Director of Planning and Development Services



Job Details

Director of Planning and Development Services
Employer

City of Abilene

Location

555 Walnut, TX

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

3000 1143 03/28/2018 L1909

Department-tx

Planning & Development Services

Division-tx

Planning Administration

Opening Date

04/02/2018

FLSA

Exempt

Bargaining Unit

N/A

Header added on 18-Oct

Description

OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Salary: Negotiable - Depends on Qualifications and Experience


Plans, organizes, manages, and directs the departmental operations of the planning and development services department.  Divisions within the department include Planning and Development Services Administration, Planning Services, Community Enhancement, Building Inspection, and Neighborhood Services.  Work is widely varied, involving evaluating, administering, developing and /or amending numerous plans, policies, ordinances, and codes.  Ensure excellent customer service, professionalism, and presentation skills are utilized in all programs, and service delivery of the department.  The Director is a member of the organization's senior management team.  

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Exercises direct supervision over professional, technical, and clerical staff.

Examples of Duties

Plan, direct, organize, and monitor activities, operations, and delivery of programs and services of:  Planning Services, Building Inspection, Community Enhancement, Neighborhood Services, and Planning Administration.

Evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of program and service delivery, and departmental processes and operations. Present recommendations for improvements to policies, procedures, and operations.  Implement changes as needed.
 
Select, train, and supervise personnel directly or through subordinate managers and supervisors.  Establish performance standards, evaluate the performance of subordinate staff, establish work priorities, goals, objectives, schedules, and identify and implement improved efficiencies within the department. 

Promote effective customer relationship development and management to include citizen relationships, as well as internal staff relationships. 

In concert with staff, work with and support the processes associated with the City Council, the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Board of Building Standards, the Board of Adjustment, the Landmarks Commission, and other boards and commissions as assigned. 

Administer and provide oversight to the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME).  Assist in development and implementation of neighborhood plans.

Through the Community Enhancement Division and the Development Services Center, accomplish program and service delivery including, but not limited to code compliance, condemnation, historic preservation, applications and permits, platting, and site plan review.

Prepare and make presentations to City Council, boards, commissions, and public groups.
 
OTHER JOB RELATED DUTIES
 
Perform other job related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

Knowledge of:
           
Principles and practices related to short-term and long-term planning and development for urban communities.

Knowledge of Federal, State and local laws governing planning, zoning, and development.

Principles and methods of public finance and budgeting.

Principles of personnel management, including supervision, training, and performance evaluation.

Skill to:
           
Perform independent technical research and present findings in a clear and concise manner to various groups, such as the general public, City Council, and other boards, commissions, and groups.

Clearly communicate technical and policy information, both orally and in writing, to a variety of audiences, including staff, City Council, boards and commission, and the general public.

Solve problems and negotiate with multiple groups and individuals.

Operate office equipment including a computer and associated software products.

Ability to:
           
Direct and supervise a large professional staff with a support staff.

Collect, analyze and interpret economic and physical data pertaining to planning and zoning.

Plan, organize, monitor, and evaluate subordinates' work assignments to accomplish department and divisional objectives.     

Select, promote, develop, discipline, and appraise department personnel and administer the department budget.
           
Understand and manage high-profile, sensitive, or controversial situations.

Ability to identify opportunities for increased efficiency, and implement these improvements in a timely manner.
           
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.

Follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values – Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.

Experience and Training Guidelines:

Any combination equivalent to experience and training to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be qualifying.  Knowledge, skills, and abilities may be obtained through:

Experience:
           
A minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible planning experience is required.

At least four (4) years of supervisory experience is desirable, preferably in municipal government.

Education/Training:
           
A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in planning, economic development, business, public administration, or a related field is required.
           
License or Certificate:
           
A valid Texas Driver's license is required.

American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is desirable.

Special Requirements:

Ability to walk, stand, sit, kneel, crouch, stoop, squat, twist, and climb.

With or without accommodation, ability to lift up to 20 pounds.

Ability to travel to different work locations.

Supplemental Information

City of Abilene Core Values
 
Respect
Demonstrating through our actions that we hold ourselves and our citizens in high enough regard to do what we say we will do, in the timeframe we commit to.
Recognizing that everyone has dignity and deserves helpful, courteous, and prompt attention.
Consistently doing what is necessary, expected, and required, and when able to do so, exceeding expectations.
 
Integrity
Possessing an unwavering commitment to doing the right things right.
Consistently adhering to high professional and ethical standards.
Keeping commitments to our citizens, co-workers, and others.
 
Service Above Self
Being open and approachable to council members, citizens, and our fellow employees at all times.
Treating our customers like we would like to be treated.
Fostering a servant's heart in ourselves and each other by conscientiously doing what is best for the community in all cases.
Passionately committed to serving others.
Helping to make our citizens' lives better.
Finding ways to say yes.
 
Excellence in All We Do
Delivering on promises made, taking personal responsibility for achieving community-minded goals.
Leading by example, recognizing the importance of working together to meet everyone's needs, treating everyone with courtesy, dignity, and respect.
Sharing resources and information freely.
Communicating regularly and honestly with council members, citizens, and employees.
Having a can-do attitude.

Footer added on 18-Oct

Holidays11 paid holidays – New Year's Day, MLK Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans' Day, Thanksgiving Day and the following Friday, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Vacation 120 hours per year may be taken after 6 months of service (except for  civil service, who must have one  year of service).  Accrues at 5 hours per pay period, except for those pay periods which do not include the 1st or the 15th of the month. Hours over 240 roll to sick.   Sick Leave 120 hours per year is accrued at  a rate of 5 hours per pay period,  except for those pay periods which do not include the 1st or the 15th.  Sick leave is provided to employees during time lost due to personal illness or injury, or illness or injury of an employee's eligible  dependent.  An eligible dependent is defined as an employee's spouse, child or parent.   Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) The Family and Medical Leave Act provides up to 12 work weeks of unpaid leave for eligible employees for certain family and medical reasons as well as Military Family Leave Entitlements.  Employees are eligible if  they have worked for the City of Abilene for at least one year and 1,250 hours over the previous twelve (12) months.  An employee is required to use applicable accrued leave while on FMLA, then will be in an unpaid status when all applicable accrued leave is exhausted.   Funeral Leave May receive up to three days funeral leave with pay to arrange or attend funeral of an immediate family member.   Jury Duty Leave When called for  Jury Duty or  as witnesses,  employees receive their regular salary from the City while serving.   Military Leave Will be granted up to 120 hours off with pay to attend a regular training activity.   Bonus Day Employees who use three or less days sick and/or injury leave during the calendar year are awarded an extra day off  (bonus day) with pay.  Employees must be employed for the entire calendar year prior to earning this bonus day.   Retirement All employees except firefighters are members of the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS).  Firefighters are members of the Firemen's Relief and Retirement Fund.  Retirement contributions  are deducted from pay checks each pay period.  Also,  for  full-time and part-time employees participating in TMRS, a death benefit is provided in the amount equal to the employee's annual salary.   Optional Retirement Available through IRS Section 457 Deferred Compensation Plan with Nationwide Retirement  Solutions  (NRS)  for additional retirement.  These deductions are pre-taxed.   Paycheck Deposit Options With the City Payroll system, employees can select to have their paycheck direct deposited between up to three different banking accounts and/or facilities.   Special Pay Non-Civil Service employees who have completed five years of continuous employment with the City of  Abilene may be awarded stability pay.  This is calculated by multiplying annual salary times  years of service times .005.  Maximum benefit is $1200.  Civil Service employees receive special pay for longevity, certification, and education.   Workers' Compensation The City provides Workers' Compensation to protect employees from loss of wages due to a job related illness or injury.  In addition, if an employee is temporarily unable to return to work because of this illness or injury, the employee may receive Wage Continuation Benefits.    Employees do not use personal insurance for a work related injury and should report all injuries immediately to your supervisor.  A doctor within the Worker's Compensation network approved by Texas Department of Insurance must be used.   Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Provides all full-time, part-time, and temporary employees and their immediate family members up to five (5) counseling sessions per year to help resolve problems such as stress, emotional/mental problems, marital/family problems, financial difficulties, alcohol/drug abuse, work related difficulties, and grief & loss.  Sessions are provided at no cost to the employee.   Medical Insurance Health coverage is available for all full-time employees and their dependents.  The employees' costs for participation will be deducted from their  wages  twice a month.  The health plan is an Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) and includes prescription coverage.  Employees and their dependents over five (5) years of age who are covered under  the City's  health plan are also eligible to utilize the City's  free health clinic for minor illnesses and injuries at no cost to the employee.  Dependent children can be covered through the end of the month of their 26th birthday.  Section 125 Flex Plan Under the  flexible  spending plan, health and/or dental insurance  premiums may be pre-taxed.  Also money may be set aside, pre-taxed, to cover  out-of-pocket medical expenses or child care expenses.  This is available to full-time and part-time employees.   Basic Term Life & AD&D Insurance A $5,000 Basic Group Term Life and AD&D insurance policy is provided at no charge for regular full-time employees who enroll in the group medical insurance.   Voluntary Term Life Insurance (Employee & Spouse) Voluntary  term life  insurance  may be purchased  for employee & spouse coverage, regardless of enrollment in the medical insurance, in increments of $10,000 up to a maximum of $500,000 or five times  the employee's annual salary.  The spouse's coverage cannot exceed the employee's coverage amount.  An Evidence of Insurability (medical questionnaire) form is required for some levels of coverage.   Dependent Voluntary Life Insurance A $5,000 or a $10,000 term life  insurance  policy  is available  for children, if the  employee selects coverage of voluntary term life for themselves.   Voluntary AD&D Insurance Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) is accident insurance paid due to loss of an employee's or dependent's life,  sight,  or limb as  the result of  an accident occurring while covered,  payable regardless of any other insurance.  AD&D is available through payroll deduction and is available to regular full-time and part-time employees.   Dental Insurance Two dental plans are available to  full-time & part-time employees, premiums vary.   Vision Insurance Vision insurance is available to full-time and part-time employees, premiums vary.   Unum Voluntary Benefits Unum offers different products as a payroll deduction for employees:  Whole Life Insurance, Group Critical Illness and Accident Insurance.  See www.unum.com for more information.   COACH The City of Abilene Clinic for Health is available at no cost to city employees and their dependents enrolled in the city's medical plan.  Full-time employees who do not participate in the city's medical plan can also visit COACH for a charge of $20 per office visit.

01
Do you have a Bachelor's Degree with major course work in planning, economic development, business, public administration, or a related field?
  • Yes
  • No
02
Do you have a valid Texas driver's license or the ability to obtain one within 10 days of employment?
  • Yes
  • No
03
Do you have at least 8 years of progressively responsible planning experience?
  • Yes
  • No
04
Total years of Planning experience:
  • 8 years
  • 9 years
  • 10 years
  • 11 years
  • 12 or more years
05
Do you have previous municipal government supervisory experience?
  • Yes
  • No
06
Total years of supervisory experience:
  • less than 4 years
  • 4 years
  • 5 years
  • 6 years
  • 7 or more years
07
Are you certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)?
  • Yes
  • No
08
Briefly describe your experience working with businesses, property owners, residents and other interested parties to resolve controversial planning issues. What was your role, and how did you contribute to a satisfactory outcome?
09
This position requires an understanding of long range planning, short range planning, and current planning. Briefly tell us about your knowledge and experience with each.
10
Describe your experience managing and forecasting budgets.
11
How would you describe your management or leadership style?

* Required Question

Employer
City of Abilene
Department-tx
Planning & Development Services
Address
555 Walnut

Abilene, Texas, 79604

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