SCOPE OF WORK:
Manages all phases of design, engineering, capital and development plan review, construction inspection, surveying, and mapping for the Community Services Department of the City. Responsible for the functions of planning and zoning, subdivision, and related development regulations, and building inspection code enforcement; provides counsel and technical advice to the City Manager and City Council on matters to the operation, management, and policy and program development of these functional areas; manages a staff of inspectors, permit technicians, and a receptionist; and does related work as required.
BUDGETARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Prepares all personnel and equipment budgets for department services and provides recommendations and budget data for new or replacement equipment purchased for the department.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
The following duties are typical for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to demonstrate competence and satisfactory performance of these duties. Other duties may be required and assigned.
· Provides department personnel with data and equipment necessary to design and implement City projects.
· Serves as the Floodplain Administrator for City.
· Responsible for preparing and updating the City’s Capital Improvements Plan.
· Prepares memoranda and exhibits for Council, Planning and Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment, Building Standards Commission, and Parks and Recreation Board meetings.
· Project Administrator for City infrastructure and capital improvement projects.
· Responsible for specifications and standards used in Public Works projects.
· Responsible for design, construction, and inspection of public improvements by the City.
· Reviews subdivision plats, public improvements, and drainage improvements of new subdivisions and developments for compliance with City standards, specifications, and ordinances.
· Responsible for controlling and inspection of construction of improvements in public right-of-way by adjacent property owners.
· Formulates planning policy recommendations for the future development of the City. Performs technical planning work involving the research, review, analysis and coordination of voluntary annexation, and general plan amendment related development requests, as well as architectural and site design analysis. Present findings and recommendations to executive staff, Planning and Zoning Commission, Board of Adjustment, City Council, Parks and Recreation Board, and the public.
· Reviews applications for compliance with city general plan, development policies, and designs codes. Performs architectural and site design analysis.
· Coordinates application review process, including applicant, property owner, planning staff, city regulatory and review bodies, and the public. Prepares and presents written and oral reports to regulatory and hearing bodies, including planning staff findings and recommendations. Maintains planning documents, planning and development codes, and related regulations for research, documentation, and public access.
· Develops and maintains effective inter-agency communication such as with Texas Department of Transportation, Houston-Galveston Area Council, Harris County, etc. Maintains land use, zoning, and development data to analyze land uses and prepare maps, graphics, reports and related documents, including preparing, updating, and making available the current City Zoning Map. Develops and maintains a statistical reports; compiles, analyzes and interprets data to define environmental conditions, social, economic and housing trends and community needs.
· Oversees the general administration of the City of Santa Fe Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Ordinance, and other planning and development related policies.
· Develop department goals and ensure implementation; prepares, implements, and maintains department budget.
· Promotes a workplace culture based on professionalism, collaboration, respect, and accountability. Ensures City Manager is kept informed of conditions and issues that are significant to the department’s success.
· Provides professional planning services and reviews technical documents for compliance with City standards; produces reports, presentations, and recommendations on planning issues.
· Reviews and evaluates development proposals, designs, applications for zoning changes, plats, subdivisions, variance requests, technical documents, and special permits for compliance with City standards and regulatory requirements.
· Answers enquiries and assists the public and other agencies in matters relating to planning, zoning and permit review, and other City standards and regulations; provides information and recommendations within scope of authority.
· Manages special research projects on planning issues, ordinance revisions, zoning violations, and other planning projects, and provides data and analysis on land use and planning issues as requested.
· Attends and facilitates public meetings and workshops, many of which occur in the evening.
· Ensures public hearings and other legal requirements for City Council, Planning and Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustments, Parks and Recreation Board, and Appeals are satisfied and provides staff support to the Boards.
· Presents decisions of the Planning and Zoning Commission to City Council; and prepares and presents to Council the Commission’s annual report as required by ordinance.
· Develops and recommends updates to all development-related codes.
· Makes and updates specific maps.
· Performs other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
· Knowledge of the principles of land use planning.
· Knowledge of Federal, State, and local laws, rules and regulations governing community planning.
· Knowledge of City land use and development regulations, zoning codes, planning concepts and principles.
· Knowledge of methods, practices, techniques, and GIS computer software used in urban planning and mapping.
· Knowledge of the City’s and Department’s operating requirements, policies, procedures, and practices; and local, state, and federal regulations related to department programs and operations.
· Knowledge of principles and practices of budgeting, fiscal management, project management principles and techniques.
· Ability to effectively utilize the principles of strategic and long and short-range planning.
· Skill in analyzing complex administrative information and issues, defining problems and evaluating alternatives and recommending methods, procedures and techniques for resolution of issues.
· Ability to research and analyze detailed information and make appropriate recommendations.
· Ability to develop department goals and objectives.
· Ability to plan, develop, implement, and evaluate projects and programs.
· Ability to develop, interpret and implement regulations, policies, procedures, written instructions, general correspondence, and other department specific documents.
· Ability to prepare, recommend and monitor an operating budget, including line item budgeting.
· Knowledge of administrative policies and procedures of the City.
· Ability to establish and maintain accurate records of assigned activities and operations.
· Ability to interpret and implement local policies and procedures; written instructions, general correspondence; Federal, State, and local regulations.
· Skill in organizational and time management to prioritize duties to accomplish a high volume of work product while adapting to constant changes in priority.
· Ability to perform timely and detailed work accurately and independently in compliance with stringent time limits with minimal direction and supervision.
· Ability to think quickly, maintain self-control, and adapt to stressful situations.
· Knowledge of management and supervisory practices & principles, including the ability to make final employment recommendations, preparing performance evaluations, managing time off, and maintaining personnel records.
· Ability to adapt and take control of situations, dictating subordinate activities in a responsible manner.
· Ability to instruct and train in methods and procedures.
· Ability to organize, assign, and modify the work assignment of others, and (re)-establish priorities to meet deadlines.
· Knowledge of current office practices and procedures and knowledge of the operation of standard office equipment and software.
· Knowledge of computer software including word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications consistent with this position.
· Ability to perform mathematical calculations required of this position.
· Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively in English in both written and verbal form.
· Skill in researching and understanding complex written materials.
· Ability to prepare and maintain accurate and concise records and reports.
· Ability to apply sound judgment and discretion in performing duties, resolving problems, and interpreting policies and regulations.
· Ability to communicate detailed and often sensitive information effectively and concisely, both orally and in writing.
· Ability to handle sensitive interpersonal situations calmly and tactfully.
· Ability to maintain professionalism at all times.
· Ability to maintain effective working relationships with individuals within and outside the organization.
· Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion regarding business-related files, reports, and conversations, within the provision of Freedom of Information Act and other applicable State and Federal statutes and regulations.
· Ability to work the allocated hours of the position and respond after hours as needed.
· Nothing in this job description limits management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
PHYSICAL AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The physical and work environment characteristics described in this description are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions or as otherwise required by law. Employees needing reasonable accommodation should discuss the request with the City Manager.
This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting, frequently requires standing, speaking or hearing, repetitive motions, and occasionally requires walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling and reaching with hands and arms. Work has standard vision requirements. Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels. Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data and observing general surroundings and activities. Work is generally in a moderately noisy office setting.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Must have a bachelor’s degree or higher in Planning, Public Policy, Public Administration, or related field. Valid Texas Driver's License.
Must have good communication skills both written and oral. Knowledge of State and Federal regulations that pertain to planning and development. Must be proficient in the required skills and knowledge listed above, to promote and design projects in a positive manner that affect the health, well-being, and environment for the citizens in the City of Santa Fe. Ability to use computers and specialized software to enhance budget and design skills and production.
PREFERRED: Municipal experience. Master's degree. Bilingual (English/Spanish).
The City of Santa Fe benefits package to all full-time employees currently includes the following: paid Employee medical, dental, vision, long term disability, and life insurance is paid and dependent coverage is offered. As an employee, you will contribute a portion of your salary each pay-period towards your retirement through Texas Municipal Retirement System and the City will match your contribution 2:1.
The City of Santa Fe is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Pay: $82,000.00 - $110,736.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person