Community Development Director/Senior Planner

Job Information

Job Category

Environmental, Land Use, Parks Planning, Rural Planning, Transportation, Urban Design

Company Name

City of Fort Bragg

Position Level

Managerial

Job Description

The City of Fort Bragg is now recruiting for Community Development Director / Senior Planner Depending on the qualifications of the chosen candidate, the position will be filled at either the Community Development Director or the Senior Planner level. CDD Director pay range:  $106,662 to $129,667 per year Senior Planner pay range:  $78,852 to $95,846 per year. THE ORGANIZATION: Mission: Fort Bragg is a small town nestled between the coast and the redwoods with a strong sense of community that seeks to preserve its environment while providing resilient public facilities and infrastructure and supporting a safe and vibrant economic, multi-cultural, and recreational experience for both locals and visitors alike. Vision: Fort Bragg, a California coastal destination with rich natural resources and rugged beauty, is transforming our future by weaving together our people, ecosystems, and economy to create community prosperity. We are making our mark in the 21st Century by creating climate-ready water and energy independence, housing and economic opportunities, accessible health care, community public safety, and education for all. We are guided by the following Core Values: Innovation: We highly encourage creativity and forward-thinking solutions to meet the evolving needs of our city. Honesty & Integrity: We believe in transparent, honest, and ethical interactions with our community and stakeholders. Service-Oriented: We are responsive to the public and to each other to demonstrate our genuine commitment to creating a Fort Bragg that Serves us today and readies us for a successful tomorrow. Fair & Ethical: principles and practices, Fort Bragg promotes an inclusive community culture of unity and equality that openly invites everyone to enjoy our unique coastal enclave. Collaboration: nourishes civic pride and celebrates the diversity of our city and the meaningful municipal services that our residents and businesses rely on.   COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR POSITION SUMMARY: Plans, directs and coordinates the full range of community development activities, including planning, building, economic development and housing.  Under general policy direction, and in support of defined goals and objectives, performs a variety of planning, management, financial and marketing tasks requiring the use of independent judgment. FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT EXEMPTION: The incumbent of this position spends more than 50 percent of his/her time in the management of a permanent subdivision of the agency.  The incumbent supervises two or more employees.  This position is, therefore, “exempt” under the Fair Labor Standards Act as an “Executive Employee.” TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Plans, directs and coordinates the development and implementation of planning, building, economic development and housing goals, objectives, priorities and programs; makes recommendations on administrative and business matters.
  • Prepares agendas for meetings, including status reports on prior direction, financial status reports, committee reports and staff reports in support of proposed action.
  • Plans, organizes and directs preparation of a recommended department budget; provides periodic performance reports to the City Manager; works closely with and provides staff support to the Planning Commission and City Council in developing implementation plans and evaluating projects.
  • Meet and engage with a variety of citizens, advisory groups, governmental representatives, technical experts and developers on issues including traffic, facilities design, housing, parking, commercial/industrial development, zoning and neighborhood improvements.
  • Administers Community Development Block Grant program; prepares grant applications; plans and conducts information meetings; advises the City Manager and City Council/Agency Board on project applications.
  • Is responsible for the updating and administration of the General Plan; including updates as necessary.
  • Prepares studies, reports and perform other duties as assigned by the City Manager.
  • Serves as the City’s California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Environmental Coordinator and Zoning Administrator.
  • Oversees the education, enforcement and compliance of building and zoning ordinances.
  • Monitors and analyzes federal and state legislation and regulations relating to planning, community development, redevelopment and economic development to determine impact upon City; advises City Manager and other department heads concerning changing regulatory requirements.
  • Develops economic development and housing program resources; responds to inquiries and works with individuals interested in pursuing the development of projects; makes referrals to financing agencies; develops working relationship with federal, state, other local and nonprofit agencies offering economic development and housing assistance programs.
  • Develops and implements a strategy for the City of Fort Bragg for the retention, expansion and recruitment of business and industry.
  • Identifies funding sources; maintains relationships with funding sources and ensures compliance with reporting requirements; administers contractual agreements with governmental agencies to ensure appropriate fiscal controls.
  • Counsels, cooperates with, and acts as liaison to other local agencies and nonprofit organizations working in community and economic development and business promotion projects and activities involving promotion and development of local economy.
  • Develops promotional literature, data sheets, inventories of available industrial land and buildings, and other data for dissemination to businesses interested in developing or relocating in the City.
  • Provides a continuing service to businesses in the City to help solve problems resulting from new location or expansion requirements or related problems.
  • Supervises and provides direction to the Community Development Department staff in overall manage-ment of the community development function.
  • Manages contract services for building inspection and other community development services.
SENIOR PLANNING POSITION SUMMARY: Under the direction of the City Manager and/or Director, performs complex and specialized planning work in the areas of current and long-range planning and economic development. Longe Range Planning
  • Conducts and prepares studies and recommendations for the Planning Commission, City Council, and other public committees;
  • Assists with the development of guidelines, policies, ordinances, and procedures pertaining to land use planning and development;
  • Prepares amendments to Local Coastal Program and General Plan;
  • Performs a wide variety of professional and technical work in collecting, analyzing and presenting information relative to City Planning and community development functions and activities; and
  • Completes special projects as needed.
Current Planning
  • Provides information regarding land use matters to the public;
  • Provides liaison with consultants, developers, and staff of other agencies on current planning activities;
  • Completes development review for current planning projects, including but not limited to: coastal development permits, use permits, subdivisions, design review, CEQA and NEPA review, etc; and
  • Prepares staff reports for the Planning Commission and City Council.
Economic Development
  • Coordinate and support grant applications and reporting;
  • Support ongoing economic development programs and policies; and
  • Make recommendations to City Administration and City Council on economic development efforts in Fort Bragg.
Incumbents in this class work at an advanced journey-level on both simple and complex/specialized assignments, such as large physical projects with significant environmental impacts and mitigation measures and the development of new or complex general plan policies.  Incumbent works independently with minimum supervision.  Incumbent may train staff as assigned. Employee must:
  • Be sufficiently adaptable to accept and perform in a timely and effective manner work assignments that are outside the normal day-to-day routine.
  • Maintain courteous, professional, and effective working relationships with other City employees and members of the public.
FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT EXEMPTION: The incumbent of this position spends more than 50 percent of their time as a mid-manager performing office work directly related to management policies or general business operations, monitoring department work for legal and regulatory compliance, in addition to supervising at least two full-time equivalent staff.  The incumbent customarily and regularly exercises discretion and independent judgment.  This position is, therefore, “exempt” under the Fair Labor Standards Act. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
  • This is the most senior Planner position.  Distinguishing characteristics over other Planner positions within Public Works/Community Development: a highly developed ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment in the pursuit of the general policies, plans and objectives prescribed for the department.  Ability to independently perform planning work and, based upon professional analysis, recommend and implement planning policy.

Required Skills / Experience / Education

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Incumbent must be a results-oriented person and persuasive individual who is accustomed to a “hands on” approach, should value leadership and entrepreneurship over “process,” and must have a high level of sensitivity to customer service. Establishing of cooperative working relationships with federal, state, and local officials, as well as private financing institutions, venture capital groups and developers is essential to the success of the position. DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION: Five years of experience in planning, community development, housing, redevelopment, economic development, urban design or related field, including four years in a supervisory or leadership role. Education should be equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in or major study in Public Administration, Business or Business Administration, Planning, Urban Design, Economics or a related field. SENIOR PLANNER MINIMUM EDUCATION/ EXPERIENCE: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, including 15 semester units or 22 quarter units of course work in urban/rural and regional planning, environmental studies, or life, physical, or social sciences; and four years journey level professional experience in urban/rural and regional planning, planning policy development, or environmental review and analysis. DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION: Master’s degree in urban/rural or regional planning, environmental studies, landscape architect, architecture; and minimum of five years professional experience in urban/rural and regional planning, planning policy development, or environmental review and analysis. Work experience with a coastal city government is highly desirable. Planner qualifications verified by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) or similar endorsement.

US Citizenship Required?

Yes

Will security clearance be required?

No

Salary Range

$78,852 TO $129,667

Other Benefits

We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave. Part-time employees who work an average of 21 or more hours per week over the course of a year, receive benefits on a pro-rated basis. Benefits Summary This benefits summary reviews health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits for the City of Fort Bragg, but it is not a contract. Full details about the benefits are provided in legal plan documents and insurance evidence of coverage documents (contracts) that govern the program. If there are differences between this Benefits Summary and those documents and contracts, the logal documents will control. The City pays a portion of the premiums for medical and dental insurance for the employee, employee plus one dependent, and employee plus family. The City also pays 100% of the cost of vision care. Medical insurance: We have three plans available through Anthem Blue Cross. Two plans are "traditional" plans. The difference between the two "traditional" plans is one has a lower deductible and co-pays in exchange for a higher monthly premium. The third plan is a high deductible Health Savings Account (HSA) plan. The City pays 80% of the premium. Dental Insurance: Dental insurance is available through Delta Dental; the plan. The plan is a "traditional" plan. The City pays 80% of the premium. Vision: Vision insurance is available through VSP. The City pays 100% of the premium. A great summary of medical plans is containted in the City's Open Enrollment Packet. Information of compliance with Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) can be found here: CAA Machine Readable Files Retirement The City contracts with the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) to manage pension benefits. CalPERS manages the pemsopm amd health benefits (the City does not contract with CalPERS to provide health care benefits) to more than 1.6 million public employees, retirees, and their families and more than 3.000 employers. The City does participate in Social Security. The CalPERS website has more information if needed. CalPERS Information New Miscellaneous employees who meet the "Classic" membership are covered under the 2% at 55 plan. Effective January 1, 2013, non-classic employees will be covered under the 2% at 62 formula. Safety employees who meet the "Classic" CalPERS membership definition are covered under the 2% at 50 formula. Effective January 1, 2013, non-classic Safety CalPERS employees will be covered under the 2.7% at 57 plan. Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance. The City provides this fully funded benefit to employees. Amount of coverage varies based on the employee's classification. The coverage is provided by Lincoln Financial Group. Class 1 – Elected Officials have $5,000 coverage Class 2 – Full-Time Executive Management employees have $150,000 coverage Class 3 – Full-Time Mid-Management employees have $100,000 coverage Class 4 – All Other Full-Time Employees not covered in classes 1-5 Class 5 – All Full-Time City Managers have up to $300,000 coverage (For details, contact Human Resources) Long Term Disability This is an optional benefit that is partially, 50%, funded by the City through Lincoln Financial Group. Flexible Spending Accounts The City provides employees the option to reduce their taxable income while saving for health care needs for themselves and eligible dependents. There is also an option to save for dependent daycare costs as well. Employee Assistance Program (EAP) The City provides this fully-funded benefit to employees. The EAP provides employees and their covered dependents access to various professional for confidential assistance in a variety of areas: financial, personal, work-related, legal and nutrition and other health-related concerns. It is available 24/7 and is provided through Aetna. Deferred Compensation This is a voluntary program offered to employees (similar to the well known 401(k). It is a retirement investment program available to employees of public agencies. Pet Insurance The City offers optional Nationwide pet insurance to assist with veterinary expenses related to accidents and illnesses Policies are available for dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, and other exotic pets. AFLAC Supplemental Coverages The City provides optional supplemental coverages through AFLAC. There is a vareity of coverages, including Accident, Critical Illness (Specified Health Event), Cancer/Speciified-Disease, Hospital Confinement Indemnity, Dental, and Vision. Holidays The City observes 12 holidays. In addition, some employee groups receive one or more Floating Holiday to be used each fiscal year. See the specific resolution or memorandum of understanding applicable to the position in question. Vacation Accrued vacation may be taken as it accrues. In general, employees accrue vacation at the following rates: 3.39 hours per pay period for less than three consecutive years of service i.e. 0-36 months 4.62 hours per pay period for three or more consecutive years of service and less than 10 years of service i.e, 37-120 months 6.16 hours per pay period for 10 or more consecutive years of service i.e. more than 120 months Rate of accrual and maximum accrual rates vary by employee group. The specific memorandum of understanding or reolution applicable to the position in question will govern. Sick Leave Full-time employees generally accrue sick leave at the rate of eight (8) hours monthly/ninety-six (96) annually. Employees begin to accrue sick on their date of hire. There is no maximum sick leave accrual. Labor Relations The City has two recognized employee organizations and represent over 40 employees. The City is committed to fostering positive alliances between the labor and management, work together to improve internal collaboration, employee involvement, morale, and customer service in the City. Human Resources also manages the grievance procedures throughout the organization as outlined in the City's Memorandum of Understangings (MOUs) with it's labor unions. For grievance procedure details, please see the applicable MOU. For more informaiton please see the City's Labor Relations page on the website, Bargaining Units Fort Bragg Employee Organization/Service Employees International Union Local 1021 Fort Bragg Police Association Non-Bargaining Units Executive Management Mid-Management Compensation Non-Bargaining/Confidential C.V. Starr To learn more details, visit our benefits page,

Job Start Date

03/28/2025

Position Type

Permanent Full-Time

Travel

10%

Primary Language Required

English

Industry

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Job Location

Location Address

416 N. FRANKLIN STREET
FORT BRAGG, Arkansas
95437

Contact Information

Hiring Contact Name

Juli Mortensen, HR Manager

Email

[email protected]

Phone Number

(707) 961-2842