Planning Manager

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

JOB SUMMARY:

Manages staff and performs highly complex technical and professional functions related to urban planning projects and programs, including: responding to inquiries from elected officials and executives; preparing and monitoring the budget and work plans; reviewing staff reports and recommendations; and analyzing planning data and reviewing staff recommendations regarding same.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: (All responsibilities may not be performed by all incumbents.)

• Carries out managerial responsibility in accordance with policies, procedures and applicable laws, including: interviewing, hiring and training staff; planning, assigning and directing work; establishing deadlines; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; coordinating, developing and approving staff training; and addressing complaints and resolving problems.
• Plans, coordinates, assigns, and monitors performance and coaches, counsels, mentors, trains, and advises employees in department for the dual goals of meeting department goals and employee career development; assists staff in the completion of assigned tasks.
• Interacts with a variety of high level individuals, both internally and within the community to provide information, disseminate departmental information and assist in resolving administrative issues.
• Develops and administers the division budget and work plans; monitors expenditures.
• Plans and directs various planning projects, including: reviewing staff reports; reviewing, revising, administering and coordinating contract services, the General Plan, zoning ordinances and other municipal planning regulations; assisting in the technical review of construction plans; and analyzing plans, data and planning trends.
• Represents the City and/or serves as a liaison and/or member of various committees/teams and collaborates, persuades, presents reports to and negotiates with others outside own work area to coordinate efforts and maintain cooperative and efficient relations.
• Researches, develops, interprets, communicates, and monitors policies, procedures, codes, standards, etc.; recommends improvement when necessary and writes/revises same.
• Plans long-range goals, objectives, management systems, organizational structure, and overall direction for the division; plans and implements short-term or annual goals, objectives, strategies, projects or programs to ensure efficient organization and completion of work.
• Coordinates division activities with other departments, divisions and/or outside agencies; responds to citizen inquiries.
• Serves as technical resource on division operations.
• Develops and implements capital improvement program.
• Prepares reports and make presentations to various boards and commissions.
• Ensures quality standards and compliance with regulations are maintained.

IMPORTANT JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Prepares and/or reviews complex reports and analysis utilizing a variety of software; receives, sorts, and summarizes material for the preparation of reports; relays and interprets administrative decisions, policies and instructions.
• Maintains and upgrades professional knowledge, skills, and development by attending seminars and training programs and reading trade and professional journals and publications.
• Follows up on inquiries from various agencies, groups, media, etc., regarding department programs and services.
• Disseminates a variety of information to various agencies, divisions, or departments via telephone, mail or FAX.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in a related field; and,
• Five to seven years of progressively responsible related experience; or,
• Any combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Licenses and Certifications: 

Certificate requirements depending upon assignment:

• American Institute of Certified Planner (AICP) Certification (desirable) (Must be able to obtain within 12 months of hire.)
• American Institute of Certified Transportation Planner (AICP) Certification (desirable)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

• Applicable state, federal and local ordinances, codes, laws, rules and regulations and legislative issues.
• Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting and implementation.
• Management of staff and activities, either directly or through subordinate supervision.
• Principles, theories and practices of governmental planning and zoning.
• Principles and practices of public administration, including knowledge of government organizations and operations.
• Principles and practices of land development, urban planning and transportation planning.
• Budget development processes and procedures.
• Project management techniques, including contract management.
• Methods and techniques of research, statistical analysis and report presentation.
• Principles, practices, and techniques of effective customer service and collaborative problem solving.

Skills in:

• Planning, organizing, assigning, directing, reviewing and evaluating the work of staff; selecting and motivating staff and providing for their training and professional development.
• Interpreting laws and legislation.
• Public speaking techniques.
• Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
• Using tact, discretion, initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Organizing work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines, and following up on assignments with a minimum of direction.
• Applying logical thinking to solve problems and accomplish tasks; analyzing, resolving, and/or making recommendations regarding a variety of administrative, financial, and operational issues.
• Communicating orally and in writing with staff, the public, and City and government officials in order to give and receive information in a courteous manner.
• Using a computer and appropriate computer applications to perform the essential and important functions of the job.
• Operation and routine maintenance of general office machines such as copiers, facsimile machines, telephone systems.

Abilities:

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to communicate in English both orally and in writing at the appropriate level.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations at the appropriate level.
• Ability to learn and follow City and departmental policies and procedures.
• Ability to learn the geography of the City.

While performing the essential functions of this job, the incumbent is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects; reach with hands and arms; speak and hear; and occasionally push, pull and/or lift up to 10 pounds.

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in a normal office environment with little exposure to outdoor temperatures or dirt and dust.
• The incumbent's working conditions are typically moderately quiet, but may be very loud at some locations or during the completion of some functions.

This class specification should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of this job. Incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Any essential function or requirement of this class will be evaluated as necessary should an incumbent/applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Reasonable accommodation for the specific disability will be made for the incumbent/applicant when possible.