Development Services Coordinator

City of Palm Desert•Palm Desert, CA

11d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Palm Desert is seeking a collaborative and solutions-driven professional to join its Development Services team as a Development Services Coordinator. This role is central to bringing impactful projects to life, thriving in a fast-paced environment and enjoying cross-departmental work. The position involves guiding complex development projects, improving processes, and delivering exceptional service to the community. The Development Services Coordinator serves as a senior-level technical lead and project coordinator within the Development Services Center, managing high-priority or complex development projects from initial intake through final approval. This role bridges day-to-day permit technician work with broader process optimization, technology implementation, and project coordination, aiming to improve operational efficiency, ensure cross-departmental coordination, and provide exceptional customer service to developers, residents, businesses, and partner agencies. The position ensures compliance with relevant laws, codes, ordinances, and regulations.

Requirements

Comprehensive knowledge of municipal planning, permitting, zoning, and development review processes.
Thorough understanding of applicable local, state, and federal codes, ordinances, and regulations related to development, business licensing, short-term rentals, and cannabis operations.
Proficiency in project coordination, process improvement methodologies, and change management principles.
Strong skills in providing exceptional public-facing customer service within a municipal government context.
Experience with permitting, licensing, and land management software systems.
Ability to track data, develop and analyze performance metrics, and generate detailed reports for management and stakeholders.
Familiarity with municipal government structure, interdepartmental workflows, and regulatory compliance.
Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and regulatory requirements.
Expertise in fee collection processes, budgeting, and financial reporting relevant to permitting and licensing services.
Effective conflict resolution skills to address inquiries, concerns, and complaints from the public, contractors, and other stakeholders.
Strong communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with architects, contractors, engineers, business owners, and internal teams.
Knowledge of automated permitting systems, including system modification, software implementation, and staff training on new tools and processes.
Understanding of confidentiality, ethics, and best practices in handling sensitive information in accordance with public records laws.
Ability to develop training materials and lead staff through software and process transitions while minimizing disruption.
Skilled in change management, ensuring successful adoption of new systems and continuous improvement initiatives.
Ability to prepare clear and concise documentation, training guides, and technical reports to support department operations.
Ability to interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, ordinances, and City policies relevant to planning, permitting, zoning, and development services.
Independently manage, coordinate, and improve permitting and development processes from application intake through final issuance, ensuring regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and timely completion.
Read, interpret, and explain provisions of building, land use, zoning, engineering, and environmental codes, as well as plans, maps, aerial photographs, and legal descriptions; evaluate project-specific characteristics and ensure conformance with applicable standards.
Analyze and evaluate workflows, identify process inefficiencies, and recommend and implement improvements that enhance service delivery and customer experience.
Review and ensure completeness, accuracy, and compliance of permit applications, construction documents, and development plans with applicable laws, regulations, and City requirements.
Lead cross-functional teams and serve as a liaison between departments, outside agencies, applicants, and stakeholders to facilitate permitting and resolve issues; communicate effectively with City Council members and other elected officials, demonstrating political acumen and professionalism.
Develop and monitor performance metrics and KPIs, compile and analyze data to identify trends, and prepare detailed administrative and technical reports and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
Train, mentor, and provide technical guidance to permit staff, ensuring consistency in application of codes, policies, procedures, and use of permitting systems.
Demonstrate proficiency in permit tracking systems, GIS platforms, Microsoft Office Suite, and other relevant software to manage data, analyze information, and support decision-making.
Compose and prepare well-organized, clear, and concise written materials, including reports, summaries, correspondence, and policy documents.
Exercise sound judgment and discretion in handling confidential or sensitive information and in resolving complex or escalated customer service issues.
Maintain accurate and detailed records and databases, perform precise arithmetic and statistical computations, and ensure document control and data integrity.
Prioritize and manage multiple projects and tasks under tight deadlines in a fast-paced, high-volume environment, demonstrating flexibility, initiative, and strong organizational skills.
Establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships with co-workers, applicants, contractors, elected officials, and external agencies; model professionalism and collaboration across all interactions.
Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in, public relations, business administration, planning, engineering, construction management, public administration, or a related field; AND Two (2) years of increasingly responsible experience in a municipal development, permitting, or planning environment with a focus on customer service and process coordination.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver’s license by the time of appointment may be required for certain assignments.

Nice To Haves

Experience with permitting or land management software is preferred.
ICC Permit Technician certification is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Provide advanced technical support within the Development Services Department, applying comprehensive knowledge of municipal permitting, licensing, business regulations, project management, and the expertise of a permit technician to efficiently process permits.
Independently manage high-priority or sensitive development applications from intake through final approval, ensuring compliance with applicable laws, codes, and regulations.
Deliver exceptional customer service and high-level support to internal teams, applicants, contractors, and external stakeholders throughout the development review and permitting processes.
Train, mentor, and guide staff on departmental procedures, software systems, and customer service best practices to enhance team effectiveness and ensure compliance with policies.
Implement and refine processes and procedures to improve operational efficiency, service delivery, and customer satisfaction, including continuous evaluation and adoption of best practices.
Lead or support cross-functional collaboration among City departments, external agencies, applicants, and contractors to facilitate timely and compliant project approvals.
Manage assigned high-priority or complex development projects from application intake through final approval, ensuring all regulatory requirements are met and work products are delivered within established timelines.
Establish project objectives, set milestones, and determine methodologies for efficient processing and review of permits, licenses, and development activities.
Utilize data analysis and performance metrics to monitor progress, evaluate service delivery, identify inefficiencies, and recommend improvements.
Oversee the use, configuration, and enhancement of permitting software and other technical systems to support departmental workflows and reporting needs.
Prepare detailed technical and administrative reports, correspondence, and presentations for management, City leadership, and external stakeholders.
Operate with minimal supervision, exercising sound judgment and independent decision-making while seeking guidance on novel or complex issues.
Maintain thorough knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, ordinances, and City policies to ensure compliance across all projects and services.
Participate in the development and monitoring of budgets, fee schedules, and resource allocation to support department goals.
Assist with conflict resolution, providing clear communication and effective solutions for inquiries and concerns raised by the public, contractors, and other stakeholders.
Contribute to a positive, collaborative team environment by fostering professional relationships and supporting colleagues across departments.
Participates in creating, establishing and monitoring the addressing system for both new and existing buildings.
Performs duties of a disaster services worker in event of an emergency.
Performs related duties as assigned.