Job Description

Salary: $125,216.00 - $179,940.00 Annually

Location : City Hall - 200 Civic Center Mission Viejo, CA

Job Type: Full-time

Job Number: 2425-14

Department: Community Development

Opening Date: 10/23/2024

Closing Date: 11/20/2024 3:00 PM Pacific

Description

City of Mission Viejo Invites Applications for

PLANNING and ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

$125,216 - $179,940 annually

APPLY BY: 3:00 P.M., WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2024

The City of Mission Viejo is seeking an experienced and motivated professional to join our team as our Planning and Economic Development Manager. This is a "hands-on" working manager position that will be responsible for all aspects of community and economic development, planning, and code enforcement activities.


Currently, there is one (1) full-time vacancy scheduled to work Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Community Development Department assigned to City Hall. The schedule and assignment which includes after hours Commission and/or City Council meetings may vary depending on the needs of the City. This is an FLSA exempt position. The eligibility list established for this position may be used to fill future full-time, part-time or temporary Planning and Economic Development Manager vacancies.


The first round of Zoom interviews is tentatively scheduled for the week of December 2, 2024. Only one date will be available for an applicant to attend. The City will not accommodate applicant scheduling requests for alternative dates and it is recommended that you plan your calendar accordingly.



Examples of Important and Essential Duties

Your impact

1. Manages and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies and priorities for assigned programs; recommends within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
2. Assumes management responsibility for all services and activities of the Planning and Code Enforcement Divisions with major emphasis on current and advanced planning, CDBG administration, housing rehabilitation, economic development and code enforcement.
3. Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures.
4. Plans, directs, coordinates, and reviews the work plan for the Planning, Economic Development and Code Enforcement Divisions; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems; assigns work activities, projects and programs; monitors workflow; reviews and evaluates work products, methods and procedures.
5. Manages and participates in the development and administration of the advanced and current planning division budget; oversees the budget for the Community Development Department.
6. Serves as a liaison for the Community Development Department with other City departments, divisions, and outside agencies; attends meetings, as necessary; provides staff support to commissions, committees and task forces, as necessary; negotiates and resolves significant and controversial issues.
7. Conducts a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies; recommends modifications to Community Development programs, policies, and procedures, as appropriate.
8. Completes special projects including surveys, system costs and requirements analyses, program analysis and evaluation, and grant applications.
9. Supervises and participates in the preparation of environmental documents including Notices of Exemptions, Initial Studies, Negative Declarations, and Environmental Impact Reports in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act.
10. Develops and reviews staff reports; presents reports to the Planning and Transportation Commission, City Council and other commissions, committees and boards; performs a variety of public relations and outreach work related to Department activities.
11. Attends and participates in professional groups and committees; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of Community and Economic Development.
12. Confers with engineers, developers, architects, a variety of agencies, and the public in acquiring information and coordinating planning and zoning matters; provides information regarding City development requirements; assists the public at the front counter and over the phone.
13. Receives, investigates, and responds to problems and complaints from citizens in a professional manner; identifies and reports findings and takes necessary corrective action; assists Code Enforcement staff in reviewing complex code violations and developing processing procedures.

YOUR TEAM
The Community Development Department has a FY 24-25 Department operating budget of $4.1 million and consists of 8 full time staff, contract Building Services staff, and consultant staff for the City's CDBG and Housing Rehabilitation programs. The members of the Mission Viejo Community Development Department are committed to promoting public health, safety and general welfare by preserving or enhancing the high quality of life in Mission Viejo. They are looking for someone with the same commitment to service and team spirit to join them.


Applicants are encouraged to review the entire Planning and Economic Development Manager job description by visiting the City's website at

IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Extensive professional background as well as skill in coordinating departmental work with that of other City departments and public agencies;
• Able to work in fast-paced environment and prioritize competing projects;
• Someone whose mission is to provide the highest level of customer service;
• Detail-oriented and able to see the big picture;
• Proactive problem solver and critical thinker;
• Flexible self-starter who is enthusiastic, eager to learn, and works independently with minimal supervision; and
• Good oral and written communications skills, including effective technical report preparation and public presentations.

Job Related and Essential Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices and procedures related to city and regional planning, particularly as related to the current planning, advance planning, and economic development.
• Geographic, socio-economic, transportation, political and other elements related to city planning.
• Operational characteristics, services and activities of a Community Development and Code Enforcement program.
• Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of programs, policies and operational needs.
• Modern and complex principles and practices of program development and administration.
• Modern principles and practices, technical legal issues, and research methods of City planning, zoning, urban economics, demographics, and environmental management.
• General concepts of architecture, landscaping, grading, drainage, and traffic and transportation engineering as they relate to city planning.
• Recent developments, current literature and sources of information related to city planning and administration.
• Practices of researching planning issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations and preparing and presenting effective staff reports.
• Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, various business, professional, educational and regulatory organizations and with property owners, developers, contractors and the public.
• Modern office methods, practices, procedures and equipment, including computer hardware and software necessary for word processing, spreadsheet and database management, and graphic presentation, including Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel, Tyler Energov permitting software, and basic GIS concepts and applications.
• Research and reporting methods, techniques and procedures.
• Principles of contract administration.
• Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation and evaluation and supervision of staff, either directly or through subordinate levels of supervision.
• Pertinent federal and state laws, codes and regulations; CDBG regulations.
• General principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.
• Techniques for dealing effectively with the public, vendors, contractors and City staff, in person and over the telephone.
• Safe driving principles and practices.
• Safe work practices.

Skill in:

• Administering complex, technical and sensitive current planning, economic development, development, housing, property acquisition and related programs in an independent and cooperative manner.
• Assisting in developing and implementing goals, objectives, policies, procedures, work standards for the planning department.
• Overseeing the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for the Economic Development program.
• Providing administrative and professional leadership and direction for planning and economic development programs.
• Planning, organizing, and carrying out assignments from the Director of Community Development with minimal supervision and direction.
• Conducting complex research projects, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations and preparing effective technical staff reports.
• Analyzing, interpreting, summarizing and presenting administrative and technical information and data in an effective manner.
• Effectively administering a variety of land use and development programs and activities.
• Interpreting, applying and explaining complex laws, codes, regulations and ordinances.
• Planning, organizing, scheduling, assigning, reviewing and evaluating the work of staff.
• Training staff in work procedures.
• Evaluating and developing improvements in operations, procedures, policies, or methods.
• Recommending and implementing goals, objectives, and practices for providing effective and efficient services.
• Researching, analyzing, and evaluating new service delivery methods, procedures and techniques.
• Identifying and responding to Planning and Transportation Commission, and City Council issues and concerns.
• Effectively representing the Department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups and various businesses, professional, and regulatory organizations and in meetings with individuals.
• Interpreting and explaining planning and zoning programs to the public.
• Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures and other written materials.
• Understanding technical plans and specifications and making effective site visits.
• Using English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone and in writing.
• Using tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgment within general policy, procedural and legal guidelines.
• Making effective public presentations.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
• Operating modern office equipment including computer equipment; operating related software applications, including word processing, spreadsheet operations and other related areas including research and statistical analysis.
• Operating a motor vehicle safely.

Experience and Training and License/Certificate

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

Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course works in urban planning, community development, business or public administration or a related field and five (5) years of responsible professional urban planning experience with a minimum of one (1) year in a supervisory role. Possession of a Master's degree in either city planning or public administration with emphasis in city planning and certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) are highly desirable.

LICENSE or CERTIFCATE

May be required to possess and maintain a valid California class C driver's license and have a satisfactory driving record.

Benefits Overview
The following description is a general overview of the benefits provided to City of Mission Viejo benefit eligible employees. For specific details, please review the Human Resources Policies, Management and Budget Policies, Administrative Regulations, and official plan documents, or contact the Human Resources office at 949.470.3060.


Employees of the City are currently covered under the (CalPERS). While the City does not participate in the Social Security System, federal mandate requires new employees to contribute 1.45% of wages to Medicare insurance coverage.


Retirement

Employees Hired On or After January 1, 2013, Who Are CalPERS Members -

A CalPERS member hired by the City of Mission Viejo within less than a six (6) month break in CalPERS covered service, will participate in the 2% at 60 formula, three-year final compensation, and 1959 survivor benefit. Employees are required to contribute the full 7% member contribution, plus an additional 1.5% towards the employer rate.

A CalPERS member hired by the City of Mission Viejo with a six (6) month or more break in CalPERS covered service, will participate in the 2% at 62 formula, three-year final compensation, and 1959 survivor benefit. The employee pays the full member contribution, which is variable. The contribution rate for new members is 50% of the normal cost rate which is subject to change. The current member contribution is 7.0%. Employees also contribute 1.5% towards the employer rate.

Employees Hired On or After January 1, 2013, Who Are Not CalPERS Members -

Employees hired on or after January 1, 2013, will participate in the 2% at 62 formula, three-year final compensation, and 1959 survivor benefit. The employee pays the full member contribution, which is variable. The contribution rate for new members is 50% of the normal cost rate which is subject to change. The current member contribution is 7.5%. Employees also contribute 1.5% towards the employer rate.

Employer's Contribution Rate -

Beginning July 1, 2021, the employer's normal cost contribution rate is 9.82%, which reflects the employee pick-up of 1.5% of the employer rate.

Retiree Benefits

Employees Hired On or After December 2, 2006 -

The City's Supplemental Health Account for Retired Employees (SHARE) Plan is a defined contribution health reimbursement plan, which is intended to help employees offset post-retirement healthcare costs by allowing employees to contribute pre-tax dollars from their current wages with an additional contribution from the City, into an account that can be accessed upon retirement. To be eligible for the full benefits of the SHARE Plan, an employee must reach age 55 with a total of 15 years of service with the City of Mission Viejo.

The Plan requires mandatory contributions from both the employee and the City. Contributions to the Plan will commence for an employee beginning with the first pay period that occurs after the eligible employee's completion of one year of service with the City. Eligible employees will be required to contribute 1.5% of their salary. Deductions will be pre-tax and will be taken from each paycheck.

Starting the same date, the City contribution will be $100 per month ($50 per pay period for 24 pay periods) for full-time employees, $75 per month ($37.50 per pay period for 24 pay periods) for full-time equivalents of .750 to .999, and $50 per month ($25 per pay period for 24 pay periods) for full-time equivalents of .500 to .749, after the completion of the waiting period. This program is administered by ICMA-RC.


Payday
The City issues paychecks on a biweekly basis (), every other Friday. Benefits are deducted from paychecks twice a month.

Holidays
The City observes ten (10) paid holidays, including a Winter Closure at City Hall and the Corporation Yard between December 26th and December 31st. Employees also have one (1) floating holiday per year, which is credited annually on January 1st (on the employee's hire date in the first year) and cannot be carried-over.

Comprehensive Annual Leave
Provides employees with paid time off for rest and relaxation, personal or family illness, bereavement, and personal business. For non-exempt classifications, 19 days annual accrual during the first year, increasing to 30 days beginning in year ten, prorated based on the full-time equivalent for all part-time positions. For exempt classifications, 24 days annual accrual during the first year, increasing to 35 days beginning in year ten, prorated based on the full-time equivalent for all part-time positions.

Jury Duty Leave
Employees are granted up to 30 paid days for jury service.


Cafeteria Plan
The City offers a "cafeteria style" flexible benefits plan, with a provided by the City for all regular and probationary full-time and part-time employees. The benefits plan is covered under Section 125 of the Internal Revenue Code allowing employees to pay monthly benefit premiums on a pre-tax basis. Benefit coverage begins the first day of the month following thirty-days (30) of continuous regular employment.

Medical Insurance
The City contracts with to employees, plus their qualified dependents. Employees are required to participate in the City group medical plan.

Dental Insurance
The City contracts with Delta dental for dental coverage for employees, plus their qualified dependents. There is a choice among two plans, Delta PPO and Delta Care PMI.

Vision
The City contracts with Vision Service Plan (VSP) for vision coverage for employees, plus their qualified dependents.

Life Insurance
The City contracts with Voya to provide term life insurance for employees in an amount equal to two (2) times the employee's annual salary to a maximum of $300,000. The City pays the full cost of the monthly premium. If you need more than the Basic Life insurance the City provides, you may purchase additional coverage by enrolling in the Supplemental Term Life (STL) and AD&D insurance programs.

Short and Long Term Disability
The City contracts with Voya to provide both short and long-term disability insurance coverage to the employee, in a benefit amount up to 66% of the employee's salary. The City pays the full cost of the monthly premium.

Flexible Spending Account
You can set up one Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for health care expenses and another to pay for the cost of caring for your dependents while you are at work. The Health Care Spending Account is a tax-free way to pay any qualified out-of-pocket expenses associated with medical, dental, and vision care for yourself and any family members who are legal dependents. You may contribute between $180 and $2,500, pre-tax, annually to this account. The Dependent Care Spending Account allows you to pay for child or elder care expenses on a tax-free basis. You may contribute between $300 and $5,000 annually towards this account. Both types of accounts are administered through


Employee Assistantance Program
The City contracts with CONCERN to provide short term counseling benefits, as well as life management services and referrals, to employees, their dependents, and any other members within their household. The City pays the full cost of the monthly premium.

Deferred Compensation
A voluntary deferred compensation plan is available through Nationwide. The City matches contributions up to $150 per month.

College Savings Plan
The City offers payroll deductions to a qualified 529 plan. This voluntary managed by ScholarShare, is a flexible college savings program that helps make saving for a child's higher education easier.

Wellness Program
The City offers free membership, with some restrictions, to the City's Recreation and Tennis Centers for employees and their resident family members.

Tuition Reimbursement
Once probation has been successfully completed, the City offers tuition reimbursement to employees for qualified classes and/or programs up to $1,250 per fiscal year, prorated based on the full-time equivalent for all part-time positions. Pre-approval by the employee's supervisor and the City Manager is required.

Technology Loan Program
Once probation has been successfully completed, an interest-free technology loan is available to employees in an amount up to $3,500, prorated based on the full-time equivalent for all part-time positions.

Flexible Workplace Program
The Flexible Workplace Program allows an employee to enter into an agreement to schedule portions of their work week away from their regular worksite. Participating employees will work a full workday, but program participation allows times and number of hours in the office to be scheduled differently between individual days of the week. The City Manager must approve all Flexible Workplace Program applications. Program participation is a benefit and not an entitlement and is approved on a case-by-case basis.

01


Your responses to the following supplemental questions and your ability to follow instructions will be a primary tool in the evaluation of your qualifications for this position and will be used in conjunction with your application to evaluate your experience, knowledge and skills. Do not refer to your application and/or resume when completing these questions. Do you understand and acknowledge these instructions?

• Yes
• No

02


If you are invited to an interview, you will receive an email from the City of Mission Viejo with instructions to self-schedule yourself for an interview time the week of December 2, 2024. Failure to self-schedule an interview on time and/or to show up for the interview on time is an automatic fail for this recruitment. Do you understand and acknowledge these instructions?

• Yes
• No

03


Describe your background, training and work experience as it relates to the position of Planning and Economic Development Manager and the qualities identified for an ideal candidate.


04


Briefly describe your experience in both current and advanced planning.


05


Briefly describe your experience supervising lower-level staff.


06


Describe your experience assisting customers. What is your definition of excellent customer service?


07


Briefly describe your experience preparing staff reports. In addition, please upload an example of a staff report you have written and presented.


Required Question City of Mission Viejo, CA

Job Tags

Holiday work, Full time, Contract work, Temporary work, Part time, For contractors, Work experience placement, Trial period, Flexible hours, Monday to Friday,

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