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Principal Planner – Community Planning
City of Pasadena / Pasadena, CA
Posted on: January 17, 2018
Application Deadline:
Job Description
THE POSITION
The City of Pasadena is looking for an innovative manager with an extensive planning background to manage the Community Planning Section of the Planning Division. The Community Planning Section is responsible for long range and comprehensive planning work such as Demographics, Regional Planning coordination (such as SCAG, Metro, LAFCO etc.), housing issues, tracking and responding to State Planning legislation, coordinated work with adjacent jurisdictions, and advanced planning work including Zoning Code amendments, Master Plans, Specific Plans, and General Plan updates. The Community Planning section currently has Associate Planners, Planners, and Senior Planners on staff. The Community Planning section is one of three sections that comprise the Planning Division.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate is an effective problem-solver who combines technical expertise with superb communication, organizational and leadership skills to lead the City’s Community Planning section. The section’s primary work plan includes a three year work effort to implement the City’s General Plan.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The major responsibilities of this position are listed below. For more detailed information, please review the job description.
- Organizes, coordinates and supervises the work of the Community Planning section of the Planning Division; assigns, reviews, and directs the work of assigned staff.
- Responsible for developing, reviewing and processing proposed changes to the Zoning Code and other land use policies and regulations, and directly overseeing all advanced planning work such as Master Plans, Specific Plans and General Plan updates.
- Coordinates preparation of staff reports for the Planning Commission and/or City Council regarding a variety of policy and project related projects.
- Prepares and administers the section or division work program and budget; develops work performance standards, analyzes workload need and makes recommendations on staff and other expenditure requirements to accomplish programs; assists the department head in formulating department goals, objectives, policies and strategies.
- Interacts significantly with the public during the formulation of recommendations related to land use policies, project recommendations, and other division responsibilities. Also manages, organizes and prepares the public outreach processes including strategic planning public workshops and community presentations.
- Represents the Department and/or makes presentations to the Planning Commission, City Council, professional organizations, Historic Preservation Commission, Design Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals or Zoning Hearing officers and the public.
- Participates in the interview and hiring process of applicants for employment; evaluates performance; recommends promotions, demotions, termination and/or disciplinary action; trains and develops staff.
- Manages and oversees consultant and consultant teams.
- Writes reports, letters and other written material related to division activities.
Required Experience / Skills / Education
QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree in planning, architecture, geography, public administration, or a closely related field; and
- Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in the applicable field(s): municipal planning, urban design, cultural heritage, transportation, transit services, economic development or zoning, which included supervisory or administrative responsibilities.
COMPETENCIES:
The following list represents the core competencies needed for success in this position.
- Ability to Take Initiative – Initiating tasks and focusing on accomplishment
- Attention to Detail – Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products
- Big Picture Thinking – Imagining and devising new and better ways of doing things
- Capacity To Take Accountability – Accepting responsibility for his or her actions, decisions, and performance
- Communication Skills – Engaging effectively in dialogue, Formally delivering information to groups, Communicating effectively in writing
- Decision-Making Ability – Choosing optimal courses of action in a timely manner
- Interpersonal Skills – Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships
- Leadership Ability – Guiding and encouraging others to accomplish a common goal
- Strategic Ability – Evaluating immediate actions in context of achieving long range objectives
SELECTION PROCESS
The selection process will consist of a training and experience evaluation, interview panel, department-level interviews and possible an online assessment.
Probationary work period is one year and part of the Pasadena Management Association bargaining unit.
VACANCY INFORMATION
There is currently one vacancy in the Planning Division of the Planning & Community Development Department which may be filled as a result of this selection process. Other vacancies may be filled from the eligible list to established as a result of this process.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
- A resume and a cover letter must be attached to the job application.
- Willingness to work overtime during nights and weekends is required
- Possession of or ability to obtain a Class C California driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record may be required for some assignments.
Application Instructions
APPLICATIONS MAY BE OBTAINED AND FILED ONLINE AT:
http://www.cityofpasadena.net/humanresources