ASSISTANT PLANNING DIRECTOR

Job Specifications

Class Code:	GC8
Analyst:	JAD, TC

Date Originated:
Dates Revised:	8/83 2/85 1/89 1/90 7/04 3/10

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

DEFINITION

Under administrative direction of the Planning Director, to plan, organize and direct one or more divisions of the Planning Department; to act as the director in the absence of the Planning Director; and to do other work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Positions in this class manage the operation of one or more divisions of the Planning Department. Incumbents are accountable and responsible for the delivery of effective and efficient services.   The incumbent may act as the director in the absence of the department head.

TYPICAL TASKS

Plans, organizes, directs and coordinates through subordinate managers the work of staff in one or more divisions of the Planning Department; supervises, trains and evaluates the work of subordinate managers; prepares and administers the operating budget for one or more divisions; participates in development of department budget; may analyze, plan and oversee permit processing functions; may analyze, plan and coordinate long range planning, and affordable housing programs; works closely with other departments and agencies to develop joint procedures; responds to changes in regulations to meet County goals  and solve administrative challenges; evaluates and establishes division policies and procedures, formulates improvements and implements changes to regulations and service delivery; represents the department in working with and responding to  other departments, agencies, community groups, and customers; consults with the Director and other management staff on work programs, schedules, policies and program development; represents the department at meetings; prepares and/or reviews reports and correspondence; performs complex and difficult special assignments and projects; attends meetings and conferences.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge:

• Thorough knowledge of land use planning including regulatory systems and principles, practices and techniques of long range land use planning;
• Thorough knowledge of effective management principles and practices in a large, diverse organization;
• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of organizational control and personnel management;
• Working knowledge of the principles, goals and trends of land use administration;
• Working knowledge of budgeting principles in a government agency;
• Some knowledge of the California Environmental Quality Act and the California Coastal Act;
• Some knowledge of the application of technology in planning operations.

Ability to:

• Plan, organize, direct and control the work of one or more  major functional units of a planning department;
• Supervise, train and evaluate the work of subordinate staff;
• Exercise initiative, ingenuity and sound judgment in solving difficult administrative, operational and personnel challenges;
• Evaluate and develop improvements to the effective and efficient delivery of internal and external customer services;
• Establish and maintain effective working relations with the general public, boards, commissions, public officials and other staff;
• Understand and relate to others the goals, concepts and principles of the department;
• Coordinate functions among divisions and department;
• Prepare clear and concise administrative and technical reports;
• Speak effectively before large groups.

Training and Experience: Any combination of training and experience, that would provide the required knowledge and abilities, is qualifying. A typical way to obtain this knowledge would be:

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in planning, geography, engineering, public administration, or a related field.

AND

Five years of increasingly responsible professional planning experience including 2 years of supervisory responsibility.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License or the employee must be able to provide suitable transportation, which is approved by the appointing authority.

Bargaining Unit: 06

EEOC Job Category: 01

Occupational Grouping: 28

Workers' Comp Code: 0053