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Principal Planner (Zoning)
City of Pasadena / Pasadena CA
Posted on: January 27, 2020
Application Deadline: February 6, 2020 at 11:59 PM
Job Description
The City of Pasadena is looking for an innovative manager with an extensive planning background to manage the Zoning Section of the Planning Division. The Zoning section is one of three sections that comprise the Planning Division. The Zoning Section is responsible for guiding the City’s orderly development by applying the Zoning Code and balancing the needs of residents and businesses. The Zoning section currently has professional planners on staff that range from the Assistant to the Senior Level, all reporting to the Principal Planner. This section is responsible for processing all land use entitlements for the City and presents these cases to a Hearing Officer and Board of Zoning Appeals (for appeals). Planners in this section may also manage larger projects that are heard by the Planning Commission and/or City Council. This is a section that produces a high volume of work in a fast-paced environment. This position reports directly to the Planning Manager.
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 Zoning section. The ideal candidate has the supervisory experience and is comfortable leading a team of professional planners in a fast-paced work environment. The ideal candidate must also be a team player who can work collaboratively with two other Principal Planners that lead the Design and Preservation and Community Planning sections of the Planning Division
Required Experience / Skills / Education
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
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 Zoning section of the Planning Division; assigns, reviews, and directs the work of assigned staff.
- Coordinates preparation of staff reports for the Hearing Officer, Board of Zoning Appeals, and/or City Council regarding a variety of development related projects and cases.
- 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 stakeholders related to development projects, project recommendations, and other division responsibilities. Also manages, organizes and prepares presentation materials for public meetings and community events.
- Represents the Department and/or makes presentations to the Planning Commission, City Council, professional organizations, Board of Zoning Appeals or 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 a consultant and consultant teams.
- Writes reports, letters and other written material related to division activities.
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
Application Instructions
Apply online at www.cityofpasadena.net/humanresources