Assistant Director - Development Services

Job Description

Assistant Director
- Development Services
FULL-TIME Non-exempt
Starting annual salary $58,000
Final date to receive applications:
Monday February 23, 2026 No later than 5:00PM MTD

Performs a variety of professional, administrative, technical and supervisory duties related to organizing, directing and coordinating the planning and zoning functions of City of Belen. Assists the Development Services Director in his/her official capacity as administrator of land use, long-range planning, flood plain development and building location permit ordinances. Work involves a wide variety of situations wherein the Assistant Director typically determines his/her own practices and procedures, based upon City laws and department policy.

Assists the director in developing policies and objectives for the planning function. Involving a high degree of complexity, Assistant Director is typically required to solve advanced problems using principles of logic and application of planning and land use laws. Communicates heavily with others both inside the organization, including staff, Planning Commissioners, Councilors and other City employees, as well as those outside of the organization, including those using the City’s planning services, members of the public, and other government agencies.

Work involves high degree of responsibility as Assistant Director works independently under the general direction of the Development Services Director. Work has significant impact on the operations of the department and may affect decisions resulting in potential litigation by landowners and applicants. Work is typically performed in an office environment with frequent travel throughout the city to conduct planning-related research, presentations, training or related activities.

Typically involves stress related to the nature of the work, deadlines, and potential for conflict.

• Coordinates and facilitates department functions, including public hearings, workshops, public meetings, etc. Informs the public through media, reports, public meetings and presentations.
• Administers land use code as incumbent interprets and applies federal, state and local codes as they relate to land use. Provides the public with appropriate information to make decisions with accurate information.
• Reviews land use projects and prepares written reports which provide an analysis of a variety of land use applications for decision makers. Presents oral reports to decision makers. Reviews, prepares and/or presents final plats, resolutions and ordinances to the City Planning and Zoning Commission and Councilors for action.
• Demonstrates leadership capabilities by assisting the Development Services Director in establishing policies and objectives for the Planning Department and its staff. Assists the Development Services Director in making administrative decisions under guidelines established by office policies, ordinances and the as per the Development Services Director.
• Serves as spokesperson and representative for the Planning Department in community affairs and with the public, as requested by the Development Services Director.
• Prioritizes planning projects and assigns staff to projects under the guidance of the Development Services Director.
• Advises applicants regarding development proposals, demonstrating problem solving and independent decision-making.
• Initiates and drafts ordinance and comprehensive plan revisions under the general guidance of the Development Services Director. Informs the public about pending code and plan changes by preparing legal notices, public service announcements and press releases.
• Reviews and edits long-range planning work performed by staff and consultants.
• Oversees the maintenance of the department’s database and record keeping system.
• Assists the Development Services Director in training, advising and acting as a liaison between the City Councilors and the Planning & Zoning Commission as requested by the Director. Provides technical insight and recommendations related to determining planning, zoning, building location permits and flood plain development ordinances, and comprehensive plan…