Search Jobs

Definition:

The Planning Services Manager reports to the Community Development Director and is responsible for Planning Division in the Community Development Department. In this role, the Manager plans, organizes, directs and coordinates, planning, zoning, and community development programs, and participates as a member of the department’s management team in the development of departmental policy and administrative processes, as well as undertaking related work as required.

This position also provides direction for administrative, financial, and operational activities of the division. Duties of the Manager will include, but not be limited to:

• Administer the General Plan, Specific Plans, and subdivision, planning and zoning codes and ordinances.
• Monitor the City’s development services programs including review of major development projects and processing and issuing zoning approvals.
• Provide staff support to the Environmental Committee, Design Review Commission, Historical Commission, and Planning Commission.
• Administer the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and related state and federal laws and regulations, the Affordable Housing Program, the Community Development Block Grant Program, and the Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program.
• Develop, recommend, implement, and monitor divisional performance standards and prepare division policies and procedures.
• Coordinate interagency programs and enforcement projects and cross functional reviews with other departments and agencies and assist with code enforcement investigations.
• Meet with developers, design and construction professionals, and interested members of the public to provide advice and information, and provide applicant support throughout the planning building permitting process.
• Supervise, coach, train, and evaluate and motivate staff.

MINIMUM POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

Considerable knowledge of zoning regulations, state and local laws, the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Subdivision Map Act, the Community Development Block Grant Program, and the Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program; considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of land use, urban planning, architectural and urban design; considerable knowledge of policy planning and administration; working knowledge of the policies, procedures, rules and regulations which govern the operation of local government; working knowledge of legislative and regulatory processes; working knowledge of the use and application of modern information and telecommunications systems and technologies; working knowledge of the principles of supervision and management.

ABILITY TO:

Provide leadership; plan, direct, and organize the operations and staff of a complex agency division; understand, interpret and apply laws and administrative policies and rules; work effectively with the Community Development Director, the City Manager, City Council and Planning Commission; communicate clearly, concisely and persuasively both orally and in writing; select, train, supervise, motivate, and evaluate staff; utilize modern information and communication technologies.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: 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:

• Five years of progressively responsible supervisory and management experience involving interpretation and application of planning and zoning codes and regulations.
• Five years of progressively responsible experience as the staff liaison of a board, commission, or committee, which has been appointed by the agency’s elected officials and which has the authority to review and take discretionary actions on development applications or participates and makes recommendations on laws or policies of the agency.
• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, architecture, civil engineering or a closely related field. Possession of a Master’s Degree in one of the specified fields is desirable.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain prior to employment, a Class C California Driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record.
• Certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners is highly desirable.

IDEAL CANDIDATE POSSESSES THE FOLLOWING CHARACTERISTICS: Is highly professional, patient, respectful, and ethical; possesses excellent problem-solving skills and a can-do attitude. Communicates effectively and proactively both verbally and in writing. Enjoys working in a small-town atmosphere with an engaged public, including merchants, property owners and residents.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/GENERAL WORKING CONDITIONS

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone.  This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing and walking between work areas and walking on uneven terrain and climbing to reach certain access points may be required.  Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.  Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.  Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS:
The recruitment will remain open until the position is filled. Prior to hire, candidates will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment process, including a livescan background investigation. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment; however, failure to disclose a conviction will result in disqualification or termination.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The City of Los Altos is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of a person’s race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, mental or physical disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age or sexual orientation. Candidates with a disability, which may require special assistance in any phase of the application or testing process, should advise City of Los Altos upon submittal of application. Documentation of the need for accommodation must accompany the request.

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.  

ASSOCIATE ENGINEER

$6,294 - $7,651 monthly (paid bi-weekly)

2.45% Equity and COLA increase effective July 1, 2020

Open:  Friday, May 31, 2019

Open until filled

Summary Description

Under general supervision, performs professional and technical engineering work in design, land development, or capital improvements.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Assistant Engineer - This is the entry level class in the engineering series. Positions in this class possess the applicable educational and training background required of classes in the engineering series, yet typically have only limited or unrelated work experience. The Assistant Engineer class is distinguished from the Engineering Associate by the performance of less than the full range of duties as assigned to the journey level class within this series. This class is typically used as a training class. Incumbents work under direct supervision while learning job tasks.

ASSOCIATE Engineer - This is the journey level class in the engineering series. Positions in this class possess the applicable educational background and work experience required for classes in the engineering series. The Associate Engineer is distinguished from the Assistant Engineer by the performance of the full range of duties with only minimal instruction or assistance. Incumbents work independently, seeking assistance only as new or unusual situations arise. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the Assistant Engineer class.

Representative Duties

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

1. Perform professional and technical engineering work relative to assigned area of responsibility, such as design, land development, and capital improvements.
2. Design and prepare plans and specifications for public works projects including pumping stations, streets, storm drains, sewer lines, and related projects; research project design requirements; perform calculations and prepare estimates of time and material costs.
3. Answer inquiries from realtors, developers, engineers, and the general public.
4. Develop revised design and construction standards for public works structures and appurtenances.
5. Serve as construction inspector to ensure compliance on City projects, subdivisions, and encroachments.
6. Investigate field problems affecting property owners, contractors, and maintenance operations; resolve problems or refer as appropriate; coordinate or perform field work associated with infrastructure projects.
7. Administer contracts; coordinate and review the work of outside consultants; review and recommend payments and billing for contracted services related to assigned projects.
8. Write legal descriptions for right of way and easement dedications.
9. Issue encroachment, water, and sewer permits.
10. Request and participate in the collection of survey and mapping data.
11. Prepare estimates and feasibility reports for new or modified services and structures.
12. Participate in the plan check, review, and processing of plans for private developments affecting City streets, sewers, drains and related public works facilities; assure compliance with appropriate codes, ordinances, rules and regulations.
13. Attend and participate in professional group meetings; maintain awareness of new trends and developments in the field of municipal engineering; incorporate new developments as appropriate into programs.
14. Prepare visual presentations and reports.
15. Prepare special engineering studies and reports.
16. Coordinate public works activities with other City departments, divisions and sections and with outside agencies.
17. Perform related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:

Principles and practices of engineering as applied to public works, utilities, transportation or land development.

Methods, materials, techniques, tools, and equipment used in engineering construction and design.

Principles of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry and their application to engineering.

Operation, principles, and practices of engineering drafting and computer programs.

Topographic and construction surveying.

Strengths, properties, and uses of engineering construction materials.

Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

Pertinent federal, state, and local codes, laws, and regulations.

Ability to:

Prepare plans and drawings neatly and accurately.

Prepare engineering design computations and check, design, and prepare engineering plans and studies.

Learn and understand City engineering policies and procedures.

Administer contracts and coordinate and review the work of outside consultants.

Learn applicable laws and regulatory codes.

Prepare quantity and cost estimates.

Use and care for engineering and drafting instruments and equipment.

Prepare reports encompassing raw technical data; prepare effective cost estimates and recommendations.

Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience Guidelines - Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education/Training:

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in civil engineering or a related field.

Experience:

Two years of responsible engineering experience equivalent to that of an Assistant Engineer in the City of Ceres.

License or Certificate:

Possession of an appropriate, valid driver’s license.

Possession of an LSIT or EIT certificate.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS and WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment: Work is performed in an indoor and outdoor setting with exposure to all types of weather and temperature conditions, and travel from site to site.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting and field environment; to walk, stand, and sit for prolonged periods of time; to frequently stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, reach, twist, grasp, and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull moderate amounts of weight; to operate assigned equipment and vehicles; and to verbally communicate to exchange information.

Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction.

Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.