The Position Reports to: Assistant City Manager Under administrative direction, plans, organizes, directs, and evaluates the activities of the Community Development Department. Community Development consists of the Planning Zoning, Building, and Neighborhood Enhancement divisions.
The Person RESPONSIBILITIES: Responsible for municipal planning, zoning; plan review and inspection of private sector developments; flood plain administrator, and zoning administrator for the City of Sierra Vista.
Performs oversight and key duties relative to short term and long term planning tasks including but not limited to: site plan reviews; entitlement process reviews and duties; general plan updates; zoning ordinance updates; design and architectural guidelines development; subdivision code updates; census districting; etc. Interprets and administers codes, development agreements, general planning, municipal policies, and development procedures; revises, maintains, and manages development codes and land use policies.
Provides administrative support and services for the Planning and Zoning Commission, Board of Adjustments, Hearing Officer and Board of Appeals. Provides information, recommendations to developers, engineers, architects and general public; prepares technical reports and makes oral presentations; prepares and/or recommends revisions of codes and ordinances.
Develops, implements, and evaluates departmental policies, procedures, strategies and goals; maintains, updates, and ensures procedural compliance for programs; develops strategic planning objectives in conjunction with other departments.
Sets priorities and establishes the administrative direction for Community Development; directs long range department planning projects and current activities.
Provides strategic and daily departmental leadership and oversight of the Department, to include: prioritizing and assigning work; conducting performance evaluations; ensuring staff is trained; ensuring that employees follow policies and procedures; maintaining a healthy and safe working environment; and making hiring, termination, and disciplinary recommendations.
Oversees operations and personnel including consultants; directs and participates in the preparation of departmental budgets, financial reports, and operational and/or capital improvement budgets; and monitors revenues and expenditures. Drafts a variety of ordinances and other formal documents for review by the City Attorney and approval of the City Council; confers with City departments, City management, and the Council regarding City planning and development issues; attends City Council, Planning and Zoning, and Development Review Committee meetings and makes presentations; provides advice to the Mayor and Council relative to legislative issues affecting urban planning, urban development, and code enforcement; provides information to the media and the public regarding community development issues.
Attends meetings with other City departments and outside agencies, and makes presentations to the public.
Works closely with Economic Development personnel and efforts; meets with potential locators as necessary, advising and providing pertinent information.
Coordinates with IT Division on maintenance and use of the City’s GIS programs.
Directs the management of resources related to code compliance efforts associated with City codes such as nuisance, habitability and maintenance standards and related codes and abatement procedures. Also directs the management of the City’s federally funded Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Programs.
KNOWLEDGE:
- The principles, concepts, practices of municipal management, including budget development and administration.
- Federal, state, and local laws, regulations, codes pertinent to urban planning and development, including ADA.
- The principles and practices of urban planning and development.
- Neighborhood preservation, code enforcement, federally funded community development and subsidized housing programs.
- City organization, operations, policies and procedures.
- Principles, practices, and concepts of leading a multi-function department.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Organizing, staffing, planning, and management of urban planning processes and the enforcement of building and zoning codes.
- Communicating effectively, orally and in writing, including making frequent public presentations to the City Council, and various commissions.
- Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with professional engineers, developers, builders, contractors, other agencies, and the public.
- Listening to diverse citizens and community advocates concerning planning and zoning issues.
- Strategic planning and organizational development. • Urban planning, zoning, building inspection, and plans examination.
- Grant research and writing.
- Managing staff, delegating tasks and authority, and coaching to improve staff performance.
- Analyzing problems, resolving disputes and grievances, and implementing effective solutions.
- Assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects and demands.
- Researching, preparing, reviewing and presenting management reports.
- Supervisory skills, employee evaluations, and training methods.
- Using initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.
- Operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software.
- Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers and the public.
- Communicating effectively, verbally and in writing, including public speaking in front of large and Small audiences.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, or related field, ten (10) years experience in public sector urban planning, of which five (5) years were in a management capacity. Masters Degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Business Administration, or related field. AICP preferred. Arizona driver license or the ability to obtain one.
Degree must be from an institution accredited by one of the six regional accreditation boards:
- MSA
- Middle States Association
- NASC
- Northwest Association of Schools & Colleges
- NCA
- North Central Association of Colleges & Schools
- NEASC
- New England Association of Schools & Colleges
- SACS
- Southern Association of Colleges & Schools
- WASC
- Western Association of Schools & Colleges
SELECTION PROCESS:
Visit www.SierraVistaAZ.gov and click on "Apply for a City Job" under "Quick Links." Only applications submitted through the on-line system will be accepted. Position is open until filled, with a first review on April 17 with phone interviews planned for the week of April 27 and in-person interviews the week of May 18. The City will provide a $500 travel stipend for out-of-state finalist candidates invited to come to Sierra Vista.
REFERENCES & BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
It is the City’s policy to complete an extensive background and reference check of candidates. Once strong mutual interest has been established, candidates are asked to provide a list of references. Candidates will be asked to sign an authorization to release information for the purpose of background investigation, which will include verification of education, credit check, criminal and driving records. Should an offer be extended prior to the completion of these checks, the offer will be made contingent on the successful completion of the reference and background checks.
