Planning Manager

Planning ManagerThe City of Rohnert Park is seeking a technical, hands-on Planning Manager for the Development Services Department to oversee the planning functions for our City. The Planning Manager guides development through the entitlement process, serves the Planning Commission, meets with applicants and regional planning agencies, and assists with economic development. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional leadership skills, a passion for innovative solutions, a commitment to serving the public, and mastery of the art of conflict resolution.Under general direction, plans, organizes, oversees, coordinates, and reviews the work of professional, technical, and administrative staff performing difficult and complex professional and technical support related to all programs and activities of the Planning Division, including current and advanced planning; manages the effective use of the City's planning resources to improve organizational productivity and customer service; provides highly complex and responsible support to the Director of Development Services in areas of expertise; and performs related duties, as assigned.Receives general direction from the Director of Development Services. Exercises general direction and supervision over professional, technical, and administrative staff.This is a management classification responsible for planning, organizing, reviewing, and evaluating all current planning programs, projects, and activities of the Planning Division. Responsibilities include developing and implementing policies and procedures for assigned programs, budget administration and reporting, and program evaluation. Incumbents serve as a professional-level resource for organizational, managerial, and operational analyses and studies. Performance of the work requires the use of considerable independence, initiative, and discretion within established guidelines. This class is distinguished from the Director of Development Services in that the latter has overall responsibility for all functions of the department and for developing, implementing, and interpreting public policy.Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in land-use planning, urban planning, public administration, business administration, community development, or a closely related field and four (4) years of increasingly responsible administrative and/or project management experience in urban or environmental planning, including two (2) years at a supervisory level. Possession of a master's degree in city planning, public administration, business administration, community development, or closely related field is desirable, and will substitute one-year of professional experience.Possession of a valid California Driver's License by time of appointment and a satisfactory driving record. Possession of an American Institute of Certified Planners certification is desirable.Knowledge of administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation, and evaluation, and project management. Principles and practices of budget development and administration. Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures. Principles and practices of leadership. Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and organizational policies and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility. Organization and management practices as applied to the development, analysis, and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs of the assigned area of responsibility. Principles, practices, and procedures related to city and regional planning, development, and zoning administration. Geographic, socio-economic, transportation, political, and other elements related to city planning. Comprehensive plans and current planning processes and the development process. Site planning and architectural design principles. Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information planning services, activities, and projects. Methods, materials, and techniques used in the planning of projects, including land use, transportation, natural resources, and parks. Principles of advanced mathematics and their application to planning work. Practices of researching planning and design issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting effective staff reports. Methods and techniques of effective technical report preparation and presentation. Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff. The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination. Computers and software programs to conduct, compile, and/or generate documentation.Ability to provide administrative and professional leadership and direction for the Planning function and the City. Recommend and implement goals, objectives, and practices for providing effective and efficient services. Administer complex, technical, and sensitive planning, development, and related programs in an independent and cooperative manner. Plan, organize, assign, review, and evaluate the work of staff; train staff in work procedures. Evaluate and develop improvements in operations, procedures, policies, or methods. Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques. Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials. Analyze, interpret, summarize, and present administrative and technical information and data in an effective manner. Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports. Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record keeping, and tracking systems. Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed. Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals. Learn and understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities. Effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax. Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines. Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to inspect various construction sites; to operate a motor vehicle and to visit various meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification, although the job involves field inspection work requiring frequent walking at inspection sites to monitor performance and to identify problems or hazards; standing 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. 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 10 pounds. Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions; but may occasionally be exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.