Tlma Ombudsman (Agency Program Administrator)

The County of Riverside's Transportation Land Management Agency (TLMA) has an opportunity for an TLMA Ombudsman (Agency Program Administrator) who will be assigned to the Administration Division located in Palm Desert.

The incumbent in this position will provide direct assistance to members of the public on permitting-related activities and act as a liaison while working with various departments such as: Transportation, Fire, Environmental Health and other organizations. The candidate selected will also be tasked with long term project organization, agency wide case tracking, ensures the collection, recording and tracking of all applicable procurement and development mitigation fees and ensures the assigned program or special project meets legal requirements and the goals of the agency.  Additionally, the incumbent will help develop policies, procedures program specifications, strategic plans, system designs and reports related to an assigned area.

The Agency requires candidates to have experience with land use entitlement processes, issuing permits related to transportation and land management and have an understanding of the practices of public development process and services provided within TLMA and their associated offices, staff, Executive Office, Department Directors and the general public. 

The most competitive candidates will have experience with the following:  preparing cost analysis with Federal, State, and local agencies; analyzing funding option and recommending alternative methods of financing for program implementation; consulting on construction and service contracts; preparing and administering program budgets; and has handled difficult public relations problems related to TLMA activities.  Candidates that are proficient in reading, writing and speak English to Spanish are highly encourage to apply.

Please Note:  Flexible work schedule will be required.

Meet the Team!

The County of Riverside Transportation & Land Management Agency (TLMA) is the umbrella agency for six county departments. They are the Planning Department, Building & Safety Department, Transportation Department, Code Enforcement Department, Environmental Programs Department and the Administrative Services Department.

• Plan, organize and direct TLMA programs, services, and/or long-term projects; function in a liaison/advocate  capacity working closely with the offices of the Board of Supervisors, members of the community, private industry, other government agencies, and County departments to bring complex matters to conclusion.

• Participate in County and local events and provide assistance to communities by offering focused solutions or alternatives; coordinate with TLMA staff and other development-related departments and liaise items through to completion; develop and maintain close working relationships with staff involved in the development process so as to ensure a comprehensive and collaborative approach to compliance.

• Prepare project or program summaries and presentations for elected officials, County executives, and members of the public; attend public hearings and meetings, seminars, and workshops.

• Provide technical advisement to staff, or members of the public on the interpretation of TLMA directives, policies, and procedures; review, evaluate, and recommend ways to improve to TLMA systems, programs, policies, and procedures.

• May supervise, review, and evaluate the work of clerical/technical, para-professional, and professional staff depending on assignment; evaluate work performed by Agency staff to ensure that it meets County ordinance or other legal requirements; oversee coordination with cities, agencies, and the public on various technical or legal aspects of development-related programs and services.

• Ensure the assigned program(s) and/or special project(s) meet legal requirements and the goals of the Agency, and are accomplished in a timely and efficient manner; review and analyze legislative bills for effect on the operations and costs to the program or project, and recommend Agency position on passage; may draft legislative proposals and amendments.

• Develop policies, procedures, program specifications, strategic plans, system designs, and reports within area of responsibility; depending on assignment, ensure the collection, recording, and tracking of all applicable procurement and development mitigation fees.

• Prepare cost analyses or other documentation needed for  federal, state, and local governmental organizations; analyze funding options and recommend alternative methods of financing for program implementation; prepare and administer program or project budgets, and provide assistance in the development/oversight of regional office budgets as needed.

• Prepare and administer consultant, construction, and service contracts within areas of responsibility.

Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in business or public administration, planning, environmental sciences, engineering, or a related field to the assignment. (Additional qualifying experience may substitute for the required education on the basis of one year of full-time experience equaling 30 semester or 45 quarter units of the required education.)

Experience: Four years of technical, para-professional or professional experience functioning in a Public Works department/organization or closely related governmental entity, with responsibility for analyzing and making recommendations for projects, programs, services, or operational issues; providing direct customer service on land use issues; or in organizing and supervising the work of clerical, technical, para-professional, or professional staff. (Completion of a graduate degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for up to one year of the required experience.)

Public Works department/organization:   This includes transportation infrastructure (roads, bridges, public transit), water supply and management (treatment plants, distribution systems), public buildings (schools, libraries), utilities and energy (power grids, renewable energy), recreation and parks (parks, sports complexes), public safety facilities (fire and police stations), and waste management (landfills, recycling centers).

Knowledge of: The principles and practices of public and business administration and organizational analysis; the functions, programs, and services provided within the TLMA; functions and operations of governmental agencies and community organizations related to services provided within TLMA; principles and practices of building inspection, regional planning, plan review, permit issuance, and land use enforcement; laws, regulations, ordinances, and codes affecting building construction, zoning, regional planning, ordinance enforcement, and land use; governmental budgeting and financial best-practices; governmental legislation process; principles of supervision and staff utilization; modern office practices, forms, and equipment.

Ability to: Plan, organize, coordinate, and evaluate public work programs, projects, and studies; reach practical and logical conclusions and develop/implement solutions; coordinate project activities with management, elected officials and representatives of other agencies and departments; supervise the work activities of multi-disciplinary teams; direct a variety of systems, programs, organization, and financial analyses; analyze, interpret and explain detailed information such as the provisions of state statutes, local ordinances, contracts, and permits; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; write concise and accurate reports and correspondence; speak effectively; represent the Agency at events and meetings.

This recruitment is open to all applicants.

For specific questions regarding this position, contact Ebelyn Skinner at eskinner@rivco.org.