About Orange:

Orange is among the most interesting communities in Orange County to work as a leader in the field of city planning given its diverse land use mix, renowned medical institutions, thriving university, distinctive neighborhoods, four historic districts, open space resources, and prime location in the heart of the county. It takes pride in its friendly, and engaging "small town charm" while working to capitalize on its many assets to position its commercial corridors and industrial districts to contribute positively to the quality, character, and economy of the city in the future. In addition to the physical environment of the community, the planning staff and larger Community Development Department prides itself on its professionalism, teamwork, and having fun!

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:

This is a single-position, division manager classification. The incumbent manages all Planning programs, projects, and activities. Responsibilities include performing diverse, specialized, and complex work involving significant accountability and decision-making responsibility, including coordinating the activities of the department with those of other departments and administering and accomplishing the complex and varied functions. The incumbent organizes and oversees day-to-day planning activities and is responsible for providing professional-level support to the assigned management staff in a variety of areas. Successful performance of the work requires an extensive professional background as well as skill in coordinating assigned functions with other City departments and public agencies. This class is distinguished from the Assistant Community Development Director in that the latter assists in managing all functions of the department and serves as "second-in-command" to the department head. This class is further distinguished from the Community Development Director in that the latter has overall responsibility for all functions of the department and for developing, implementing, and interpreting public policy.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

The following duties represent the principal job duties; however, they are not all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned. Management reserves the rights to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of various positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Plans, organizes, manages, evaluates, maintains, and oversees the daily functions, operations, and activities of the Planning Division, including current, advanced, and historic preservation planning.
• Manages and participates in the development, implementation, and coordination of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities; recommends within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
• Participates in the development and administration of the assigned program budget; forecasts additional funds needed; directs the monitoring of and approves expenditures; recommends adjustments as necessary.
• Develops and standardizes procedures and methods to improve and continuously monitor the efficiency and effectiveness of assigned programs, service delivery methods, and procedures; assesses and monitors workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement and makes recommendations accordingly.
• Directs and coordinates the work plan for the assigned staff; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems; assigns work activities, projects, and programs; monitors workflow; reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures.
• Participates in the selection of, trains, motivates, mentors, and evaluates assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees on performance issues; recommends discipline to the appropriate assigned management staff.
• Provides highly complex staff assistance to the assigned management staff; develops and reviews staff reports related to planning activities, projects, and services; presents reports to and advises the City Council, Planning Commission, Design Review Committee (DRC), Zoning Administrator, and other commissions, committees, and boards related to a wide variety of planning and zoning matters; serves as the primary staff liaison to the DRC; chairs Staff Review Committee weekly meetings in coordination with other departments involved in the development project review process; performs a variety of public relations and outreach work related to assigned activities.
• Manages, directs, and participates in highly complex planning programs and activities in the areas of land use, transportation, natural resources, parks and open spaces, General Plan amendments, zone changes, conditional use permits, variances, and other discretionary cases; designs and conducts studies to develop policies, plans, and codes.
• Advises staff on interpretations of the Zoning Ordinance, General Plan, Municipal Code, State Planning Law, California Environmental Quality Act, Old Towne Design Guidelines, and other regulatory standards; resolves difficult problems involving code interpretation beyond the ability or authority of the professional planning staff.
• Oversees the dissemination of planning and zoning information to the public.
• Serves as source of information for developers, engineers, property owners, and contractors regarding land use applications and general municipal planning programs, projects, and functions; represents the division, department, and City in disputes and litigations; facilitates community participation through a continual dialogue with residents on major projects.
• Negotiates, administers, and manages contracts for services.
• Maintains and oversees the maintenance of working and official departmental files.
• Prepares, reviews, and completes various reports, including City Council agenda reports and division-related documentation and correspondence.
• Serves as a liaison for the assigned division to other City departments, divisions, and outside agencies; attends meetings, as necessary; provides staff support to commissions, committees, and task forces, as necessary; negotiates and resolves significant and controversial issues.
• Provides highly complex staff assistance to the assigned management staff; develops and reviews staff reports related to assigned activities and services; may present information to the City Council and various commissions, committees, and boards; performs a variety of public relations and outreach work related to assigned activities.
• Conducts a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies; recommends modifications to operations programs, policies, and procedures.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the assigned functional area; researches emerging products and enhancements and their applicability to City needs.
• Monitors changes in regulations and technology that may affect operations; implements policy and procedural changes after approval.
• Receives, investigates, and responds to difficult and sensitive problems and complaints in a professional manner; identifies and reports findings and takes necessary corrective action.
• Performs other duties as assigned.