Planning Manager

Description

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TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE

Application Deadline: SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

Selection Interview: THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 23RD OR 30TH

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

We are seeking a Planning Manager who is a dynamic leader to join our team. The City of Tracy is a great place to make a big impact as part of a small team. The Planning Manager is responsible for supervising the full range of planning services in the Community & Economic Development Department requiring specialized knowledge and judgment in the application of related statutes, case law, ordinances, policies, procedures and systems.

The successful candidate will be a proven professional with California public sector experience. Experience working with large scale subdivisions and new development is highly desirable. A successful candidate will be a strong leader with large team personnel management experience. The incumbent can expect a fast-paced environment with numerous thrilling projects, as Tracy is a rapidly expanding community!

DEFINITION

Under general direction, assists in planning, organizing, managing, and providing administrative direction and oversight for all major functions and activities of the Planning Division, including current, advance, and environmental planning, historic preservation, building plan check, and permitting; assists in coordinating assigned activities with other City departments, divisions, outside agencies including commissions, and the public; fosters cooperative working relationships among City departments, divisions, and with intergovernmental and regulatory agencies and various public and private groups; provides highly responsible and complex professional assistance to the Director of Community and Economic Development in areas of expertise; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from assigned supervisory or management staff. Exercises general and direct supervision over assigned staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is a management classification responsible for planning, organizing, reviewing, and overseeing the day-to-day functions and activities of the Planning Division. Responsibilities include developing and implementing policies and procedures for assigned divisions, budget administration and reporting, and program evaluation. Incumbents serve as a professional-level resource to the Community and Economic Development Director and City management and staff for organizational, managerial, and operational analyses and studies. Performance of the work requires the use of considerable independence, initiative, and discretion within established guidelines. This class is distinguished from the Director of Community and Economic Development in that the latter has overall responsibility for all department programs, functions, and activities, and for developing, implementing, and interpreting public policy.

Essential and Marginal Duties

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Assumes management responsibility for assigned division functions and activities, including current, advanced, and environmental planning, historic preservation, building plan check, permitting, and/or code compliance.
• Manages and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned functions and programs; recommends, within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
• Assists in managing and participates in the development and administration of the annual budget and capital improvement budgets; directs the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; directs the monitoring of and approves expenditures; directs and implements adjustments as necessary.
• Continuously 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; identifies opportunities for improvement and reviews with the Director; directs the implementation of improvements.
• Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees on performance issues; responds to staff questions and concerns; makes discipline recommendations to the Director.
• Meets and confers with department staff regarding interpretations of the zoning code, processing of complex projects, and the assignment and monitoring of work.
• Meets with developers, engineers, property owners, contractors, and other agencies to discuss potential project proposals, pre-applications, feasibility analysis, currently submitted proposals, and/or status of development projects; answers questions and responds to inquiries.
• Manages and/or directs department or consulting staff in the management and implementation of routine to large and complex development projects.
• Serves as a liaison for the department with other City departments, divisions, and outside agencies; attends meetings in various locations; provides staff support to commissions, committees, and task forces; participates in community events and workshops that provide public information regarding departmental programs, projects, and services.
• Negotiates contracts and agreements; coordinates with City department representatives to determine City needs and requirements for contractual services.
• Represents the department to other City departments, elected officials, and outside agencies; explains and interprets departmental programs, policies, and activities.
• Conducts a variety of departmental organizational and operational studies and investigations; recommends modifications to programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate.
• Prepares procedures and guidelines for processing applications; develops internet/intranet-based information to aid the public with applications; identifies new software applications, storage options, and other technical tools for the preparation or completion of departmental work assignments; works with staff to develop brochures, census data, and other information to assist staff and the public.
• Prepares, reviews, and presents staff reports, various management and information updates, and reports on special projects to the City Council, Planning Commission, and a variety of other boards and commissions, as assigned by the Director; attends meetings.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of community development.
• Maintains and directs the maintenance of working and official departmental files.
• Monitors changes in laws, regulations, and technology that may affect City or departmental operations; implements policy and procedural changes as required.
• Responds to difficult and sensitive public inquiries and complaints and assists with resolutions and alternative recommendations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Principles and practices of leadership.
• Organization and management practices as applied to the development, analysis, and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs of the assigned area of responsibility.
• Public agency budgetary, contract administration, administrative practices, and general principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.
• Principles and practices of department program development, implementation, and management in a municipal setting.
• Principles and practices of urban planning, growth management, and housing program practices.
• Methods, materials, and techniques used in the planning of development projects.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and organizational policies and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• Methods and techniques for the development of presentations, contract negotiations, business correspondence, and information distribution; research and reporting methods, techniques, and procedures.
• Record keeping principles and procedures.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination.
• Computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software packages) to conduct, compile, and/or generate documentation.

Ability to:

• Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.
• Provide administrative, management, and professional leadership for the department.
• Provide administrative and professional leadership and direction for the division and the City.
• Assist in p