Director of Planning

The Director of Planning will find diverse engaged communities that are very interested and participatory in the planning process. Calaveras’ geographical setting and historical significance provides unique planning challenges such as preserving the historical heritage of the County, supporting agriculture, at the same time facilitating and promoting economic growth and sustaining an overall quality of life. This position works closely with representatives of the County’s Building, Public Works and Environment Management agencies as well as the Calaveras Council of Governments and local special districts to implement applicable land use policies.

Combined, these responsibilities make this assignment a highly visible position that will regularly make presentations to the Planning Commission, the Board of Supervisors, and a variety of community groups and organizations.

The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in General Plan law, the California Environmental Quality Act, the Subdivision Map Act and Planning and Zoning laws, along with knowledge of affordable housing and grant programs. Excellent presentation and public speaking skills, a strong sense of diplomacy, and an open, receptive interpersonal style are also key attributes for this assignment. A minimum of five years of professional level, public agency planning experience, which includes at least two of those years in a supervisory capacity, is required.

Equivalency to a Bachelor’s degree in land use planning or a related field is also a requirement. County planning experience and An AICP certification is preferred.

Under general direction of the County Executive Officer, plans and organizes the activities of the County Planning Department; administers the general plan and zoning ordinance, subdivisions, land use permits, specific plans, and planned developments; develops policies; represents the Planning Department in meetings with the Board of Supervisors, County Executive Officer, commissions, committees, community agencies, and other public groups; and performs related work as required.

This is an appointed at-will Department Head position that serves as part of the County’s management team. The position administratively reports to the County Executive Officer.

• Plans, supervises and coordinates the activities of the County Planning Department;
• Sets direction through the development of a strategic/business plan for the department and the Board of Supervisor’s goals, measures expected outcomes;
• Supervises, assigns and evaluates the work of subordinate staff, ensures program deadlines are met;
• Oversees processes for recruitment, selection, hiring, evaluation and discipline of employees;
• Evaluates planning programs, policies, and procedures; develops changes as appropriate, ensures implementation; evaluates land-use applications and develops recommendations to public hearing bodies; and resolves complex land use application issues;
• Formulates operational objectives within local, state and federal legal requirements;
• Directs staff in the development, maintenance, and enforcement of the general plan, land use, community design, streets and highways, other services and facilities, and in the interpretation and enforcement of zoning, subdivision, and similar ordinances;
• Prepares and administers the department budget; establishes short and long term budget priorities and funding requirements;
• Transforms requests for action by the Planning Commission, County Administrative Officer, and Board of Supervisors into planning strategies which include alternatives and recommendations for final review;
• Reviews and interprets State and Federal requirements pertaining to planning;
• Attends Planning Commission and…