The City of Salinas is seeking a collaborative, creative, and emotionally intelligent leader to serve as Chief of Planning. The ideal candidate must have the ability to engage and affect action and response as well as manage sensitive situations effectively. This position will provide department and Director support through the management of the Advanced Planning and Project Implementation and Current Planning divisions. The ideal candidate will be a solution-oriented team leader with extensive experience in strategic planning, organizational development, team building, mentoring, and project management with experience working in a community development division or department with demonstrated experience in managing at least one of the following areas: advanced planning, current planning, plan review, permitting, and community development project implementation. This recruitment is open until filled. Apply today!

An additional Educational Achievement premium of 2.5% will be paid for a Bachelor's degree plus 2.5% for a job-related graduate degree. Click here for a complete list of benefits.

Summary of Duties: Under general direction of the Community Development Director plans, organizes, directs, and manages all City planning, permitting, and environmental review programs and activities in the advanced and current planning divisions and serves as technical advisor to the Planning Commission and Historic Resources Board.

Distinguishing Characteristics: The Chief of Planning exercises a broad range of independence within policy parameters while performing responsible and innovative administrative and division management in support of the City’s goals and objectives, under minimal supervision. This classification is distinguished from Division Managers within the Community Development Department by its oversight of, and lead role in, overall department operations. It is further distinguished from the Community Development Director who assumes overall responsibility for all aspects of the Community Development Department.

Supervision Received and Exercised: General direction is received from the Community Development Director. Exercises direct or indirect supervision of divisions, programs and staff within the Community Development Department which may include management, supervisory, professional, technical, and clerical personnel.

Essential Job Functions

Plans, organizes, and directs assigned staff engaged in the development, administration, and maintenance of the City General Plan and Zoning Code for regional planning, community design, and land use laws and regulations.
Oversees the preparation, implementation, and amendment of City plans and codes including, but not limited to, the General Plan, Specific Plans, community plans, and Zoning Code as well as the overall Development Review and Commercial Cannabis processes, including all City planning, permitting, and zoning activities and all levels of environmental review.
Coordinates divisional activities with other City departments, local, state and federal jurisdictions, other related agencies, and the public to promote a uniform and comprehensive approach.
Directs current and long-range planning resource allocation.
Represents assigned divisions and Department to the public, other City departments, City Council, Planning Commission, developers, businesses, and others on behalf of Director as assigned; conducts and attends a variety of committee, commission, and staff related meetings.
Responsible for overseeing and managing Planning Commission and Historic Resources Board, including signing related resolutions.
Directs large-scale, high impact projects and ensures successful project delivery on time, within budget, and in accordance with quality standards.
Prepares and implements related divisional policies, procedures, and standards; provides expertise to ensure compliance and enforcement of federal, state, and City codes, ordinances, and regulations.
Negotiates and develops contractual agreements and memorandums of understanding.
Builds partnerships to promote viable, livable, and sustainable communities.
Works collaboratively with property owners, project developers, utility officials, public officials, and other interested persons concerning planning and zoning.
Implements a solution-oriented approach; resolves conflict and complex planning issues with independent judgement; effectively resolves citizen complaints or concerns which cannot be resolved by other Division Managers or staff members and regards exceptional public service as a fundamental way of operating.
Identifies opportunities and risks through market and community analysis. Develops creative, cost-effective solutions for housing and land use challenges.
Assists in the preparation of the department’s budget including general, capital improvement, and grant funds.
Reviews and evaluates planning programs and objectives and anticipates future needs; makes recommendations on operational activities; develops, encourages, and manages continuous improvement processes.
Remains informed on current trends and ensures City compliance with practices in the planning field, including legislation, court rulings, and professional practices and techniques.
Prepares and presents reports and presentations to the City Council and other City Boards and Commissions, and various public and private groups as may be required.
Demonstrates open and direct communication with peers, subordinates, and the public.
Supervises assigned department staff; assigns work activities, projects, and programs; monitors workflow; and reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures.
Recommends the appointment of personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; conducts performance evaluations; implements discipline procedures as required; maintains discipline and high standards necessary for the efficient and professional operation of the department.
Creates effective and service-oriented teams and empowers staff.
May act on behalf of the Director in his/her absence.
Acts as City Planner.
Promotes and maintains safety in the workplace.
Performs other duties assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:

Modern and highly complex organizational, management, and leadership principles and practices
Principles, methods, and practices of financial management and budgetary processes and procedures including resource allocation
Principles, practices, methods, and current trends involved in planning administration and management
Techniques used in the development of general plans and environmental impact documents
Political and legal aspects of City planning
Principles and practices of supervision, training, and problem-solving techniques
Effective techniques and methods of leadership, management, mentoring, empowerment, and teamwork to effectively supervise and evaluate staff
Federal, state, and City regulations pertinent to City planning, permitting, zoning, environmental control, and land use; specifically, the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the California Subdivision Map Act, and the Uniform Building Code
Operations and functions of City government and interrelationships with other agencies
Related computer software applications and standard office software
Advanced research techniques, methods, and procedures

Skill In

Selecting, supervising, training, evaluating, disciplining, mentoring, and coaching employees
Analyzing problems, identifying alternative solutions, projecting outcomes, and implementing recommendations in support of goals
Developing comprehensive strategic plans for present and future departmental services
Forecasting and planning for future needs
Properly interpreting and applying pertinent laws, regulations, ordinances, and policies
Preparing and administering a budget
Making effective presentations to the City Council, various boards and commissions, community groups and the public
Exercising sound and independent judgment, tact, creativity, resourcefulness, and leadership in dealing with the public, City officials, commissions, and boards, outside agencies, businesses, and other City departments
Gaining cooperation through discussion and persuasion
Public speaking and communicating clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing
Promoting the mission, values, and standards of an effective public organization; particularly in the area of customer service

Ability To

Maintain and exhibit discretion, honesty, and integrity when handling sensitive situations
Participate in a collaborative and positive manner with internal and external stakeholders
Support and promote the City Manager and City Council’s policies, goals, and vision
Work well under the urgency of deadlines and effectively manage time
Effectively apply City, department, and division policies, procedures, rules and regulations, terminology, information systems and standards in the performance of assigned duties
Plan and direct a comprehensive Planning operation
Formulate policies and procedures designed to provide effective and efficient public service levels
Determine appropriate research methodology for project studies and ensure analysis is complete and accurate
Serve as technical and strategic advisor on planning, permitting, zoning, and environmental review activities of the City

Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Urban and Regional planning, Natural Resource Management, Landscape Architecture, Geography, Environmental Science, Engineering, or a closely related field. A Master’s degree in a Land Use discipline or Public Administration or other closely related field is highly desirable.

Experience: Six (6) years of increasingly responsible experience in the general management of land use planning and/or permitting, including at least three years of experience as a division manager.

Certifications: American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Certification highly desired.

Supplemental Information

Physical Demands and Working Conditions: This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to twenty-five pounds. Travel for training, meetings, and workshops. May be required to work evenings and weekends.

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions. Employees may interact with disgruntled staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Employee must complete SB 1343 Sexual Harassment Prevention Training within six months of appointment and every two years thereafter.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills which may be required.

For questions, please contact Patricia Peñaloza, Human Resources Manager, at (831) 758-7416 or patricia.penaloza@salinas.gov

Veteran’s Preference: A veteran is defined in accordance with California Government Code 18540.4. In order to exercise this preference, the veteran must submit the City’s Veteran’s Preference Application and provide a copy of the DD-214 form at time of application as proof of military status. Failure to submit the required forms will be deemed a waiver of veteran's preference. Military veterans shall be given preference in initial appointment to City service. Further details can be obtained from the Human Resources Department, at 831-758-7254.

Public Employee Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, all City of Salinas employees are required to perform assigned disaster service worker duties in the event of an emergency or a disaster.

Selection Process: Applicants’ qualifications will be evaluated based on the information provided on the employment application. The exam process may consist of an application appraisal, oral interview, assessment center and/or written exam. The City reserves the right to use alternate testing procedures if deemed necessary. CITY COMMUNICATION REGARDING THE SELECTION PROCESS WILL BE VIA E-MAIL. PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU HAVE ACCESS TO THE E-MAIL ON YOUR APPLICATION.Finalist interview/assessment will be held with the City of Salinas.

Equal Opportunity Employer: The City of Salinas does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor. The City of Salinas makes reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with a disability. Individuals requiring any accommodation in order to participate in the testing process must inform the Human Resources Director in writing no later than the final filing date stated in this job announcement. Requests for accommodation should include an explanation of the type and extent of accommodations needed to participate in the selection process and/or to perform the duties of the job for which they have applied. EEO Utilization Report is available for candidate review upon request.

Salary Steps: The following applies for Full-Time Regular positions only. Appointments are normally made at the first step. Consideration is given for increase to the second step after successful completion of the probationary period. (Employees appointed at a higher step will be eligible for consideration for the next step after one year, providing they successfully complete a probationary period.)

For a complete listing of benefits, please click here to visit the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for this position.

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