Planning Director jobs in Dover, DE

City of Chester

Job Posting

Position Title: Director of Planning & Zoning

Organization Unit: Community & Economic Development

Reports to: Chief of Staff

Status: Full-time, Non-Bargaining Unit

Hours: M-F, 9:00 am – 4:30 pm

Posting Period: until filled.

Salary: $95,000-$105,000

Benefits: Medical, Vision, Dental, & Life

Summary: This position is responsible for the administration, coordination and management of all land use, zoning, development, and building related projects and permit direction within the city while exercising a high degree of trust, integrity and confidence. Responsibilities require consistent attention and commitment to the city’s mission and philosophy. This position requires an in-depth knowledge of municipal planning practices, a high level of problem-solving ability, and initiative. The Director will use independent discretion and judgment within established organization plans, values, policies and procedures and represent the city as necessary during interactions with the public, business, and other organizations.

The following statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the job and do not include other nonessential or peripheral duties that may be required. The City of Chester retains the right to modify or change the duties or essential functions of the job at any time.

Performs other related work and special projects as needed.

Manages and directs operations of the department, which includes administration, Planning & Development and project coordination, permitting, on call and customer-facing services. Establishes and administers department operating policies and procedures, goals, and objectives.

Position Qualifications

: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in urban planning, landscape architecture, public administration, civil engineering or a closely related field is desired. Master’s Degree desired and AICP Preferred.

Duties and Responsibilities (For Performance Appraisal)

1. Provides direction, schedules and assigns work, reviews accomplishments, and manages departmental resources in accordance with established planning, budgetary, and performance parameters.

2. Prepares, presents and manages the departmental budget and pursues and administers grant funding where available. Responsible for reviewing and approving departmental expenditures with the approved budget.

3. Manages, coordinates, and oversees the timely delivery of Planning activities including all land use, site planning and subdivision review and analyses, site inspections, contract and agreement negotiation and administration, manage multiple external vendors that provide development review services to the Town.

4. Plans, implements and manages new and existing departmental programs and procedures for the delivery of customer service. Customers include the general public, business and property owners, construction contractors and developers, consultants and officials of other government agencies and private businesses, and members of homeowner and other community groups/organizations.

5. May represent or serve as a team member on behalf of the city in the negotiation of various contractual agreements, coordination of legal reviews, securing necessary approvals, and preparation and presentation of information to the Chief of Staff and Council and others concerning contractual requirements/awards and obligations.

6. Evaluates department staffing requirements; and directs/participates in staffing decisions; provides training for employees; monitors and evaluates employee performance; and identifies needs for professional development.

7. Serves as primary staff for and manage the agenda, minutes, and hearings before the Planning Commission (PC), and the Zoning Hearing Board (ZHB), including appropriate legal and mailed notifications and publications for a variety of project types heard by the PC/ZHB and city Council.

8. Works with regional partners on planning projects and coordination of numerous referral agencies.

9. Meets regularly with city contracted engineering (civil, traffic, water) and building review firms on private development and permitting issues.

10. Implements local floodplain regulations in compliance with State and Federal requirements, updating flood maps, plans, and policies of the community, and any of activities related to administration of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

11. Represent the city in various capacities on panels, committees, task forces and other relevant forums as assigned.

12. Exhibits strong leadership skills. Provides constructive feedback and collaborates on issues and solutions.

13. Supervises and guides the Planning and Building staff in development of goals, objectives, workload review, and performance evaluations. Plans workloads and staff assignments; trains, motivates and evaluates staff; reviews progress and directs changes as needed.

14. Interprets ordinances, regulations, codes, standards and criteria as they apply to development project and permitting tasks, including site and landscape design, architectural elevations, technical studies/reports, construction drawings, site plans and subdivision plats.

15. Track and report on development and permitting activity in the city.

16. Maintain the City of Chester’s Comprehensive Plan, the Subdivision & Land Use Development Ordinance (SALDO), and needed plans and programs to implement.

17. Coordinate with members of the Police Department on code compliance and enforcement activities.

18. Administer permitting and project tracking software (EDMONDS or other).

19. Maintains frequent contact with the Chief of Staff regarding department issues, activities, and programs.

20. Attends and participates in professional group meetings; staying abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of community development, building, and planning, proposed state legislation and similar.

21. Performs other duties as required and/or assigned by the Chief of Staff.

CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES AT 610-447-7700 ext. 7803 FOR A JOB APPLICATION OR DOWNLOAD FROM THE CHESTER CITY WEBSITE AT WWW.CHESTERCITY.COM

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $95,000.00 - $105,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 457(b)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work setting:

• In-person

Experience:

• Planning and Zoning: 3 years (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Chester, PA 19013 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Chester, PA 19013: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person