Assistant Director of Planning

Salary : $129,156.00 - $173,532.00 Annually

Location : City of Palm Springs, CA

Job Type: Full Time - Regular

Job Number: Planning - 0824

Department: Planning

Opening Date: 08/28/2024

Closing Date: Continuous

Position Summary

THE CITY: Palm Springs, located in the Coachella Valley, is known for its luxurious yet relaxed lifestyle. Picture waking up to fresh air, surrounded by palm trees, and enjoying stunning mountain views. This city offers a perfect blend of nature and modern living for both residents and visitors. Palm Springs is ideal for families, offering numerous parks, gardens, and nature reserves for leisurely activities and wildlife encounters. With a wide range of attractions and events, there's always something fun for everyone in the family. To see the exciting things going on visit the website. The City of Palm Springs is committed to cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace, from policies to inclusive healthcare, and making people of various backgrounds feel welcome and supported. To view our recent Human Rights Campaign, visit the website.

THE POSITION: Under the general administrative direction of the Director of Planning Services; direct, manage, supervise, participate, and coordinate the activities and operations relating to the work of staff responsible for the activities and operations of the Planning Services Division including land use planning, zoning, design review, and related activities; ensure work quality and adherence to established policies and procedures is maintained; perform the more technical and complex tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility; provide highly responsible and complex professional assistance to the Director and other City staff in areas of expertise; and perform related duties and assignments as required.

As a member of the City's unclassified service, this is an "at-will" position, and the incumbent serves at the discretion of the City Manager.

Examples of Essential and General Responsibilities

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Plan, prioritize, direct, and participate in the planning permit processes; ensure development plans conform to the City's General Plan, Zoning Ordinance, Municipal Code, and other applicable laws, regulations, standards, and procedures.
• Administer and manage compliance with development permits relating to residential, business and public buildings.
• Manage special projects such as those requiring specialized expertise, interdepartmental coordination, and/or community engagement on sensitive issues.
• Assess and interpret a large number of State, regional, and local mandatory documents, including the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), State planning law, General Plan, Municipal Code, Zoning Ordinance, and other applicable codes and regulations.
• Assume full management responsibility for all division services and activities including land use planning and related activities; recommend and administer policies and procedures.
• Assist and participate in the development and administration of the department budget; assist in the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; review expenditures and request budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary.
• Assist in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards; review recommendations and actions of staff and resolve issues and concerns.
• Develop, recommend, and establish, within City policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; allocate resources accordingly.
• Plan, direct, and manage the division's work plan and staff; assign projects and programmatic areas of responsibility; review and evaluate work methods and procedures; meet with staff to identify and resolve highly sensitive and/or complex problems.
• Train, motivate, and evaluate assigned personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline and termination procedures.
• Conduct a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies; recommend modifications to financial programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate; prepare and present staff reports, memos, documents, and other necessary correspondence.
• Represent the division, as assigned, to other departments, elected officials and outside agencies; coordinate assigned activities with those of other departments, vendors, and outside agencies and organizations.
• Participate in citywide programs and initiatives as assigned; meet with City staff and provide guidance on department programs; serve as staff on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees.
• Explain, justify, and defend programs, policies and activities; respond to and resolve sensitive and controversial internal and external concerns, questions, and problems; contact departments involved; provide direction and assistance as necessary to correct issues.
• Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of planning, public services, management, and administration.
• Provide responsible technical administrative assistance to the Director and other City staff as assigned.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as required.

Minimum and Preferred Requirements

Minimum requirements must be clearly demonstrated on the application to be considered, however, meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an invitation to compete further in the selection process. Experience requirements must be demonstrated in the "Work Experience" section of the application, other sections of the application will not be used to determine experience qualifications. (One year of work experience is the equivalent of 12 months of full-time work. "Full-time work" means at least 36 hours of work over a period of one week or 1,872 hours of work over a period of 12 months.) Qualifications noted as "desirable" or "preferred" are not included as part of the minimum requirements.

Experience:

Five (5) years of increasingly responsible urban planning experience including two (2) years of management and/or administrative responsibility is required; preferably with a public agency.

Training:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in urban planning, public administration, or a related field or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities. is required.
  
• A Master's degree in urban planning, public administration, or a related field is preferred.

License or Certificates:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain at the time of appointment, a valid California Driver License with a satisfactory driving record (a driving record may be deemed unsatisfactory for any of the following reasons: three or more moving violations or reportable accident within the last three years; conviction of driving under the influence within the last five years) is required.
  
• Certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is preferred.

Special Requirements:

• Incumbent will be enrolled in the California Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Pull Notice Program. The DMV Pull Notice Program provides information on the incumbents driving record and driving record status on a periodic basis to the City.
• Must successfully complete a pre-employment background investigation, physical, and drug screen.

Working Conditions:

The following work environment and physical conditions described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations.

Environmental Conditions
Primarily office environment with occasional fieldwork where incumbent may be exposed to construction and traffic noise; dust, gas, or fumes; walking on uneven ground. Occasional driving to meetings and job sites.

Physical Conditions
Essential and marginal functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for standing, walking and sitting for prolonged periods; communicate in person and by telephone; use of standard computer and office equipment; ability to exert light to moderate physical effort which may include kneeling, reaching, lifting and carrying or driving a vehicle for limited periods.

Application and Exam Information

A completed application, resume, cover letter, and supplemental questionnaire are required. As a candidate for the position, you will want to be sure your application accurately reflects your skills and abilities as they relate to the position to achieve maximum opportunity. Applications will be reviewed carefully and only those who appear to have the best qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process.

Minimum requirements must be clearly demonstrated on the application to be considered as this information will be used to determine minimum qualifications. Experience requirements must be demonstrated in the "Work Experience" section of the application, other sections of the application will not be used to determine experience qualifications.

Resumes and other documents may be submitted, however, they will not be used to determine minimum qualifications, please do not use phrases such as "see attached" or "see resume" as they will not be considered. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an invitation to compete further in the process. Minimum requirements must be met at the time of application submission unless stated otherwise.

Selection Process Information - The selection process for this position may include one or more of the following: application review, qualification review, written exam, practical exam, oral panel exam and department interview.

Candidates must successfully pass each stage of the selection process above in order to continue to the next step. This process may be modified or changed depending on the number of qualified candidates.

Please remember to submit all your application materials by the closing date and time. Incomplete or applications received after the closing date and time cannot be considered. All information on the application is subject to investigation and verification.

For more information on completing your application materials click

If you are ready to join the exciting Team Palm Springs and you meet the requirements detailed above, please click the apply button. For more information contact Human Resources at:

The City of Palm Springs

3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way

Palm Springs, CA 92262

760-323-8215

The City offers an excellent benefit package and retirement plan through California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). Retirement formula is based on appointment date and membership status with CalPERS.

The recruitment is continuous and candidates are encouraged to apply immediately as this recruitment may close at any time. The City of Palm Springs reserves the right to accelerate or extend the "Closing Date" of open positions at any time, dependent upon the number of applications received.

The City of Palm Springs is an equal employment opportunity employer, and we encourage all persons to file applications. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, family or marital status, disability, medical condition or pregnancy, genetic information, religious or political affiliation, or veteran status.

Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, City of Palm Springs Employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.

The City of Palm Springs provides a comprehensive benefit program for employees including:

• Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
• Retiree Health Savings Plan
• Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability Plan
• Employee paid Supplemental Insurance Programs
• Employee paid Deferred Compensation Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Retirement Plan through California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS)
• Benefit program details vary by work unit and bargaining contracts. Click to view additional information and bargaining unit contracts.
• The City does not participate in the Social Security program, except for the mandatory 1.45% Medicare contribution for all regular positions.

01

Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the application screening and selection process. The information you provide will be reviewed and may be used to further evaluate your experience and education to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and that your responses can be verified from the information included in the Work Experience and Education sections of your application?

• Yes
• No

02

What is your salary expectation?

03

Do you have the required five (5) years of increasingly responsible urban planning experience?

• Yes
• No

04

Please describe your five (5) years of increasingly responsible urban planning experience and where you gained that experience. Note: Entering "N/A" or "See Resume/Application" does not qualify as an acceptable response. If none, please indicate "none".

05

Do you have the required two (2) years of management and/or administrative experience?

• Yes
• No

06

Please describe your two (2) years of management and/or administrative experience and where you gained that experience. Note: Entering "N/A" or "See Resume/Application" does not qualify as an acceptable response. If none, please indicate "none".

07

Do you have the required Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in aviation management and planning, urban or regional planning, architecture, engineering or a closely related field or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skill, and abilities? (Education may be substituted on a year for year basis with related job experience, experience is in addition to any other required experience.)

• Yes
• Yes, I have the required experience substitution for the Bachelor's degree
• No

08

Do you have the preferred Master's degree in urban planning, public administration, or a related field?

• Yes
• No

09

Do you have possession of and ability to maintain, the required appropriate, valid California driver license, with a satisfactory driving record?

• Yes, I have possession of and ability to maintain, the required appropriate, valid California driver license, with a satisfactory driving record
• No, but I am able to obtain and have the ability to maintain, the required appropriate, valid California driver license, with a satisfactory driving record by the time of appointment
• No

10

Do you have the preferred Certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)?

• Yes
• No

11

Please describe your experience administering and managing compliance with development permits relating to residential, business, and public buildings and where you gained that experience. Note: Entering "N/A" or "See Resume/Application" does not qualify as an acceptable response. If none, please indicate "none".

12

Please describe your experience working with state, regional, and local entities, regulations, and policies such as California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Municipal codes, etc. and where you gained that experience. Note: Entering "N/A" or "See Resume/Application" does not qualify as an acceptable response. If none, please indicate "none".

13

Please describe your experience working with and serving as staff on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees and where you gained that experience. Note: Entering "N/A" or "See Resume/Application" does not qualify as an acceptable response. If none, please indicate "none".

14

Have you attached the required cover letter and resume to your application? Note: Applications without the required resume AND cover letter will not be accepted.

• Yes
• No

Required Question