PROJECT PLANNING OFFICER (CURRENT PLANNING OFFICER)

City of Long Beach (CA)•Long Beach, CA

51d•$155,567

About The Position

Under general direction of the Planning Bureau Manager, the Project Planning Officer (Current Planning Officer) is responsible for overseeing the operation of the Project Planning Division by providing day-to-day direction to and supervision of the professional and support staff within the division. The successful candidate will be a highly organized professional who is familiar with entitlement review processes, project management, zoning ordinances, coastal development requirements, site planning, design review and environmental compliance.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited institution with a Bachelor's degree in Planning, Public Administration, or a closely related field
Three (3) years of paid, progressively responsible, full-time experience in municipal planning/community development.
One (1) year of the required experience must have been gained in a supervisory capacity supervising professional staff involved in planning and zoning activities.

Nice To Haves

American Institute of Certified Planners (ACIP) certification is desired.
A valid Class C driver's license and proof of auto insurance are required. Position will be required to attend evening meetings, such as Planning Commission meetings (twice a month) and occasional City Council and/or community meetings.
Considerable knowledge of and experience reviewing and processing development projects.
Knowledge and experience with improving site plans including related to project design, circulation and compatibility with city plans and policies.
Ability to balance competing priorities and bring projects to resolution.
Experience guiding others to process entitlements and planning permit applications.
Considerable knowledge in reading, interpreting maps, plans, and specifications.
Considerable knowledge of reading, interpreting, applying and writing Zoning Codes and Zoning Code Amendments.
Knowledge of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Superior customer service and interpersonal skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Lifelong learner.
Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
Strong ability to coach, empower, and develop staff and provide structure for the Division.
Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally.
Ability to analyze information and consistently make sound decisions.
Highly organized multi-tasker.
Ability to efficiently and effectively interact, communicate, and coordinate work efforts within and across bureaus/departments.
Always maintain a high level of professionalism and conduct business in an ethical manner.
Committed to equitable planning and management practices.
Creative, strategic thinker.
Ethical and integrity based.

Responsibilities

Oversee a group of professional planners to review and process requests to develop and redevelop public and private property in the City.
Make recommendations for improving site plans including related to project design, circulation and compatibility with city plans and policies.
Provide guidance and training to aid staff in their review of development projects, entitlement requests, and to improve project proposals and support effective project management.
Provide information and answer questions from the public regarding general plan and zone designations (Zoning Maps), permitted land uses, entitlement processes, procedures and requirements.
Provide professional planning advice to project applicants and members of the public seeking project information.
Collaborate with the Long Range Planning Officer to maintain, update, and implement policies and development standards within the City's General Plan, specific plans, zoning ordinance, certified Local Coastal Plan and planned development districts.
Provide guidance and develop feasible solutions for complex, highly visible, sensitive, and/or controversial projects.
Participate in hiring, onboarding, training and mentoring professional planning and support staff for the Planning Bureau.
Improve systems for project review and for providing information to the public, including through development of new service delivery methods and by participating in the development and implementation of a new Enterprise Land Management (ELM) software being prepared for deployment.
Collaborate with the other Current Planning Officer (Zoning Administrator) on implementation of records management practices and procedures.
Provide guidance for and administer various capital improvement plan projects, analyze planning issues and make appropriate recommendations.
Determine project priorities/schedules, and manage project resources to completion.
Provide professional recommendations and information support to the City Council, Planning Commission and City Management.
Interpret provisions of the City's land use plans, zoning ordinances and associated state and federal regulations for staff, City Council, Planning Commission, developers and the public.
Regularly attend and staff Planning Commission meetings and attend City Council meetings and community meetings as necessary.
May act as the Zoning Administrator at noticed public hearings, and
Other related duties as assigned.