Development Services Director

Development Services Director

The Development Services Director oversees/directs City Planning, and related development services of Building Inspections, Business Licensing, and Code Enforcement. The Director directs all operations of the department and reports to the City Manager. The Director directs planning initiatives and provides staff support to the City Manager, City Council, and the advisory committees for the Master Plan and Architectural Review.

Development Services include all functions, building inspection services, business licensing, and code enforcement activities.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities (Essential functions are those functions that the individual who holds the position must be able to perform unaided or with the assistance of reasonable accommodation.)

1. Serve as a representative of the City of Mesquite, demonstrating a positive attitude and progressive actions through the display of professionalism, courtesy, and appropriate tact and discretion in all interactions with other employees and with the public.
2. Manage all services and activities, including planning, zoning, subdivision development, historic preservation, growth management, business licensing, business inspections and audits, code enforcement; building code inspections, plans examination and building permits. Recommend, approve and administer policies and procedures.
3. Direct the development and implementation of department goals, objectives, policies and priorities for each assigned service area.
4. 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.
5. Supervise all department staff, either directly or indirectly through senior staff.
6. Develop organization-wide or department-wide goals, objectives, policies, and procedures.
7. Oversee and participate in the development and administration of the department budget; approve the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; approve expenditures and implement budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary.
8. Ensure that the City Manager and City Council are kept fully informed on the condition of the department and about any trends, events, or emerging issues of significance to the City's success.
9. Report events and activities to senior management and elected and appointed officials.
10. Represent the City on local and regional boards. May make presentations and appear before various governing bodies, community organizations, special interest groups, and the public soliciting input, explaining recommendations and/or offering clarification on zoning, development, and building standards.
11. Implement the General Plan and Unified Development Code.
12. Manage planning programs; oversee zoning administration activities; interact with community groups, citizens and businesses involved with zoning related issues; analyze zoning requirements and policies and make recommendations for needed revisions; oversee development projects involving long- range planning for the community and the region; monitor revisions and updates to the Master Plan; participate in city management discussions regarding planning issues.
13. Provide leadership in developing and implementing environmental sustainability strategies and programs for the city; serve as a key advisor to the City Manager and City Council on matters related to sustainability; participate in the coordination and collaboration of sustainability initiatives with other departments, outside agencies, other governmental entities and non-governmental organizations; oversee the development and implementation of work done in all the program areas.
14. Evaluate planning-related legislation and its applicability to department projects.
15. Evaluate proposals to the local government for planning consulting services.
16. Coordinate department activities with those of other departments involved in development services, working toward a process that is as efficient and customer-friendly as possible.
17. Attend periodic evening and weekend meetings.
18. Negotiate public/private partnerships which could involve site assembly, condemnation, creative financing and multi-party participation.
19. Maintain historical files and records regarding Planning, Zoning, Building, Business Licensing, and Code Enforcement functions.
20. Oversee the adoption and amendment of Building Codes in conjunction with the building officials and Southern Nevada Building Officials.
21. Respond to and resolve the most difficult and sensitive citizen, developer, and business inquiries and complaints.
22. Follow all applicable safety rules and regulations.
23. Be dependable and meet acceptable attendance requirements at all times.

Other Job Functions:

1. Perform other related duties as assigned

Qualifications: The degree of knowledge and ability as outlined under this section is that which is necessary to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily.

Knowledge of:

• Thorough working knowledge of operational characteristics, services, and activities of a municipal Building Department.
• Development practices and standards in high-growth communities.
• Historic Preservation principles and practices as well as current trends.
• The theory, principles, and practices of the planning profession and development process.
• Principles of personnel management, including supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
• The methods and techniques of research and analysis.
• Principles of budgeting and finance.
• Real Estate terminology, laws, practices, principles, and regulations.
• Computer applications including Microsoft Office, Google, Database Management, GIS programs and applications.
• Methods of report preparation and presentation.
• Principles and practices of business licensing.
• Principles and practices of code enforcement.

Typical Skills:

• Effective and persuasive leadership comfortable with all levels of staff, appointed and elected officials, public stakeholders, and others.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including the editing, oversight or preparation of technical reports and the presentation of information to government entities and various committees.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Distinguish political sensitivities and inter-relationships in the local community and adjust operations accordingly.
• Strong interpersonal and public relations skills to work effectively with others.
• Ability to understand and manage high-profile, sensitive, or controversial political situations.
• Ability to exercise sound and independent judgment within general policy guidelines.
• Plan for the orderly growth and development of the City and meet all statutory requirements of Nevada's Planning and Zoning enabling legislation.
• Interpret and explain City development policies and procedures.

Special Requirements: Experience, Education and Training: Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the individual with the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Education: This position requires a bachelor's degree in urban planning, public administration or a related field. A Master's degree in an area related to the essential functions is strongly preferred.

Experience: Five years of progressive experience in a municipal planning or building department, including four years at the management level.

Training: License or Certificate: Must possess at the time of employment and continuously throughout employment a valid Nevada or "border state" driver's license, as defined by NRS 483. AICP Certification is required within one year of appointment. Preference may be given to applicants possessing qualifications above the minimum.

Competencies:

Establishing Trust – Noticing, interpreting and anticipating others concerns and feelings; creating opportunities for collaborative, respectful dialogue; demonstrating trust in others first and holding self and others accountable for words and behaviors that build community; using face-to-face communication as a primary means of building trust within the organization.

Communicating Clarity – Developing and communicating goals in support of the city's mission, vision, and purpose; clarifying direction of work, roles and expectations for successful attainment of objectives.

Providing Recognition – Identifying and recognizing employees at all levels for their ideas, work, and achievements; providing opportunities for both formal and informal recognition within the organization; creating a culture of peer recognition and encouragement.

Reinforcing Organizational Health – Routinely reviewing existing processes, practices, and policies to ensure a balance in the ability to work productively and efficiently with employee needs for empowerment and development; changing processes, practices and policies when necessary to achieve the balance; establishing regular professional development time for each employee so they have opportunities to attend classes and other activities to enhance their professional growth; meeting regularly with employees.

Thinking Globally – Finding effective solutions and prioritizing issues using holistic, "big picture" thinking; placing the needs of the broader organization or community ahead of those of an individual department; and evaluating both short- and long-term impacts when making decisions.

Business and Political Acumen – Having expertise in technical, political, and budgetary leadership responsibilities; preparing and presenting complex concepts and proposals in a respectful, collaborative, understandable way to build community; comparing competing priorities and agendas looking for ways to establish a win/win solution whenever possible; speaking at community events and to the media to enhance the city's reputation and standing with the broader community.