review the work plan for Development services and activities; meet with staff to identify and resolve problems; assign work activities, projects, and programs; monitor work flow; review and evaluate work products, methods, and procedures.
• Manage and participate in the development and administration of the Development Services Department annual budget; direct the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; direct the monitoring of and approve expenditures; direct and implement adjustments as necessary.
• Serve as a liaison for Development Services with other City departments, divisions, and outside agencies; negotiate and resolve significant and controversial issues.
• Provide responsible staff assistance to the Development Services Director; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
• Conduct a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies; recommend modifications to Departmental programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate.
• Ensure enforcement of applicable codes on all projects and applications.
• Review zoning, variance, conditional use permit, subdivision, design review and other similar planning related applications; assign to appropriate staff person.
• Assume responsibility for the preparation and implementation of the General Plan and related updates.
• Review project related environmental issues; assist other departments in the review of environmental issues, including compliance with CEQA.
• Serve as Primary Liaison to the Planning Commission.
• Participate on a variety of boards and commissions; attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of Development Services.
• Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive inquiries and complaints.
• Responsible for the Department’s Geographic Information System (GIS), and ensure up to date technological resources and tools for efficient service provision throughout the Department.

Qualifications

A typical example includes: Six years of responsible planning experience, or in a related field, including four years of management and supervisory experience. A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in urban planning or a related field is required. A Master's degree is desirable.

Skills

• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment.
• Operate a motor vehicle safely.
• Provide administrative and professional leadership and direction for Development Services divisions in Planning and Business License and as assigned.
• Recommend and implement goals, objectives, and practices for providing effective and efficient services throughout the Department.
• Manage, direct, and coordinate the work of management, supervisory, professional, technical, and clerical personnel.
• Select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff.
• Identify and respond to community issues, concerns, and needs related to Development.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Prepare and administer budgets.
• Prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports.
• Interpret and apply the policies, procedures, laws, codes, and regulations pertaining to assigned programs and functions.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.