Director of Development

Archuleta County•Pagosa Springs, CO

5d•$82,954 - $115,544•Onsite

About The Position

Under general direction from the County Manager, this position manages, coordinates, and directs the County's planning efforts, including strategic planning, community comprehensive planning, and long-range land use planning. The role encompasses acting as a technical planner, land use compliance officer, zoning administrator, floodplain manager, and economic development facilitator. A primary function is to serve as a community liaison, assisting, advising, and administering County rules and regulations, as well as other applicable local regulations and State laws, with a focus on land use policy, community visioning, and plan implementation. The position requires broad knowledge of the practical and lawful application of rules and regulations to provide proper advice to potential applicants. It also involves service delivery to both external and internal customers, aiming for mutually agreeable and beneficial outcomes.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in planning, public administration, urban or regional planning or closely related field.
At least five years of experience in the planning & development profession.
Knowledge of principles and practices of strategic planning and community comprehensive planning.
Knowledge of land use planning theory, policy development, and implementation.
Knowledge of growth management strategies and long-range planning tools.
Thorough knowledge of planning and development and local government policies and procedures.
Thorough knowledge of specialization such as zoning, land use law, transportation, and economic development.
Knowledge of research methods and statistical principles related to growth and development.
Knowledge of methods and techniques of effective technical report preparation and presentation.
Knowledge of pertinent State and local laws, codes and regulations including recent changes.
Understanding and application of basic environmental engineering concepts such as drainage, simple hydrology, and erosion.
Knowledge of principles and practices of supervision, training and personnel management.
Knowledge of budgeting procedures.
Knowledge of recent developments, current literature and sources of information related to local governmental planning and administration.
Knowledge of local government procedures and practices.
Knowledge of citizen involvement techniques and processes.
Knowledge of economic development incentives and attraction of new or expanding business as well as retention of existing businesses.
Knowledge of computer hardware and software programs, which may include Microsoft Office, Internet applications, econometric or transportation modeling, database management, or GIS.
Ability to be detail-oriented and experienced in sometimes highly visible/controversial projects.
Capable of managing multiple, high-priority assignments.
Strong interpersonal skills to develop good working relationships both internally and externally at various levels, and to resolve complaints.
Strong analytical skills to interpret research data for reports and extract locally appropriate techniques for practical situations.
Reading comprehension to understand technical and legal materials.
Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously.
Ability to provide effective supervision and staff management.
Ability to manage projects effectively and meet firm deadlines.
Requires frequent moderate lifting/carrying (up to 49 pounds) and occasional heavy lifting/carrying (50 pounds and over).
Requires frequent standing, sitting, pushing/pulling, bending/stooping, twisting, kneeling, squatting.
Ability to conduct activities requiring climbing, stooping, kneeling/bending, crawling, twisting and reaching on a moderate to substantial basis.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth deception and the ability to adjust focus.
Requires full range of peripheral vision to monitor multiple computer systems.
Requires full range of hearing to monitor multiple radio and telephone systems.
Ability to hear and conduct routine conversation and to distinguish various signals and radio transmissions.
Ability to hear a wide range of sounds, to distinguish type of sound and where it originates.
Ability to work with hands above shoulder height or arms extended at shoulder height.
The employee is required to use hand to finger, handle, grasp or feel objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms, talking in person and via telephone or radio.
This position is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, run or crouch.
Requires repetitive movement's standard in office-related activities such as typing, and sitting and standing.

Nice To Haves

Three to four years of supervisory experience is preferred.
American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification a plus but not required.
Certification as a Flood Plain Administrator preferred.

Responsibilities

Leads and coordinates County strategic planning initiatives related to growth, land use, and community development.
Directs the development, implementation, and periodic update of the County's Comprehensive Plan and related sub-area or master plans.
Provides professional guidance on land use policy, zoning regulations, and long-range planning initiatives to support the County's vision and goals.
Performs and manages complex and sensitive professional planning projects, research and analysis, including long-range, comprehensive, and land use planning efforts.
Monitors and ensures compliance with local and state laws.
Oversees specialized planning functions such as large-scale new development proposals, land use applications, and environmental studies.
Provides overall management of division-related planning issues.
Advises County Manager, boards, commissions and elected officials in planning-related issues.
Serves as liaison and performs all necessary functions in support of Planning Commission.
Assigns work to planning staff and ensures appropriate training is provided.
Evaluates operations and activities of assigned responsibilities.
Prepares reports on operations and activities, recommending improvements and modifications.
Facilitates economic development projects and assists in promoting the County's economic development initiatives.
Participates in budget preparation and administration; monitors and controls expenditures.
Attends substantial number of evening and weekend meetings.
Reviews proposed development in Special Flood Hazard Areas and issues floodplain development permits in compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program; maintains files and records to ensure compliance with State and Federal agencies.
May serve as a representative of the County with local, state, and federal agencies and organizations to accomplish the goals and carry out the priorities of the County.
Performs other related duties as assigned.