Position closes October 18, 2026

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this position is to manage, organize, and direct the Planning Services Division, which operates as a division of the Development Services Department. Reporting directly to the Development Services Director, this position oversees a comprehensive scope of division functions, including Current & Long-Range Planning, Zoning, Environmental Code Enforcement, Historic Preservation, Metropolitan Planning Organization(MPO)/Transportation, and the Brownfields Program. This job works under administrative supervision, developing and implementing programs within organizational policies, and reports major activities to the Development Services Director and executive-level administrators through conferences and reports

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

• Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff, processing employee concerns and problems, directing work, counseling, disciplining, and completing employee performance appraisals.
• Coordinates, assigns, and reviews work and establishes work schedules; maintains standards; monitors the status of work in progress; inspects completed work assignments; answers questions; gives advice and direction as needed.
• Develops a broad-based vision with strategic goals for the division; creates, develops, and administers policies and procedures to meet goals; prepares and reviews comprehensive planning elements relating to a broad spectrum of social, economic, physical, and community facility concerns including land use, infrastructure, zoning, historic preservation, and environmental impact.Develops and implements long-range planning initiatives.
• Recommends and oversees amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance.
• Provides board and committee oversight, serving as the technical advisor, primary liaison, and/or supervisor of staff who liaison for the Planning Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, Technical Review Committee (TRC), Transportation Advisory Committee, and the Technical Coordinating Committee (MPO).
• Serves as a technical advisor to the Development Services Director, City Manager, and City Council regarding planning, permitting, zoning, and land use matters; frequently prepares reports, makes presentations, and researches projects.
• Assists professional staff with the review of complex plans and projects to ensure compliance with regulations; monitors ordinances to ensure needed revisions are completed in a timely manner. Oversees specialized planning functions such as large-scale new development proposals, significant rezoning applications, and environmental studies.
• Oversees the work of subordinates related to final plats, special use permits, sign permits, annexations, zoning compliance letters, and modifications to previously approved site plans.
• Supports staff responsible for coordinating and performing work activities involved with the metropolitan planning organization (MPO); develops current and long-range transportation plans, including the annual work program; prepares, submits, and monitors the fiscal year planning work program budget for the MPO study area.
• Directs and administers the City's Brownfields Program and Environmental Code Enforcement efforts, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal guidelines. Assists in management of the City's flood insurance program.
• Responds to complaints and inquiries about planning, zoning, environmental code, historic preservation, and permitting issues; investigates and follows up as needed and troubleshoots issues to facilitate discussion and resolution.
• Participates in meetings and public hearings to explain recommendations on planning proposals; answers citizen and developer questions regarding planning and related issues and conducts public participation activities.
• Coordinates planning activities with affected federal, state, municipal, regional, and private agencies; develops and writes grants as applicable; serves on a variety of area committees and task forces to represent the City and have input into issues.
• Develops and administers the division budget; reviews and approves purchases.
• Provides research and input into the development of ordinances, policies, and procedures for the City and the division; advises the Development Services Director and City Manager’s Office on related issues. Evaluates operations and activities of assigned responsibilities, recommending improvements and modifications.
• Performs related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITITES

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and methods of current and long-range planning, land use, zoning, community development, transportation planning, historic preservation, environmental planning, and related development services.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, ordinances, policies, and procedures governing planning, zoning, development, environmental protection, floodplain management, transportation, historic preservation, and land use.
• Knowledge of comprehensive planning, Unified Development Ordinances, development regulations, site plan and subdivision review, rezoning, annexation, special use permits, and other development processes.
• Knowledge of Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) programs, transportation planning requirements, Brownfields programs, environmental code enforcement, flood insurance programs, and applicable grant and funding requirements.
• Knowledge of public sector administration, including strategic planning, program development, budget preparation and administration, purchasing, grant management, personnel management, and performance management.
• Ability to plan, organize, direct, and evaluate the activities of a comprehensive Planning Services Division; establish priorities; allocate resources; assign and monitor work; and ensure effective and timely delivery of services.
• Ability to analyze complex planning, zoning, development, transportation, environmental, and land use issues; conduct research; interpret technical information and regulations; and develop sound recommendations.
• Ability to provide professional and technical advice and communicate complex information effectively to the Development Services Director, City Manager, City Council, boards, commissions, staff, developers, governmental agencies, and the public.
• Ability to lead and coordinate multidisciplinary projects, facilitate public meetings and hearings, resolve conflicts and complaints, and establish effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and independent decision-making; prepare clear written reports and presentations; manage multiple priorities and sensitive issues; evaluate programs and operations; and recommend improvements consistent with City policies and organizational goals.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in City and Regional Planning, Civil Engineering, Planning, Landscape Architecture, Geography, Urban Design, Construction Management or related discipline.
• Five to Seven years of public sector planning or related experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:

• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license with an acceptable driving history.
• Possession of American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is highly preferred, or the ability to obtain within 2 years.
• Certified Floodplain Manager is highly preferred, or the ability to obtain within 2 years.