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The City of Newark is hiring a Community Preservation Specialist. This role is essential to protecting the health, safety, and quality of life in our community. Working under general supervision, the Specialist enforces City codes related to health and safety, nuisance abatement, housing, and zoning. The position combines investigative work with public education and involves frequent interaction with property owners, businesses, community organizations, and residents.

In this position, you will:

• Advises property owners, businesses, and residents on City code requirements and compliance.

• Educates the public and professional groups on code regulations to encourage voluntary compliance.

• Investigates complaints from City staff, the public, and officials regarding zoning or nuisance issues such as signs, fences, rental housing, home occupations, vehicle storage, trash accumulation, noise, and odors.

• Conducts field inspections to ensure compliance, providing clear guidance on corrective actions when necessary.

• Prepares notices, correspondence, and detailed reports documenting investigations.

• Represents the City in court proceedings, hearings, and other official forums.

• Manages difficult and confrontational situations with professionalism and diplomacy.

• Provides lead direction and reviews the work of assigned clerical staff or coworkers, as needed.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

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

• Associates Degree or 60 college semester units in a related field from an accredited college, supplemented by one year of experience in code enforcement.  Experience may be substituted for education on a year for year basis up to a maximum of one year.
• Documented code enforcement related training from a recognized code enforcement association in the State of California, which includes training in the areas of property management and landlord tenant issues.
• Bilingual skills are highly desirable. 

Under general supervision of the Chief Building Official, the Building Permit Technician performs technical, paraprofessional support, customer service, and clerical work supporting the operations involved with the issuance and coordination of the building inspection and permits process.

CLASS CHARACTERISITICS:

The incumbent will usually serve the public at the front counter and provide information regarding permits and building code requirements.  The nature of the tasks requires good public relations skills and the ability to handle customers with tact and good judgment.  The position will perform routine and complex tasks associated with the receipt, review and tracking of building permit applications through the permit process to ensure the efficiency and compliance to department policies and procedures.  May receive functional or technical supervision from department staff.  May exercise functional or technical supervision over other clerical positions.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES (illustrative only):

• Efficiently process building permit applications and miscellaneous permits; ensure all necessary approvals are obtained.
• Perform elementary plan checking duties at the public counter, reviewing for completeness and for conformance to building and other appropriate policies and procedures as assigned.
• Respond to inquiries and confer with builders, engineers, contractors, architects, and the public concerning submittal requirements, building codes and permit regulations at the counter and over the phone.
• Assemble, route and monitor plans and associated information through various City departments and agencies for the plan review process and permit issuance.
• Enter appropriate information into the permit tracking system and other logs and records of permits issued.  Maintain and compile record files, forms and reports concerning building inspection and plan review activities.
• Perform general clerical tasks and use the computer to enter data using spread sheets and maintain and update the permit tracking software information.
• Calculate various valuations, plan check fees and permit fees.
• Sort file and purge documents and records, maintaining alphabetical, index and cross-reference files; maintain complex office records related to building inspection and code enforcement.
• Research and assemble information from a variety of sources for the completion of forms or the preparation of reports; make arithmetic or statistical calculations.
• Organize and maintain various departmental files.  Prepare correspondence, reports, forms, and specialized documents from drafts, notes, or brief instructions, using the office computer system.  Proofread and check typed and other materials for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with departmental policies and regulations.
• Act as receptionist, receive and screen visitors and telephone calls and direct the caller to the proper person or personally handle the call.
• Operate standard office equipment.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

The city is seeking a highly motivated, innovative, and results-driven professional who is goal-oriented and self-motivated, possessing the skills and abilities to build strategic collaboration and partnerships that achieve success. This senior-level executive will oversee the industrial/commercial development of hundreds of acres of land sitting at the crossroads of two major highways linking together the San Joaquin Valley.  The successful candidate will also lead the downtown renovation program and focus on a growing housing demand in the city. This is an excellent opportunity for a creative professional who can provide strong support for public-private partnerships.

Under the administrative direction of the City Administrator, the Community and Economic Development Director will plan, organize, direct and coordinate the City’s community and economic development program and will represent the city in matters of economic development; and performs related work as required.

This is a department head position who will coordinate the City’s efforts in promoting community and economic development. The incumbent will serve as Executive Director of the Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency. The incumbent serves as liaison with local, state and federal economic development agencies, and brings various program activities together into a City-wide coordinated and planned economic development strategy. The Community and Economic Development Director acts with a high degree of independence of action in the assigned area of responsibility to attain objectives according to policy guidelines. The incumbent is expected to develop methods and procedures and solve problems encountered. Except where a deviation in policy is involved, most work is not reviewed directly by supervisor and when work is reviewed, the review is directed toward final outcomes and results

The Director will direct and coordinate the City's economic development efforts that may include financing, site selection, supplemental outreach recruitment and existing business expansion and development entitlement assistance. Prepares and recommends the City's economic development policy goals and implementation plans. Serves as a liaison with local, state and federal agencies responsible for economic development activities. Manages developer selection process and negotiates developmental agreements for commercial and industrial projects. Manages permit processing, planning, building plan checking and inspections, code enforcement, historic preservation and development engineering. Directs research and preparation of various reports, proposals, and studies. Chairs committees comprised of key employees from other city departments in order to respond in a coordinate manner to the development needs of applicants. Represents the City at various meetings. Performs related work as required. 

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES: The essential responsibilities of the director are to have knowledge of principles and practices of economic development efforts that may include financing, site selection, business outreach and recruitment, existing business expansion, and development entitlement assistance methods and techniques of permit processing, building inspection and code enforcement; laws, ordinances and regulations governing the operation of municipal government; management theory and practice; spelling, grammar and punctuation; appropriate safety precautions and procedures. 

Have the ability to plan, organize and administer comprehensive economic development programs; coordinate a task force designed to respond to developmental needs of applicants; prepare comprehensive reports, make effective oral presentation and maintain effective public relations; exercise good judgement in the handling of municipal affairs; formulate and administer budget; operate a vehicle observing legal and defensive driving practices; establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work; deal with a wide variety of planning, building and code/zone customers and reaching a satisfactory resolution to difficult and complex problems; maintain confidentiality and determine what information can be dispensed; coordinate with various departments for plans and permits review; manage the performance of others in the department with regards to scheduling inspections, computerized data entry, permit issuance, public relations, complaint, planning and community and economic development conditions and monetary follow-up. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORKING CONDITIONS: Strength, light work-lifting, carrying and/or pushing 25 pounds maximum; incumbents are required to attend periodic evening meetings; and required to travel within and out of City to attend meetings. 

PREREQUISITES: This position requires equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in business administration, urban planning, economics or a closely related field.

A master’s degree in one of these fields is desirable.

A minimum of three years of increasingly responsible experience in managerial-level work in economic/business development and municipal services.

Possession of a valid California driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.

The application deadline is Friday, September 5, 2025. Please apply on CalOpps and include a cover letter, comprehensive resume and five professional references.

Join Our Team as an Economic Development Specialist!

Are you passionate about fostering community growth and supporting local businesses? We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented professional to perform a variety of analytical and project management duties in support of economic development initiatives. In this role, you will help implement and administer key programs, assist with public and private development projects, and provide valuable insights through trend analysis and policy recommendations. If you're ready to make a meaningful impact on the future of our local economy, we invite you to apply!

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Economic Development Specialist is an entry-level class. Employees may have only limited or no direct related work experience. Employees work under general supervision while learning job tasks.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED

Receives direction from the Economic Development and Communications Specialist. May exercise technical and functional supervision over administrative support personnel.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (include but are not limited to the following)

• Prepares responses, proposals and presentations for Requests for Information and provides responsible, professional analytical assistance in the development, administration and implementation of economic development programs.
• Develops short- and long-range economic development plans; gathers, interprets and prepares data for studies, reports, and recommendations.
• Coordinates and participates in the review of City projects, project plans, and discussions.
• Helps maintain a comprehensive inventory of available buildings and sites in the community for economic development purposes and distributes to perspective economic development clientele as requested.
• Assists with marketing plans for attraction, retention and expansion of businesses.
• Recommends and investigates ways to obtain grants, loans and other procurement of funds for the development of business; works on financial statements.
• Serves as a liaison between the local government and the chamber of commerce, merchants’ associations, economic development districts, redevelopment agencies and other public, private or nonprofit groups and associations interested in economic development.
• Monitors local, state and Federal legislations and regulations relating to economic development; reports findings, trends and recommendations to supervisor.
• Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies, City management and staff and the public.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS

Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in preparing reports using a computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires near and far vision in reading written reports and work-related documents. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal service. Additionally, the incumbent in this position may work in all weather conditions including wet, hot and cold. The need to lift, drag and push files, paper and documents weighing up to 25 pounds also is required.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES (The following are a representative sample of the KSAs necessary to perform essential duties of the position.)

Knowledge of: Principles and practices of business and economic development; methods and programs for financing; grant administration and writing; principles and practices of planning programs and processes; marketing and public relation techniques; municipal zoning and infrastructure; advertising layout and design; applicable federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations; basic principles of mathematics; methods and techniques of scheduling work assignments; standard office procedures, practices and equipment; modern office equipment including a computer and applicable software; methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation and writing; proper English, spelling and grammar; occupational hazards and standard safety practices.

Skill to: Operate an office computer and a variety of word processing and software applications.

Ability to: Participate in a variety of tasks relating to economic development; make public presentations; prepare and package applications and requests for economic development financial assistance; develop financing methods and programs; implement, explain and apply applicable laws, codes and regulations; read, interpret and record data accurately; organize, prioritize and follow-up on work assignments; work independently and as part of a team; make sound decisions within established guidelines; analyze a complex issue, and develop and implement an appropriate response; follow written and oral directions; observe safety principles and work in a safe manner; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Economic & Housing Development Manager | FY 2025-26: $141,336.00 - $188,532.00
Economic & Housing Development Manager | FY 2026-27: $143,460.00 - $191,364.00
Economic & Housing Development Manager | FY 2027-28: $147,756.00 - $197,100.00

This is an unrep, full-time, 40 hours per week position working 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays; 8:00 AM to 7:30 PM on Wednesdays; and 8:00 AM to 1:30 PM on Fridays; with occasional evening and weekend hours.

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Click the image below to learn more about the opportunity in our recruitment flipbook

 

Shape a Thriving Future.
Lead Pacifica’s Economic Development & Housing Vision.

The City of Pacifica is seeking an innovative and strategic leader to serve as our next Economic and Housing Development Manager. This high-impact role offers a unique opportunity to shape the economic and housing future of our dynamic and vibrant coastal community. The position leads efforts to attract, retain, and grow businesses, while advancing housing strategies that reflect the values and needs of Pacifica’s residents. This role aligns public and private initiatives to strengthen the City’s economic foundation. It’s a meaningful opportunity for a collaborative, forward-thinking professional to help guide Pacifica’s sustainable growth by balancing progress and future economic sustainability with community character.

Candidates interested in applying for the position may submit their online application, cover letter and resume by September 12, 2025 at 11:59 PM PST at https://www.calopps.org/city-of-pacifica.