Principal Planner
The City of Hanford is recruiting one (1) vacancy in the Community Development department. Under general direction from the Community Development Director, the position manages, coordinates and directs the City's major planning efforts, from current planning to long-range projects; assists the department Director in organizing, integrating and administering the department's operations and service delivery; supervises professional and technical department staff; and performs related work as assigned.
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Plan, organize, direct and evaluate the work of the department's staff; with staff, develop, implement and track work plans to achieve planning/community development objectives; contribute to budget development and monitor operational and program performance against the budget; participate in the development and implementation of schedules, work processes, systems and procedures to achieve the department's annual goals.
- Plan and evaluate the performance of assigned staff; establish performance requirements and personal development targets; regularly monitor performance and provide coaching for performance improvement and development; recommend compensation; may recommend disciplinary action, up to and including termination, to address performance deficiencies, in accordance with the City's personnel rules and policies.
- Provide day-to-day leadership and work with staff to ensure a high-performance public service-oriented work environment that supports achieving the department's and the City's mission.
- Coordinate and supervise the work of professional and technical planning staff in current planning, advance planning, zoning, permit processing, and special projects.
- Personally manage complex, highly visible, sensitive and/or controversial projects; coordinate various capital improvement plan projects; analyze planning issues and determine project priorities/scheduled; manage project resources to completion.
- Conduct or coordinate major studies, projects or programs related to land use development, environmental resources, and/or urban design.
- Prepare for and manage input for Planning Commission and City Council meetings; serve as a professional/technical resource to these bodies; prepare and makes presentations to decision-makers and the public.
- Interpret provisions of the City's municipal code and associated state and federal regulations for staff, City boards, developers and the public; research and respond to officials' requests for information; administer the City's design review process and prepare staff reports on development applications received.
- Serve as project manager for long-range planning projects.
- Coordinate the environmental review of planning projects; ensure compliance with applicable regulations; prepare initial studies for environmental determinations.
- Maintain and update General Plan elements as required; draft and process various municipal code amendments.
- Keeps informed of current trends in the planning field, including legislation, court rulings, and professional practices and techniques; evaluates their impact on City operations and recommends any needed policy and procedural improvements.
- May assume the responsibilities of the department head in the Director's absence.
- Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
- Foster an environment that embraces diversity, integrity, trust, and respect.
- Be an integral team player, which involves flexibility, cooperation, and communication.
- Perform related duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge of:
- Principles and techniques of project management and supervisory principles and practices, including budgeting, goal development, personnel management and work planning/organization.
- Principles and practices of municipal planning and zoning administration.
- Methods and techniques of site planning and design.
- Statistical analysis techniques and research methodologies related to municipal planning
- California development law, City planning and zoning codes, Community Development Block Grant program requirements, California Environmental Quality Act, and other applicable Federal, State and local legislation and regulations.
Ability to:
- Plan, organize, assign and evaluate the work of department professional, technical and administrative staff.
- Prepare clear, concise and complete technical planning documents, staff reports and correspondence on routine to very complex issues
- Conduct planning analyses and make accurate recommendations.
- Interpret, explain and apply land use laws, codes, regulations and procedures.
- Perform and manage technical current and advance planning activities.
- Exercise sound independent judgment within the city and department guidelines.
- Represent the city effectively in a wide variety of meetings and forums.
- On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job; intermittently analyze work papers, reports and special projects; identify and interpret technical and numerical information; observe and problem solve operational and technical policy and procedures.
- On a continuous basis, sit at desk for long periods of time; intermittently twist to reach equipment surrounding desk; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; use telephone, write or use a keyboard to communicate through written means; and lift or carry weight of 10 pounds or less.
- Organize and conduct complex projects and present results effectively in written, graphic and oral formats.
- Operate and use modern office equipment including computers and applicable software.
- Maintain regular attendance and adhere to prescribed work schedule to conduct job responsibilities.
- Utilize appropriate safety procedures and practices for assigned duties.
- Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
- Relate effectively with people of varied academic, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy.
- Establish and maintain effective, cooperative and collaborative working relationships with others.
Experience and Education
Any combination of experience and education that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience:
- Four years of responsible journey experience similar to Senior Planner with the City of Hanford.
Education:
- Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in city planning, architecture, public administration, civil engineering, or a related field.
- License and Certificate
- Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver's license.