PLANNING AND HOUSING DIRECTOR

Job Description

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.

POSITION SUMMARY

Plans, directs and coordinates the full range of planning, housing, and building activities, including planning, building, 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 AND STANDARDS ACT: 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 & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Plans, directs and coordinates the development and implementation of planning, housing and building 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 the 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, and redevelopment to determine impact upon the 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 the promotion and development of the 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 the overall management of the planning, housing, and building functions.
  
• Manages contract services for building inspection and other community development services.
  

MATERIALS, EQUIPMENT, AND TOOLS:
Computer terminal and applicable software, keyboard, telephone, copier, printer.

DESIRABLE SKILLS, KNOWLEDGED, AND ABILITIES:

• A wide range of leadership skills, including inspiring, motivating and developing staff; taking on responsibility, remaining flexible in thinking and action, and being motivated by challenge.
  
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to develop and keep the trust and confidentiality of others; understanding sensitivities of others; the ability to deal with different personality styles; and a sense of humor.
  
• Strong communication skills, including public speaking, listening and writing; ability to write policy documents, contracts, staff reports, grant application and marketing materials.
  
• Enthusiasm and commitment to working on community development in a rural coastal community experiencing economic base transition.
  
• A professional who uses common sense and grasps political issues in dealing with elected officials, staff members, external public entities and outside stakeholder organizations.
  
• Knowledge of public and private sector finance; principles and practices of public finance administration with emphasis in economic development; federal and state economic development and housing program funding sources and application procedures; tax increment financing; public financing debt issuance; private/public partnership financing programs; principles and practices of planning and urban design.
  
• Ability to screen and prepare preliminary financial packages.
  
• Knowledge of the financing and operation of small and medium sized businesses.
  
• Ability to gather, analyze and interpret economic, labor market and other data.
  
• Knowledge of community and economic development principles and practices, local and state laws, administrative regulations affecting economic development and housing programs, and reporting requirements.
  
• Knowledge of principles of a municipal organization, administration and budgeting, and policy-staff relationships.
  
• Ability to effectively collaborate with government agencies.
  
• Ability to effectively coordinate, manage and supervise multiple priorities and programs; select, supervise, train, and evaluate assigned staff.
  
• Working knowledge of the California Environmental Quality Act, LAFCO/annexation, General Plans, and Coastal Zone planning concepts.
  
• Experience with and knowledge of Geographical Information Systems (GIS).
  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Plans, directs and coordinates the development and implementation of planning, housing and building 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 the 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, and redevelopment to determine impact upon the 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 the promotion and development of the 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 the overall management of the planning, housing, and building functions.
  
• Manages contract services for building inspection and other community development services.
  

MATERIALS, EQUIPMENT, AND TOOLS:
Computer terminal and applicable software, keyboard, telephone, copier, printer.

DESIRABLE SKILLS, KNOWLEDGED, AND ABILITIES:

• A wide range of leadership skills, including inspiring, motivating and developing staff; taking on responsibility, remaining flexible in thinking and action, and being motivated by challenge.
  
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to develop and keep the trust and confidentiality of others; understanding sensitivities of others; the ability to deal with different personality styles; and a sense of humor.
  
• Strong communication skills, including public speaking, listening and writing; ability to write policy documents, contracts, staff reports, grant application and marketing materials.
  
• Enthusiasm and commitment to working on community development in a rural coastal community experiencing economic base transition.
  
• A professional who uses common sense and grasps political issues in dealing with elected officials, staff members, external public entities and outside stakeholder organizations.
  
• Knowledge of public and private sector finance; principles and practices of public finance administration with emphasis in economic development; federal and state economic development and housing program funding sources and application procedures; tax increment financing; public financing debt issuance; private/public partnership financing programs; principles and practices of planning and urban design.
  
• Ability to screen and prepare preliminary financial packages.
  
• Knowledge of the financing and operation of small and medium sized businesses.
  
• Ability to gather, analyze and interpret economic, labor market and other data.
  
• Knowledge of community and economic development principles and practices, local and state laws, administrative regulations affecting economic development and housing programs, and reporting requirements.
  
• Knowledge of principles of a municipal organization, administration and budgeting, and policy-staff relationships.
  
• Ability to effectively collaborate with government agencies.
  
• Ability to effectively coordinate, manage and supervise multiple priorities and programs; select, supervise, train, and evaluate assigned staff.
  
• Working knowledge of the California Environmental Quality Act, LAFCO/annexation, General Plans, and Coastal Zone planning concepts.
  
• Experience with and knowledge of Geographical Information Systems (GIS).
  

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Frequent walking, standing, writing, bending, reaching, sitting in office chair, keyboarding, and visual contact with computer terminal; occasional lifting of items weighing less than 30 pounds, reaching and lifting above shoulders, carrying boxes of materials from one building to another, driving motor vehicle.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package to full-time employees, including healthcare, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, and a C.V. Starr Community Center employee membership.

Part-time employees who work an average of 21 or 30 more hours per week over the course of a year receive benefits on a pro-rated basis. The hours threshold for benefits eligibility depends on the classification.

Benefits Summary
This benefits summary provides an overview of health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits for the City of Fort Bragg; however, 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 the relevant documents and contracts, the legal documents will prevail.

The City pays a portion, 80 percent 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 available. One is a "traditional" plan that offers predictable co-pays, with some benefits requiring coinsurance. The other plan is a high-deductible Health Savings Account (HSA) plan.
• Dental Insurance: Dental insurance is available through Ameritas Dental. 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 contained in the City's Open Enrollment Packet.
• Information on compliance with the 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 pension and 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. The amount of coverage varies based on the employee's classification.

• Elected Officials have $5,000 coverage
• Full-Time Executive Management employees have $150,000 coverage
• Full-Time Mid-Management employees have $100,000 coverage
• All Other Full-Time Employees that is not part of the above classes
• 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 the City partially funds at 50%.

Flexible Spending Accounts
The City offers employees the option to reduce their taxable income while saving for healthcare needs for themselves and their eligible dependents. There is also an option to save for dependent daycare costs.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
The City provides this fully-funded benefit to employees. The EAP provides employees and their covered dependents with access to various professionals for confidential assistance in a range of areas, including financial, personal, work-related, legal, nutritional, and other health-related concerns. It is available 24/7 and is provided through Aetna.

Calm App
We’re excited to offer all employees free access to the Calm app-your go-to space for relaxation, focus, and better sleep. With uplifting guided meditations, soothing sleep stories, energizing music, easy breathing exercises, and gentle movement sessions, Calm helps you reset, recharge, and feel your best. Whether you’re starting your morning, powering through a busy day, or winding down at night, Calm makes it fun and easy to build healthy wellness habits that truly support you.

Deferred Compensation
This is a voluntary program offered to employees (similar to the well-known 401(k). This 457(b) is a retirement investment program available to employees of public agencies that offers traditional (pre-tax contributions) and/or Roth (post-tax contributions) options. Employees are fully vested on day one and can start, stop, or change their contributions at any time.

C.V. Starr Employee Membership
All full-time benefited positions receive a City-paid employee-only membership to the City-operated C.V. Starr Community Center. The following link takes you to the C.V. Starr Community Center. The center has a leisure pool that includes a lazy river, diving board, and spray features. The center also has a competition pool. The center also offers a full complement of fitness classes, including yoga, Silver Sneakers, Cardio Spin, strength training, and circuit classes. One can choose to work with a personal trainer for an additional fee. In addition to the former, the center also provides a variety of enrichment classes. To see all of what the C.V. Starr Community Center offers, please go to: https://www.cvstarr.org/,

If you’d like to level up your C.V. Starr-provided employee membership, you can upgrade to a two-person or family plan at any time. You simply pay the difference between the employee-only tier we cover and the enhanced tier you choose-more fun and fitness for you and the people you care about.

Pet Insurance
The City offers optional Nationwide pet insurance to assist with veterinary expenses related to accidents and illnesses. Policies are also available for dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, and other exotic pets.

AFLAC Supplemental Coverages
The City provides optional supplemental coverages through AFLAC. There is a variety of coverages, including Accident, Critical Illness (Specified Health Event), Cancer/Specified-Disease, Hospital Confinement Indemnity, Dental, and Vision.

Holidays
The City observes 13 holidays. Additionally, some employee groups are entitled to one or more Floating Holidays to be used throughout 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

The rate of accrual and maximum accrual rates vary by employee group. The specific memorandum of understanding or resolution 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 leave on their date of hire. There is no limit to the maximum sick leave accrual.

Labor Relations
The City has two recognized employee organizations that represent over 40 employees. The City is committed to fostering positive relationships between labor and management, working together to enhance internal collaboration, employee engagement, morale, and customer service within the City.

Human Resources also manages the grievance procedures throughout the organization, as outlined in the City's Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with its labor unions. For details on the grievance procedure, please refer to the applicable MOU. For more information, 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.

Closing Date/Time: Continuous