ASSISTANT PLANNING DIRECTOR

Beautiful Coastal Community
Mediterranean Climate
Excellent Quality of Life Environment

ASSISTANT PLANNING DIRECTOR

Under administrative direction, the Assistant Planning Director plans, organizes and directs divisions of the Planning Department, acts as the director in the absence of the Planning Director, and does other work as required. Incumbents are accountable and responsible for the delivery of effective and efficient services to the public. Typical tasks include planning, organizing, directing and coordinating through subordinate managers the work of staff in divisions of the Planning Department; supervising, training and evaluating the work of subordinate managers; preparing and administering the operating budget for divisions; participating in development of department budget; working closely with other departments to develop joint procedures and to solve administrative problems; evaluating and establishing division policies and procedures, formulating improvements and implementing changes; representing the department in dealing with complaints, other departments, agencies and community groups; consulting with the Director and other management staff on work programs, schedules, policies and program development; representing the department at meetings; preparing and/or reviewing reports and correspondence; performing complex and difficult special assignments and projects; and attending meetings and conferences. This position may also analyze, plan and oversee permit processing functions; and may analyze, plan and coordinate long range planning.

THE COUNTY OF SANTA CRUZ

Santa Cruz County has approximately 270,000 residents and is situated in the northern area of Monterey Bay, 70 miles south of San Francisco and 35 miles southwest of the Silicon Valley. The County’s natural beauty is apparent in its pristine beaches, lush redwood forests and rich farmland. It has an ideal Mediterranean climate with low humidity and 300 days of sunshine a year. Its unique shops and restaurants, coupled with a multitude of cultural and recreational activities, including theatre, music, art, as well as golfing, surfing, hiking and biking offer a wealth of leisure activities. Higher education includes Cabrillo College and the University of California, Santa Cruz, with two additional State Universities less than an hour away. These elements of high quality living make Santa Cruz one of California’s most desirable areas.

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in planning, geography, engineering, public administration, or a related field.

 AND

Five years of increasingly responsible professional planning experience including 2 years of supervisory responsibility.

Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of land use planning including regulatory systems and principles, practices and techniques of long range land use planning; knowledge of effective management principles and practices in a large, diverse organization; and the principles and practices of organizational control and personnel management. Working knowledge of the principles, goals and trends of land use administration and budgeting principles in a government agency. Some knowledge of the California Environmental Quality Act and the California Coastal Act; and the application of technology in planning operations.

Ability to: Plan, organize, direct and control the work of one or more major functional units of a planning department; supervise, train and evaluate the work of subordinate staff; exercise initiative, ingenuity and sound judgment in solving difficult administrative, operational and personnel challenges; evaluate and develop improvements to the effective and efficient delivery of internal and external customer services; establish and maintain effective working relations with the general public, boards, commissions, public officials and other staff; understand and relate to others the goals, concepts and principles of the department; coordinate functions among divisions and department; prepare clear and concise administrative and technical reports; and speak effectively before large groups.

BENEFITS

Medical, Dental and Vision 

Medical coverage is available through CALPERS with the County paying a majority portion of the cost for the employee and dependents. The cost of the dental plan is entirely County-paid for employees and dependents. The County pays for the cost of an employee vision plan and the employee may purchase dependent coverage.

Retirement and Social Security

Pension formula 2% at age 60 or 2% at age 62 as determined based on provisions of the CA Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act of 2013(PEPRA). Pension benefit determined by final average compensation of three years. County participates in Social Security.

Life Insurance and Long Term Disability Plan

County paid $50,000 term policy. Employee may purchase additional life insurance. The County pays for a long-term disability plan that pays 66 2/3% of the first $13,500, up to $9,000 per month maximum.

APPLICATON PROCESS

LAST DATE TO APPLY:  Thursday, March 30, 2017.  The completed application packet must be received by the Personnel Department,  at 701 Ocean Street, Rm. 310, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 or online at www.santacruzcountyjobs.com. For more information please call Susana Silva, Employment Services Analyst at (831) 454-2600. Hearing Impaired TDD/TTY: 711.

Following a review of minimum qualifications applicants who are selected to move forward in the recruitment process will be notified that they must submit a completed conviction history questionnaire in order to continue in the examination phase of the process.  If you have a disability that would require test accommodation, call (831) 454-2600.

 NOTE: The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.

 Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse workforce