Planning Manager (Principal Planner)

Company: City of Pico Rivera
Location: Pico Rivera
Posted on: July 27, 2022

Job Description:

Description

PLANNING MANAGER (PRINCIPAL PLANNER)

Full-Time/At-Will

Open/Competitive

(Final Filing Date Updated)

The City of Pico Rivera's vision and values are to safeguard the public's trust through open and transparent business practices that consistently maintain our credibility of strong ethical stewardship of all resources. We strive to provide responsive and consistent customer service to the community and our employees; who we trust to always own the problem and solution of all our business challenges. We recognize that we must engage our workforce in productive and respectful dialogue as our success internally hinges on the dynamic and interdependent partnerships within; thus improving our chances of external success.

The goal is to positively impact our community by optimizing and engaging our workforce to improve the human experience and quality of life in the City of Pico Rivera. The City is committed to forging a model of 21st Century government to better serve the community and its employees. This involves designing an organizational framework that makes maximum use of the City's Department of Community and Economic Development and by establishing systems of communication that help the organization operate in a unified manner.

The Department

The Community and Economic Development Department is comprised of the Economic Development, Planning, Building and Safety, Housing, Emergency Services, Code and Parking Enforcement Divisions. The Economic Development Division strives to provide retail opportunities, create diverse job opportunities, and assists in the fiscal stability of the City. The Planning Division is responsible for reviewing proposed development for compliance with the City's Zoning Ordinance and General Plan and planning long range strategies. The Building and Safety Division ensures safe construction practices are followed according to federal, state, County and local standards. The Housing Division includes the federal Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Program and administration of the Community Development Block Grant. The Emergency Services Division staff ensures proper Emergency Operation Center training and that the City is prepared for natural or man-made disasters. The Code Enforcement Division is responsible for enforcing the municipal codes that relate to residential and business property maintenance standards. The Parking Enforcement Division enforces all parking laws in the California Vehicle Code and Municipal Code.

The Position

The Planning Manager (classified as a Principal Planner with the working title of Planning Manager) leads, supervises, plans, and coordinates in the Current and Long-range/Strategic Planning activities of the Planning Division. The Planning Manager performs complex, advanced, high-level professional planning and supervisory work. The Planning Manager provides lead direction and technical training for assigned Planners. This position is responsible for writing and managing current and citywide long-range planning efforts including municipal code updates, policy planning, processing of entitlements, design guidelines, General Plan, Specific Plans, grants, interdepartmental and regional planning partnerships, community engagement, managing consultants and other special planning projects and collaborative assignments. Assignments will be broad in scope and require the use of considerable independent judgment in making technical decisions and guiding work to completion. The ideal candidate possesses extensive professional planning experience, technical knowledge, has the ability to multi-task and can work in a fast paced environment.

City Hall is open Monday through Thursday 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM. Employees work a 4/10 schedule. This position could be required to work non-traditional hours including nights, early mornings, weekends, holidays based on special events, community meetings, and commission meetings (schedule may change based on the needs of the department).

Essential Duties

The ideal candidate will have the ability to perform the following essential tasks and duties:

* Plan, prioritize, assign, supervise, and participate in the work of staff responsible for providing day-to-day services and activities in the areas of current and advanced planning.
* Serve as project manager for multiple complex current planning projects, processing a variety of entitlements such as conditional use permits, variances, tract maps, precise plan of design, etc.
* Ensure over the counter planning permits and approvals are processed accurately and timely.
* Serve as the City's Long Range Planner; researching and making recommendations regarding zoning, land use, transportation, community facilities, demographic and economic projections, historic preservation, community appearance, community development, neighborhood planning, revitalization and other city initiatives.
* Write grants and complete projects for a variety of planning studies including specific plans, general plan element updates, economic development, etc.
* Negotiate, collaborate, and compromise to achieve land use and community development objectives as necessary and consistent with federal, state, county, and local laws.
* Prepare requests for proposals for technical consultant services; evaluate proposals; manage and oversees technical consultants' work products; ensure that deliverables are submitted on time and budget and that progress and payment requests are consistent with policy and contract provisions.
* Conduct plan check of improvement plans and maps related to development projects, as well as building permit-level plan submittals associated with complex projects to verify compliance with project approvals and zoning requirements; conduct over-the-counter plan check of less complex development proposals and land uses; approves minor development plans.
* Evaluate technical studies, including studies related to the National Environmental Policy Act, California Environmental Quality Act, Subdivision Map Act and other planning related laws.
* Keep informed of current trends in planning, including legislation, court rulings and new techniques; undertake studies and prepare reports and recommendations on anticipated needs and programs;
* Conduct and supervise outreach in the community; gathers data for implementing or evaluating current and advance planning projects.
* Attend meetings of the City Council, Planning Commission, various boards and committees; prepare and present staff reports; advise members and citizens on matters relating to planning activities, development, and ordinances.
* Assist in the development and administration of goals, objectives, policies, and procedures related to the division; drafts formalized policies and procedures with supervisory confirmation.
* Participate in and oversee the development and administration of departmental budgets; monitor revenues and expenditures; identify and recommend resolutions for budgetary problems.
* Provide technical training and motivate assigned personnel; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline as necessary.
* Foster and develop a culture of positive customer service in working relationships with key staff, division and departmental employees, other governmental organizations, and with external services such as consultants, citizens, legal counsel, boards, and commissions, and City Council.
* Ensure the maintenance of accurate and complete records of department activities and records relating to applications, licenses, permits, maps, parcels, overlays, zoning, GIS and site plans.
* Perform other duties as assigned.

Additionally, candidates must possess:

* An ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing and conduct effective presentations to various committees, advisory boards, and Planning Commission as directed; represent the City in numerous public meetings.
* Supervise assigned staff.
* Review and evaluate proposed and new legislation and coordinate the administrative regulations affecting planning and related activities as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

Theories and principles of urban planning, site planning, architectural planning, and landscape planning principles; advanced planning, current planning, and environmental planning principles, concepts and trends; planning principles and land use policies; City General Plan and California Environmental Quality Act; customer service techniques; safety procedures and practices; communication and public relations practices; pertinent laws and regulations; statutory reporting requirements; time management methods; conflict resolution methods; supervisory techniques; leadership techniques; work organization planning methods; theories and principles of occupational disciplines.

Skills:

Proper use of a personal computer/laptop/mobile device and other technologies; proficiency in specialized software programs including Microsoft Office Suite; skillset necessary to create and manage Department budget; and perform mathematical computations with ease.

Ability to:

Organize and prioritize multiple tasks; analyze and solve problems; research and interpret data; interpret laws and regulations; interpret standards and practices; assist with budget preparation; demonstrate effective interpersonal skills; use conflict resolution techniques; tracking and writing techniques; give effective oral and public presentations; represent the City at functions; follow oral and written instructions; work with minimal supervision; use project, records and time management techniques; initiate and complete performance evaluations; write reports; comply with required regulations; delegate tasks and manage projects; maintain confidentiality of non-public records; demonstrate effective leadership skills; manage capital improvement projects; review and interpret plans and specifications.

Education/Training/Experience:

* Bachelor's Degree in Urban and Regional Planning or a closely related field; college coursework/extension classes.
* Master's Degree desired.
* Supervisory and managerial training.
* Six (6) years of related experience in Municipal Planning and Community Development.
* Two (2) years of supervisory experience.
* Public contact experience and leadership experience.
* Budget/policy experience is desired.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this class, the employee is regularly required to sit; talk or hear, in person and by telephone; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate standard office equipment; and reach with hands or arms. The employee occasionally walks and stands and lifts and moves records and documents weighing 20 pounds or less.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

Mental Demands

While performing the duties of this class, the employee is regularly required to use oral and written communication skills; read and interpret data, information and documents; analyze and solve problems; observe and interpret data and situations; use math and mathematical reasoning; learn and apply new skills or information; perform highly detailed work on multiple concurrent tasks; work under changing and intensive deadlines with frequent interruptions; and interact with City officials, media, citizens groups, employees and others encountered in the course of work.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee works under typical office conditions, and the noise level is usually quiet. Licenses and Certifications

* Must possess a valid California Class C Driver's License throughout the course of employment. City employees are registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles, Employee Pull Notice Program.
* Proof of car insurance (to be eligible for mileage reimbursement).
* AICP designation or similar professional certification in planning practices.

Veteran's credit will amount to 10 points to be added to the interview score. Proof of honorable discharge must be submitted with the application materials in order to be eligible for veteran's credit. Veterans who wish to utilize this credit must have served on a full-time basis (not reserve or auxiliary) in the armed forces for a minimum of six months (180 days).

TESTING: Written Exam- Qualifying; Oral Interview- 100%

Candidates must pass a written examination with a minimum passing score of 70% in order to proceed to the oral interview. Depending on the number of successful candidates, the City may consider only the top-ranking candidates for the oral interviews.

FINAL FILING DATE:

Recruitment will remain open until a sufficient number of applications have been received and may close without prior notice. Selection of applicants will be on a first come, first served basis. As employment applications are received, they will be immediately reviewed.

SELECTION PROCESS:

All application materials must be submitted online prior to the final filing date. Based on a review of application materials, the best qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the testing process to further evaluate their job-related experience, education, knowledge, skills and abilities. Resumes will be accepted in addition to, but not in lieu of, the required application materials (such as a copy of high school diploma, G.E.D. equivalent, and/or typing certificate, if applicable). This is a competitive process; therefore, be thorough in your responses. All statements made on the application are subject to verification. False statements will be cause for disqualification, removal from the Eligibility List, or discharge from employment.

For more information regarding this recruitment, please email Human Resources, at bandrade@pico-rivera.org.

COVID Vaccination Requirement

To ensure the safety and well-being of our community the City of Pico Rivera requires that all employees and interns are vaccinated or have been approved for a qualifying medical or religious exemption and provide a weekly negative COVID-19 screening test result.

Physical/Background Check

Upon conditional offer the selected candidate will be subject to background and reference checks and will be required to satisfactorily complete a post offer physical examination including a drug screen at the City's expense.

At-will Classification

Members in this job classification are considered at-will employees and serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.

Emergency Disaster Worker

City employees are registered as an Emergency Disaster Worker and must take an oath. In the event of a declared emergency, City employees shall initially remain at work, or if recalled, shall report to work after completing critical personal and family emergency responsibilities.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Pico Rivera is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, disability (mental and physical), legally protected medical condition (genetic characteristics), marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other bases protected by federal law (including but not limited to Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the American with Disabilities Act of 1990) state or local law. The City of Pico Rivera does not discriminate or any other basis protected by law, in its employment policies or practices.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance

The City of Pico Rivera provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals under ADA, considering each situation on an individual basis. Individuals with qualified disabilities who need reasonable accommodation during the selection process must specify the accommodation needed, in writing, for the application and/or interview phase. If you have questions, please contact the Human Resources Department staff: lnajera@pico-rivera.org.

City of Pico Rivera Human Resources, 6615 Passons Blvd., Pico Rivera CA 90660

Mid Management and Professional & Confidential Representation - This classification is represented by City Employees Associates (CEA) under the Pico Rivera Mid-Managers and Professional, and Confidential Employees Association (PRPCEA). Membership optional.

Paid Vacation - 88 hours after one year, 128 hours after 5 years, 168 hours after 10 years, and 208 hours after 20 or more years of service.

Management/Administrative Leave - This classification may be eligible for 60 hours of administrative leave per fiscal year.

Sick Leave - 105 hours per year with the employee having the option to accumulate a maximum of 800 hours or receive pay each July for unused portion accumulated in the preceding fiscal year.

Retirement - Employees are covered under the State of California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) at the 2% at 60 formula for current CalPERS members and 2% at 62 for new CalPERS members as defined by AB340 (PEPRA). Classic (current City employees) members 2.5% at 55. New employees to CalPERS pay 6.25% of the employees' portion to CalPERS. Current CalPERS members (Tier II) pay 7% of employee's portion to CalPERS. PERS determines whether an employee is a Classic or New PERS member.

The City does not contribute to Social Security.

Holidays - The City observes eleven (11) holidays.

4/10 Schedule- Monday through Thursday.

Insurance - The City offers CalPERS health benefits to all full time employees. The City will pay 100% of the health insurance premiums for full-time employees and their qualified dependents, but not to exceed the Kaiser HMO premium. Employees may choose a different CalPERS health care provider offered by the City, however, any cost greater than the Kaiser HMO premium rate shall be paid by the employee through payroll deductions.

* Multiple CalPERS Medical plans to choose from or Cash In-Lieu of Benefits (amount shall be paid at 80% of the Kaiser HMO-level, published by CalPERS for 2017).
* Dental Insurance (3 plans to choose from), at no cost to the employee selecting HMO dental plan.
* Vision Insurance- at no cost to the employee.
* Group Life Insurance ($100,000 life insurance policy), at no cost to the employee.
* Short Term Disability Insurance, at no cost to the employee.
* Long Term Disability Insurance, at no cost to the employee.

Pre-Tax Dependent Care and Healthcare Flexible Spending Account: Employees may specify a dollar amount annually to be deducted from their earnings to pay for qualifying dependent care and/or eligible medical expenses on a pre-tax basis.

Credit Union - Credit Union membership is available.

Deferred Compensation- Empower Retirement is available for employee contribution only.

The City of Pico Rivera is an equal opportunity employer and supports workforce diversity.

Keywords: City of Pico Rivera, Pico Rivera , Planning Manager (Principal Planner), Executive , Pico Rivera, California