Planning Director, (A242110-1), R43, Planning

Job Description

SALARY: Negotiable depending on qualifications and experience

Plans, directs, and administers the planning requirements of the City of Laredo. Administers ordinances developed under City Council direction. Researches and develops long and short term objectives, goals, and plans for the City.

Essential Functions/ Job Competencies/ Physical Requirements

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Leads and supports the Planning Commission, Board of Adjustments and Historic, Re-districting Commission.

• Develops strong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.

• Promotes and implements transit-orientated and urban design principles.

• Supervises professional, technical, and clerical employees within the Planning Department; plans, schedules, and assigns work; instructs and trains in correct methods and procedures; checks and approves work; reviews and evaluates employee performance; interviews and hires staff.

• Establishes and carries out the mission, goals, and objectives for the department including long and short range planning, zoning enforcement, mapping, historic preservation in accordance with management and policy direction.

• Reviews plans and specifications for subdivision, commercial, and multi-family developments; processes requests for annexations, street and alley closings, and abandonments.

• Advises the City Manager on any matter affecting the physical development of the City; formulates and makes recommendations to the City Manager for a comprehensive plan; reviews and makes recommendations regarding proposed Council action implementing the adopted Comprehensive Plan pursuant to establish planning procedures; participates in the preparation and revision of the capital improvement program.

• Prepares and presents reports for City Council meetings concerning subdivision and development applications and other matters; reviews developments with department heads and utilities; prepares and presents reports for City Manager's review.

• Receives public input and establishes goals and objectives; develops and selects alternative solutions; reports on effectiveness and use of utilities, streets, solid waste, public protection, recreation, housing, and social services programs.

• Reviews programs from state and federal government for use in the City and communicates and makes presentation regarding legislative matters and program funding before state and federal agencies.

• Serves as the staff liaison for the Historic District/Landmark Board and the Board of Adjustments, and Planning and Zoning Commission.

• Prepares budget recommendations for the department; monitors expenditures during the year.

• Directs, oversees, prepares and reviews, as applicable, grant application submittals by the Department for the purpose of garnering transportation and related project/program funding and coordinates with other city departments in pursuit of the same, as may be determined to be necessary.

• Develops and reviews plans for capital projects.

• Represents the department and its work programs before policymakers, boards, commissions, community groups, and the general public, throughfare Redistricting Commission and urban re-design.

• Responsible for the issuance of utility connections within the City's ETJ.

• Will be required to drive a City vehicle for City business use.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, methods and regulations of comprehensive planning and administration, including forecasting and feasibility analysis and Smart and Form Based Codes.

• Knowledge of managerial and supervisory principles and practices, including planning, directing, supervising, achieving compliance, training, and performance evaluations.

• Knowledge of budgeting and finance.

• Knowledge of development, redevelopment, and platting processes.

• Knowledge of real estate terminology, laws, practices, principles, and regulations.

• Knowledge of historic preservation regulations and practices.

• Knowledge of floodplain management regulations and practices.

• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations as they apply to urban planning and development.

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to read and interpret zoning maps and legal descriptions.

• Ability to prepare and present a variety of concise written and oral reports.

• Ability to maintain good planning and organizational skills.

• Ability to use computer hardware and various software programs, including word processing, spreadsheet programs, GIS, and other technology applications used in the urban planning and development fields.

• Ability to comply and make independent decision in accordance with all City of Laredo's policies and procedures.

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing in the English language. Fluency also in the Spanish language is preferred.

• Ability to project a positive and professional image of the City of Laredo and deal courteously and diplomatically with the public.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective and harmonious professional relationships with City officials, boards, commissions, community groups and professionals, city staff, and the general public.

• Ability to speak and make presentations before elected officials, stakeholder groups, city staff and the general public with the ability to convey complex and technical information and invite open dialog.

• Ability to effectively demonstrate problem solving and negotiation skills.

• Ability to maintain a valid Texas Driver License and a good driving record.

• Ability to maintain good health and physical condition sufficient to permit the full performance of the duties of the position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Effort Requirements Position will have the following exposures

• Office or similar indoor environment, relatively free from unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards.

• Exerting up to 35 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects.

Work Environment Locations Position will require the employee to work in the following types of work environments

Seldom

• Street environment (near moving traffic)

• Confined space

• Warehouse environment

Sometimes

• Outdoor environment

• Construction site

Frequently

• Vehicles

Often

• Office or similar indoor environment

Exposures Position will require the employee to be exposed to the following environmental elements

Never

• Individuals with known violent backgrounds

• Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)

• Communicable diseases

• Fumes or airborne particles

• Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances

Sometimes

• Individuals who are hostile or irate

• Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)

• Loud noises (85+ decibels such as heavy trucks, jack hammers, construction)

Travel Position will require the employee to travel

Never:

• International travel

Seldom:

• Regional travel

Sometimes:

• National travel

Often

• Local travel

Minimum Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited* college or university in Planning, Public Administration, Business Administration with Management concentration, or related field. Master's degree in Planning accredited by the Planning Accredited Board (PAB) is preferred.

• At least seven (7) years of experience in professional planning, public administration, land development, real estate planning, or related field. Professional planning experience is strongly preferred.

• At least four (4) years of supervising experience

• Council of Higher Education (C.H.E.A)

Accredited by the Planning Accredited Board (PAB) is preferred.

Valid Licenses and Certifications

Required Licenses or Certifications

• None

Desirable Licenses or Certifications

• Certification by the Congress for New Urbanism (CNU)

The following Licenses and Certifications that must be obtained after employment. Continued employment is contingent on successfully obtaining required certification(s) and/or license(s) within the specified period of time indicated above from time of hire.

• Certification by the American Institute of Certified Planner (AICP) must be obtained within24 months of employment

Valid Texas Driver License. If applicant holds an out-of-state license, a State of Texas Driver License must be obtained within 6 months of employment.

As part of the minimum requirements for all positions with the City of Laredo, a thorough background check and certified school transcripts will be required from all applicants who are offered employment.

Effective February 24, 1997, all selected applicants are required to undergo a drug and alcohol test prior to employment.

Effective January 7, 2008, all persons in safety-sensitive functions/positions, as per City of Laredo Drug and Alcohol Policy definition, shall be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

A person with a disability who needs a reasonable accommodation related to a selection process is requested to contact the Human Resources Department at (956) 791-7480 two days prior to the scheduled interview and/or test if applicable.

City of Laredo is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled and Veteran Employer. We welcome differences in the form of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, geography, socioeconomic status, age, politics, religion, philosophy, sexual orientation, or gender identity. All applicants who share this goal are encouraged to apply. Must be able to function in a principle-based organization that has a culture built on character and core values.