GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CLASS: Under general administrative direction, is responsible for planning, directing, managing, and overseeing the activities and operations of the Planning Department, including the Land Development, Comprehensive Planning, Neighborhood Planning, Zoning and Disability Access Office. Coordinates assigned activities with other City departments and outside agencies, and provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the City Manager’s Office. Exercises direct supervision over management, professional, technical, and clerical staff.
ESSENTIAL TASKS: Assumes full management responsibility for all department services and activities, including land development, zoning comprehensive planning, neighborhood planning; and recommends and administers policies and procedures. Manages the development and implementation of department goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for each assigned service area; establishes, within City policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; and allocates resources accordingly. Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assesses and monitors workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; and identifies opportunities for improvement, and directs the implementation of changes. Acts as official departmental representative to other City departments, City Manager’s Office, elected officials and outside agencies; explains, justifies, and defends department programs, policies, and activities; and negotiates and resolves sensitive, significant, and controversial issues. Selects, motivates, and evaluates department staff; provides or coordinates training and works with employees to correct deficiencies; and implements and administers disciplinary and termination procedures. Plans, directs, and coordinates, through subordinate-level staff, the department work plan; meets with management staff to identify and resolve problems; assigns projects and programmatic areas of responsibility; and reviews and evaluates work methods and procedures. Manages and participates in the development and administration of the department budget; estimates funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; directs the monitoring and approval of expenditures; and directs the preparation and implementation of budgetary adjustments as necessary. Coordinates departmental activities with those of other departments and outside agencies and organizations; provides staff assistance to the City Manager and Assistant City Managers; and prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary communications. Attends City Council meetings and takes necessary action regarding Council agenda items. Provides staff support to a variety of boards and commissions; attends and participates in professional group meetings; and stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of urban planning. Provides and coordinates technical support to the (Planning Commission, Zoning Commission, and other boards as assigned); and presents staff reports and recommendations. Performs related duties and fulfills responsibilities as required.
INVOLVEMENT WITH DATA, PEOPLE AND THINGS DATA INVOLVEMENT:Synthesizes or integrates analysis of data or information to discover facts or develop knowledge or interpretations; changes policies, procedures, or methodologies based on new facts, knowledge, or interpretations.
PEOPLE INVOLVEMENT: Negotiates, exchanges ideas, information, and opinions with others to formulate policy and programs or arrive jointly at decisions, conclusions, or solutions.
INVOLVEMENT WITH THINGS: Supervises the activities of those operating or repairing complex machinery or equipment that requires extended training and experience such as construction equipment; supervises the application of custom or commercial financial, accounting, administrative, legal or other complex systems.
COGNITIVE REQUIREMENTS REASONING REQUIREMENTS: Performs work involving the application of logical principles and thinking to solve practical problems within or applying to a unit or division of the organization.
MATHEMATICAL REQUIREMENTS: Uses basic algebra involving variables and formulas and/or basic geometry involving plane and solid figures, circumferences, areas, and volumes and/or compute discounts and interest rates.
LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS: Reads professional literature and technical manuals; speaks to groups of employees, other public and private groups; writes manuals and complex reports.
MENTAL REQUIREMENTS: Performs professional level work requiring the application of scientific, engineering, accounting, or legal methods in the solution of technical, administrative, or legal problems; requires extensive understanding of operating policies and procedures and ability to apply these to complex problems; or the coordination of sub-professional work in these disciplines; requires continuous, close attention for accurate results and frequent exposure to unusual pressures.
JUDGMENTS AND DECISIONS JUDGMENTS AND DECISIONS: Decision- making is a major part of job, affecting a major segment of the organization and the general public; work in a dynamic environment, responsible to develop policies and practices.
VOCATIONAL/EDUCATIONAL AND EXPERIENCE PREPARATION VOCATIONAL/ EDUCATIONAL PREPARATION: Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Urban Planning, Public Administration, or a related field. Master’s Degree preferred.
SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES: Valid Texas Driver’s License. American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Certification.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: Six (6) years of increasingly responsible professional experience in city planning, including three (3) years of administrative or supervisory responsibility. Other combinations of experience and education that meet minimum requirements may be considered.
