Assistant Manager, Planning

City of Pontiac•Pontiac, MI

About The Position

Under the direction of the Planning Manager, the Assistant Manager, Planning will assist with the daily oversight and special assignments of staff within the Planning and Zoning Division and with the coordination and supervision of its operations and activities. Duties delegated or assigned by the Planning Manager are carried out with moderate independence and latitude. This is a hands-on management position that will work closely with the Planning Manager and Planning and Zoning Division staff, with a daily focus on customer service, staffing, project management and mentoring. The incumbent in this position will also work side by side with the Building Safety, Economic Vitality and Housing Vitality Divisions, to ensure the achievement of Department and City of Pontiac goals.

Requirements

Five (5) years of increasingly responsible professional urban planning experience including two (2) years of administrative and supervisory experience with a public agency.
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in urban planning, geography, or a related field.
Possession of an appropriate, valid driver's license.
Operational characteristics, services and activities of a planning program.
Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of planning programs, policies and operational needs.
Modern and complex principles and practices of planning program development and administration.
Planning theory, principles and practices and their application to a wide variety of planning projects.
Principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration.
Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation.
Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations.
Methods and techniques of effective technical report preparation and presentation.
Quantitative and statistical analysis.
Recent developments, current literature and sources of information related to urban planning.
Safe driving principles and practices.
Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and software.
Operate a motor vehicle safely.
Manage, direct and coordinate the work of professional, technical, and administrative support personnel.
Select, supervise, train and evaluate staff.
Provide administrative and professional leadership and direction for the Planning and Zoning Division.
Recommend and implement goals, objectives, and practices for providing effective and efficient planning services.
Prepare and administer budgets.
Prepare clear and concise administrative reports.
Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of planning goals.
Research, analyze and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures and techniques.
Identify, coordinate and resolve a wide variety of interests in the development of land use policy.
Analyze site design, terrain constraints, circulation, land use compatibility, utilities and other urban services.
Ensure program compliance with Federal, State and local rules, laws and regulations.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Nice To Haves

A Master’s degree is desirable.
Possession of AICP certification is desirable

Responsibilities

Assist in the management of the Planning and Zoning Division including preparation and administration of the City's Master Plan and Zoning Ordinance.
Assist in the management and participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned programs; recommend, within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; recommend and administer policies and procedures.
Assist in the monitoring and evaluation of the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assess and monitor work load, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships.
Plan, direct, coordinate, and review the work plan for the Planning and Zoning Division; meet with staff to identify and resolve problems.
Assign work activities, projects and programs; monitor work flow; review and evaluate work products, methods and procedures.
Provide responsible staff assistance to the Director of Community Development and to the Planning Commission.
Prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
Develop and review staff reports related to planning; present reports to the Planning Commission, City Council and other commissions, committees and boards.
Perform a variety of public relations and outreach work related to planning activities.
Conduct a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies.
Recommend modifications to planning programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate.
Review and analyze development plans for compliance with the general plan, zoning and other City regulations and policies.
Review use permits, subdivisions, rezoning requests, variances, and other land use entitlements. Administer provisions of the Michigan Environmental Protection Act (MEPA), the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA), and various other environmental planning activities.
Confer with engineers, developers, architects, a variety of agencies and the general public in acquiring information and coordinating planning and zoning matters.
Provide information regarding City development requirements.
Attend public hearings.
Confer with City officials as well as the public on City planning activities.
Participate in a variety of boards and commissions.
Attend and participate in professional group meetings.
Stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of urban planning.
Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.