Job Title: Director of Planning and Zoning
Department: Planning and Zoning
Reports To: Assistant Township Manager
Supervisory Responsibilities: Planning and Zoning Staff
Safety Sensitive: Yes
Classification: Fulltime; Exempt
Job Level: 3
Driving Status: Yes
Work Environment: Office

SUMMARY

Manage and direct daily work functions of the Planning and Zoning Department; develop and direct the Township’s planning activities; administer Township land use ordinances; manage the transferable development program; prepare and administer the department budget; meet with various Boards, developers and industry representatives to present and discuss planning, zoning and community and intercommunity projects; manage information systems of the department; participate as a member of the management team.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Ability to sit or stand for long periods of time while working at a desk or computer.
2. Ability to travel throughout the Township and to neighboring communities.
3. Must be able to lift to 15 pounds at times.
   4 Must be able to navigate outdoor terrain, if conducting field investigations.

KNOWLEDGE:

• Comprehensive knowledge of land use planning, urban and regional planning, and community planning.
• Comprehensive knowledge of department policies, procedures, relevant state and federal laws and regulations, and local ordinances affecting planning and zoning.
• Comprehensive knowledge of management principles and practices, including budgeting, public relations, training, evaluating and personnel management.
• Thorough knowledge of public administration principles relating to funding, fees and revenue and government process.
• Thorough knowledge of computer applications to department programs including databases and spreadsheets.
• Thorough knowledge of real estate terminology, laws, practices, principles, regulations.

SKILLS:

• Operation of computer and knowledge of Microsoft Office, Power Point, GIS, and City View.
• Use of basic office equipment.
• Interpersonal skills and public relations skills to work effectively with various officials, staff, residents, and customers.
• Read and interpret blueprints, site plans and engineer drawings.
• Effective and direct oral and written communications.
• Provide effective leadership, training, and evaluation of subordinates.
• Problem solving and negotiation skills.

ABILITIES:

• Ability to apply management and supervisory principles to solve practical, everyday problems.
• Ability to establish effective relationships with employees, management staff, elected officials, members of the public, representatives of government regulatory agencies, vendors, and representatives of outside firms providing services for the Township.
• Ability to demonstrate teamwork and create a “teamworking” environment.
• Ability to evaluate programs and services, make recommendations and follow through with a plan of action.
• Ability to perform basic and advanced mathematical calculations including preparation of budget reports or application of formulas to data to determine fees or standards.
• Ability to prepare reports and present facts and ideas in a clear and organized fashion.
• Ability to establish a cooperative atmosphere among various work units as head of a major department of the organization.
• Ability to effectively resolve complaints through proper investigation, mediation and/or action to correct problem.
• Ability to work with abstract ideas and visualize possible applications in planning for future work projects.
• Ability to prioritize work schedule for time sensitive projects.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbal and written, in a clear, concise, and non-threatening manner.
• Ability to understand sensitive or controversial political situations.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize work.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Ability to facilitate in-person and/or virtual public meetings.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, regional planning, environmental planning, landscape architecture, public administration, or related field.
• 5 years of experience in a related field.

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Master’s degree in urban planning, regional planning, environmental planning, landscape architecture, public administration, or a related field.
• 8 years of experience including experience in a supervisory capacity.
• Certification by American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).

DISCLAIMER

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice

1. Supervise planning staff in the performance of work duties and responsibilities, review work, evaluate performance, approve leave, effectively recommend hiring, discipline and discharge; evaluate, motivate, train, and develop staff; develop, communicate, and enforce department policies and procedures; adjust grievances or confer with Township Manager regarding non-routine matters.
2. Develop and direct Township’s planning activities; develop short- and long-range planning goals and objectives to address evolving department needs; develop programs and projects to match needs; monitor program delivery and project development to assess accomplishment of goals and objectives; update ordinances to implement goals; develop and present recommendations to address changes to fee structures, programs, or projects.
3. Prepare and administer the department budget to include summary and detailed justification for requests; administer budget through proper monitoring and control of expenditures; prepare request for proposals and prepare recommendation for award; review department purchasing activities and vendor prices for cost effectiveness.
4. Supervise, manage, and prepare annual and semi-annual performance evaluations, assuring satisfactory work performance and compliance with adopted policies and procedures.
5. Meet with Boards, Commissioners and/or Township Manager to review planning and zoning activities; provide technical assistance and input regarding policy, programs, and projects; meet with department heads, e.g., Public Works, Codes, Parks and Recreation, to collaborate on planning projects.
6. Meet with development and building industry representatives to convey Township and department goals and objectives; promote understanding of comprehensive plan and assist with alignment of project plans to policies.
7. Manage information system for department to accomplish effective organization, access, and storage of data; implement methods to ensure timely action on incoming information; evaluate computer applications to ensure maximum return on investments; identify information resources to improve delivery of programs and services.
8. Participate as member of management team to accomplish short term and long-range planning, address Township-wide policy and program issues and promote inter-departmental cooperation.
9. Evaluate planning-related legislation and applicability to the department.
10. Attend evening meetings as required.