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Applications are being accepted for the position of ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT with the City of Santa Clara. 

VIEW OUR RECRUITMENT BROCHURE

APPLICATION DEADLINE: MONDAY, JULY 21, 2025, 5:00 P.M. (PT)

The City of Santa Clara is recruiting for an Assistant Director of Community Development who will be responsible for organizing, managing, and providing direction for all functions and activities of the Community Development Department. This includes planning, permitting, building inspection, code compliance, housing, and special projects. The Assistant Director develops plans, goals, and objectives for the Department and advises the City Manager on matters pertaining to departmental functions.
 

The City of Santa Clara is seeking a knowledgeable, capable, and technically experienced Assistant Director of Community Development who can provide strategic planning and strong leadership for the Department. A solutions-oriented leader is sought who will work to ensure the Department operates in a forward-thinking manner and works to enhance the quality of life for the City. The ideal candidate is energetic, possesses excellent political acumen, strong sense of customer service and government service delivery, and ability to lead multiple Department projects and initiatives. Successful candidates will have a strong sense of transparency, ethics, and excellent communication skills and the ability to build relationships and work collaboratively with Departments and community organizations. 

A strong candidate will have knowledge and understanding of the principles, practices, and program areas related to the Planning, Building, and Housing, and administrative principles and methods associated with employee supervision and budget development and management.

To be considered for this outstanding employment opportunity, please complete an application online by clicking "Apply" above. A Cover Letter and Resume must be submitted with the completed City application.  Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

The City of Santa Clara is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state or local laws. 

Please click on the Job PDF below or visit Teri Black and Company - Recruitment Economic Vitality Manager - City of Mountain View, CA (tbcrecruiting.com) for more information on this opportunity. 

We’re looking for a motivated, reliable, and diligent professional to take on the role of Senior Building Inspector. You will join a fast-paced, dynamic team environment, providing critical inspection services within the Community Development Department.  This position receives direction from the Deputy Building Official, will provide leadership and indirect supervision over other inspection staff, and can build positive working relationships throughout the organization and development community. If you are looking to have a direct impact in a role requiring strong problem-solving skills, leadership, and emotional intelligence, this position is for you!  Review our detailed job description here. 

The Essentials 

• Three years increasingly responsible building inspection experience supplemented by journey level construction trade experience. 
• Equivalent to the completion of the 12th grade supplemented by college level courses in inspection methods, architecture, structural, or civil engineering.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate California driver’s license. 
• Possession of an International Code Council (ICC) certification as a combination inspector, building inspector, or designated trade specialist, e.g., electrical inspector.

Bonus Points:

• Possession of an AA degree in a related field.
• Experience in a City Building Department.
• Possession of a CASp certification.

What You'll Do
 

• Perform field inspections on various structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical and building systems at various stages of building construction, alteration, or repair to ensure compliance with applicable codes. 
• Check building plans for compliance with applicable codes.
• Confer with and resolve code and inspection disputes between staff and builders, developers, contractors, architects, engineers, and the public. 
• Respond to questions and concerns of assigned staff and/or the public; assist in coordinating inspection activities. 
• Collaborate on code violation cases with the Code Enforcement Division of the City Attorney’s Office.
• Coordinate inspection activities with inspection staff in other City Divisions/ Departments, such as Planning, Fire, Environmental Safety, and Public Works, and in collaboration with other county and state agencies. 
• Provide training to new Building Inspection staff and on City policies, procedures, rules, and regulations. 
• Prepare appropriate paperwork, violation notices, records, and reports. 
• Support the public counter and Permit Center in the Building Division as needed. 
• Develop and prepare forms and online content related to inspection services for the City Website, in collaboration with other Department staff.
• Perform related duties as assigned. 

Are We a Match?

• You are knowledgeable about, and can clearly explain to others, the principles and practices of the California Building, Plumbing, Mechanical and Electrical Codes, and other pertinent Federal, State, County codes, and City ordinances.
• You are familiar with, or are willing to learn, about green building and Reach Codes that support the City’s sustainability initiatives.
• You are a problem solver with the ability to identify existing or potential problems and proactively collaborate on solutions.
• You are an exceptional communicator with superior interpersonal skills. You establish and maintain effective working relationships and enjoy collaborating with others in a team environment. 
• You enjoy teaching and mentoring a team on your technical building expertise and enjoy learning from others expertise.
• You are a quick and efficient professional who is adept at juggling multiple priorities and projects to meet targeted deadlines. 
• You are passionate about community development and enjoy providing outstanding customer service to Mountain View’s business and residential community. 
• You embrace new technologies that make information sharing and providing quality inspection services that much easier for inspectors and customers.
• You have experience inspecting large development, such as multi-building commercial campuses, mixed-use developments, affordable housing, Master Plans, or mid-to-high-rise residential developments.

"TO REVIEW THE FULL DESCRIPTION OF THIS EXECUTIVE OPPORTUNITY PLEASE CLICK THIS BROCHURE. TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION PLEASE SUBMIT AN APPLICATION HERE."

 

Our diverse and inclusive workforce of more than 7,000 employees play a key role in the success of San José, the heart of the Silicon Valley. All City of San José employees work together as one team to make San José a vibrant, innovative, and desirable place to live and work. Visit here to learn more about our One Team Leadership Values and Expectations, including quality and excellent customer service and here to learn more about San José.

About the Department

The City of San Jose’s Department of Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement serves to ensure the orderly and safe development of private properties, compliance with all applicable building, zoning, and quality of life ordinances and regulations, and to promote healthy and safe community standards.  This is accomplished by departmental staff in service to customers by: 

• Assisting and guiding land use and development to promote long-term goals and objectives that render safe, beneficial, and more sustainable communities 

• Providing orderly administration and compliance of building codes, as mandated by the various levels of government, to ensure the construction of buildings, homes, and structures meet intended life safety and structural requirements 

• Investigating and resolving citizen complaints of municipal code violations on private property in order to promote, maintain, and improve quality of life issues that better allow for safe and harmonious conditions in all neighborhoods 

The Department is seeking a Deputy Director of Planning who is committed to understanding, executing, and improving the Department’s vision of a well run, professional organization that achieves the above goals and objectives.  This includes providing excellent service and guidance to residents, property and business owners, developers, and other stakeholders throughout the planning processes. Strong management, communication and interpersonal skills are essential, as the department values building positive relationships and fostering collaboration with other departments, agencies, and the community.  

The Department has a staff of approximately 300 employees and includes four divisions: 

• The Planning Division administers current development projects, processes development applications in conformance with City policies and objectives and conducts long-range planning such implementation of the Envision San José 2040 General Plan. The Division provides support to the Planning Commission and the Historic Landmarks Commission. The Deputy Director (Planning Official) manages this Division. 

• The Building Division conducts plan review and field inspection of construction projects to ensure conformance with health and safety requirements. The Division operates the City’s Permit Center. The Building Official manages this Division.  

• The Code Enforcement Division utilizes education and enforcement tools to facilitate compliance with Municipal Codes designed to maintain a healthy, safe and clean environment, carry out land use policy, and preserve the quality-of-life standards that residents and businesses enjoy. The Code Enforcement Official manages this Division. 

• The Administrative Division manages the Department’s administrative activities, including budget, fiscal and human resources. The Administrative Officer manages this Division. 

To provide consistency throughout the planning and entitlement processes, key elements of the Planning and Building Divisions operate on the interdepartmental “Development Services Team” with Public Works Development Review and the Fire Marshal. These functions are co-located in City Hall. More detailed information on the Department and Divisions can be found on the City’s website. 

Position Duties

To review the full job description please click here

The Deputy Director for Planning is a direct report to the Director of PBCE and provides leadership of all Planning functions within the Department. The position also contributes to the overall management of the Department through overseeing various interdivisional project teams. 
  

The Deputy Director for Planning is responsible for the stewardship and implementation of the City's General Plan and zoning policies, the review of applications for planning permits for consistency with the City’s ordinances and polices including California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and for engagement with customers, stakeholders and the community on proposed developments.  

The position is supported by three Division Managers and four Principal Planners who take responsibility for day-to-day operations and decision-making and are split between Development Review, CEQA, and Citywide Planning (longer term policy and plan development). The position manages an interdisciplinary team of planners and provides executive direction for specialized professional planning functions, including development review, land use, zoning, urban design, environmental review, historic preservation, housing, transportation, economic development, and data analytics. The position develops and oversees the organizational structure, the annual work program, and the budget and staffing of the Planning Division and assists in the preparation of the Department’s work program and budget.  
 

The Deputy Director of Planning frequently represents the Department and the Director at City Council, officiates public hearings on the Director’s behalf, and represents the Department and the Director at meetings with the public, elected officials, other departments/agencies and various stakeholders. The position includes attendance at evening meetings.  

Essential areas of responsibility include: 

• Oversee the department's planning budgets, ensuring proper allocation of resources, cost recovery, as well as the development and oversight of the divisions fees and charges  

• Ensure all planning activities comply with local, state, and federal regulations. 

• Develop and implement long-term city planning initiatives. 

• Facilitate public meetings and community outreach to gather input and inform the public about planning projects. 

• Provide leadership and guidance for critical housing related issues/proposals ranging from zoning, permitting, infrastructure improvements, community engagement and sustainability 

• Oversee the review of development proposals, zoning changes, and other land use applications for compliance with city codes and policies.  

• Manage complex planning projects and initiatives, including comprehensive plan updates, area plans, and zoning code revisions.  

• Collaborate with the internal development-services partners, elected officials, developers, community groups, and the general public on planning matters.  

• Prepare reports, presentations, and recommendations for the Planning Commission and City Council  

• Assist in the day-to-day operations of the Division. 

• Advise the Director about important and/or sensitive issues; take appropriate action to address them. 

• Represent the Department and City before other government agencies, community groups, citizens, businesses and professional organizations. 

• Provide positive and constructive leadership and management; mentor and motivate staff. 

• Lead organizational review and strategic planning efforts. 

• Continue to stay on the forefront of nationwide trends and initiative. Introduce and implement creative ideas and processes to help the city achieve 
   its economic development, quality of life, and other goals. 

• Continue implementation of the Envision San José 2040 General Plan. 

With the scale of growth and development anticipated throughout the City, anchored by major transit investment plans, it is critical that the City’s General Plan for current citywide planning policy priorities should include: 

• Housing Crisis Action Plan 

• Transportation/Transit Efforts, including BART Phase 2 

• Urban Village Planning and Implementation 

• Downtown and North San Jose Planning 

• Zoning Code and Ordinance Updates 

• Urban Design and Public Life Initiative 

• Historic Preservation 

• Regional Policy 

The Engineering Group Manager – Facilities will oversee a diverse and talented team responsible for managing the planning, design, and construction of capital projects at the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA). This individual will lead the delivery of high-impact projects ranging from transit infrastructure upgrades to the improvement and rehabilitation of maintenance yards and other critical facilities. The role includes overseeing staff, consultants, and stakeholders in the successful execution of these projects, while also ensuring compliance with VTA’s overall objectives and community needs.

Per Diem Dispatchers will provide public safety dispatching at Levi's Stadium and/or Santa Clara Police/Fire Communications.

 

As an as-needed employee, this is an "at-will" position and there is no guarantee of hours. Hours are limited to 999 in a fiscal year or 960 hours in a fiscal year for retired CalPERS annuitants. 

 

THIS RECRUITMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL MULTIPLE POSITIONS IN THIS, OR OTHER DIVISIONS OR DEPARTMENTS BESIDES THE POSITIONS LISTED BELOW.  IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN EMPLOYMENT IN THIS CLASSIFICATION, YOU SHOULD APPLY TO ENSURE YOU ARE CONSIDERED FOR ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES THAT MAY UTILIZE THE APPLICANTS FROM THIS RECRUITMENT. MEETING THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS DOES NOT GUARANTEE ADMITTANCE INTO THE EXAMINATION PROCESS.  ONLY THE MOST QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WHO DEMONSTRATE THE BEST COMBINATION OF QUALIFICATIONS IN RELATION TO THE REQUIREMENTS AND DUTIES OF THE POSITION WILL BE INVITED TO TEST OR INTERVIEW. 

 

 

 

Typical Duties

 

Duties may include, but are not limited, to the following:

• Operates base radio console equipment, transmitting and receiving routine and emergency messages
• Receives emergency and routine requests for services from the public via 9-1-1, alternate emergency lines, and business lines
• Dispatches appropriate emergency vehicles, equipment, and personnel in response to those requests, in accordance with established policies and procedures
• Coordinates emergency operations between various departmental personnel and equipment
• Operates data terminals for information pertaining to daily public safety operations and general emergency services
• Maintains written logs, files, and computer information in the prescribed manner
• Updates computer files and performs other clerical functions and tasks as directed
• Performs other related duties as assigned
• Receives emergency and routine requests for services from the public via 9-1-1, alternate emergency lines, and business lines

 

 

Minimum Qualifications

 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum Education Requirements: 

Graduation from high school or possession of a GED

 

Minimum Experience Requirements: 

• The equivalent of two (2) years of paid employment experience in public safety dispatching within the past five (5) years of which at least one (1) year included solo status; or
• Five (5) years of current paid employment with a public safety agency or private emergency medical services agency, with high level Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), radio and/or telephone operation; or
• Successful completion of probationary period as a Public Safety Dispatcher I with the City of Santa Clara.

 

License/Certifications: 

Possession of a current P.O.S.T. Basic Dispatch certificate is required.

 

Other Requirements:  

• Incumbents must have the ability to work, as assigned, on schedules that may include Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, and non-traditional work hours.
• Must be able to perform all the essential functions of the job assignment.  All candidates will be required to pass a City background investigation, which will include fingerprinting and/or psychological testing.

 

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

 

Knowledge of:

• General public safety radio and telephone communications systems
• Police and fire emergency procedures
• Primary roads, streets, highways, major buildings, and public facilities within the City's boundaries

 

Skill In: 

• Reading and interpreting maps; and maintaining accurate records

 

Ability to: 

• Read, write, spell, and speak in clear, concise English
• Learn correct telephone answering techniques, policies and procedures
• Operate computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system with sufficient speed and accuracy to document field activity and create calls for service within response criteria guidelines
• Analyze situations quickly and accurately, while taking effective action to assure public safety provider and citizen safety
• Follow verbal and written instructions
• Communicate clearly and distinctly using radio and telephone equipment
• Maintain composure and work accurately in emergency situations
• Work in a team-based environment and achieve common goals
• Establish and maintain tactful, courteous, and effective working relationships with those contacted during the course of work, including the general public
• Work in a confined area, wearing a headset which restricts physical movement about the work area
• Accurately enter information into the CAD system while simultaneously receiving information by phone or radio
• Retrieve data from CAD terminal or other keyboard device, maintain appropriate documentation of previous events, details, and conversations
• Work in a highly structured environment where all communications are recorded or documented and reviewed as public record
• Handle multiple priorities and organize workload
• Extract information or data from other computer systems
• View multiple video display terminals for extended periods of time in low variable light conditions
• Distinguish and interpret the meaning of colors on video display terminals
• Distinguish and comprehend simultaneous communications from several sources
• Work continuously or uninterrupted as required, standing or sitting for extended periods of time
• Perform with a high standard of customer service, professional conduct, and civic responsibility
• Use emergency medical questioning techniques and provide medical instructions via telephone when required
• Type at a net rate of 35 wpm on a computer keyboard

 

 

Additional Information: 

You must answer all job-specific questions in order to be considered for this vacancy or your application will be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Applications must be filled out completely (i.e. do not write “see resume or personnel file.”). To receive consideration for the screening process, candidates must submit a 1) Possession of a current P.O.S.T. Basic Dispatch certificate. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Application packets may be submitted online through the “Apply Now” feature on the job announcement at www.santaclaraca.gov. Applications will be reviewed on a bi-weekly basis for consideration to the position.  If you are interested in applying you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, before the position is closed.

 

The City of Santa Clara is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state or local laws. The City of Santa Clara is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at (408) 615-2080 or HumanResources@santaclaraca.gov. 

 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Works under the general supervision of a Senior Public Safety Dispatcher or Watch Commander and the overall direction of the Communications Operations Manager.