Planning Manager

City of South Pasadena•South Pasadena, CA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Under administrative direction, to manage, supervise and coordinate the assigned activities and operations within the Planning and Community Development Department including processing current planning applications, advanced planning functions, capital projects, and environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act; Coordinates assigned activities with other divisions, outside agencies, and the general public; and provides highly responsible and complex staff assistance to the Community Development Director. This position is distinguished from the Associate Planner and Senior Planner level by its management of a variety of administrative and support functions of the highest complexity. A person in this position has the ability to manage special projects, which typically requires substantial knowledge of the department's operations.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in public administration or policy, urban planning/design preferred, or a related field.
At least five years of increasingly responsible analytical and administrative experience with a government agency, preferably within a municipal setting.
Knowledge of operational characteristics, services, and activities of a planning department.
Knowledge of principles and practices of program development and administration.
Knowledge of theories, principles, procedures, standards, practices, information sources and trends in the fields of current and advanced planning.
Knowledge of land use, physical design, demographic, environmental, and social/economic concepts as applied to municipal planning.
Knowledge of statistical analysis techniques related to municipal planning.
Knowledge of application, modification, and inter-relationships among ordinances, policies, standards, procedures and practices associated with the planning function.
Knowledge of applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations, including state planning laws, zoning, Subdivision Map Act, and California Environment Quality Act (CEQA).
Knowledge of terminology, symbols, methods, and techniques used in planning and planning exhibits such as site plans, grading plans and architectural elevations.
Knowledge of local government organization and the functions and practices of a municipal planning unit.
Knowledge of research methods and statistical techniques and applications.
Knowledge of office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, and databases.
Knowledge of principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration.
Knowledge of principles and practices of supervision, training and performance evaluation.
Ability to oversee and participate in the management of a comprehensive planning program including current and advanced planning activities and projects.
Ability to oversee, direct, and coordinate the work of lower-level staff.
Ability to select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff.
Ability to participate in the development and administration of division goals, objectives, and procedures.
Ability to prepare and administer program budgets.
Ability to prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports.
Ability to perform and coordinate technical current, advanced, and project-planning activities, such as the collection, analysis, and preparation of reports and recommendations pertaining to complex issues.
Ability to interpret laws, policies, procedures, regulations, maps, specifications, census data, site and building plans, graphs and other statistical data.
Ability to direct the preparation of visual displays, such as maps, graphs, and statistical charts.
Ability to exercise sound independent judgment within departmental guidelines.
Ability to represent the City effectively in meetings with commissions, community groups, governmental bodies, the media, and the public.
Ability to conduct analyses and make accurate recommendations based on study findings.
Ability to independently complete a variety of assignments.
Ability to prioritize multiple work projects and meet deadlines.
Ability to display a strong work ethic, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to foster effective working relationships with City Council, City Departments.
Ability to operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Possession of a valid Class “C” California Driver’s License.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in urban planning/design or a related field.
A minimum of one year of supervisory experience, including work delegation, performance review, and mentoring.
Experience with historic preservation.

Responsibilities

Assume management responsibility for assigned services and activities of the Planning Division including current and advanced planning functions, programs, and services; review and process community development, environmental, and planning projects and applications to ensure consistency with policies and procedures; oversee public counter services, permitting, and plan check review.
Manage and participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies and priorities for assigned programs; recommend and administer policies and procedures.
Monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; recommend, within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; identify and recommend opportunities for improvement.
Plan, direct, coordinate and review the work plan for planning staff; assign work activities, projects and programs; review and evaluate work products, methods and procedures; meet with staff to identify and resolve problems.
Assists the Community Development Director in planning, developing, overseeing and administering the Department’s objectives, policies, programs, procedures and services, including organizing, managing, and providing administrative direction and oversight for major functions and activities.
Researches, analyzes and interprets data collected, and makes recommendations on potential programs; prepares and administers budgets; draft RFPs/RFQs and selects consultants/contractors; coordinates administrative activities for a variety of City programs.
Select, train, motivate and evaluate planning personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline and termination procedures; oversee the work of contractors and consultants.
Assures the systematic implementation of the General Plan for the City; meets with developers, engineers, property owners, contractors, and other agencies to discuss project proposals, pre-applications, feasibility analysis, and/or status of development projects; responds to and/or assists with resolving difficult and sensitive public inquiries and complaints.
Prepares, reviews and presents staff report to the City Council, Planning Commission, and boards and other commissions, and assists with maintaining official department files; coordinates committee activities, meetings, and related responsibilities; represents the City with other government agencies and community groups.
Participates in the development and administration of the annual budget; participates in the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitors and approve expenditures; implements adjustments.
Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of planning and community development.
Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.