The City of Belton, Texas seeks an experienced Planner to serve as the City’s next Director of Planning

Salary -$80K - $85K, DOE / DOQ

JOB SUMMARY

Under the general direction of the City Manager, the Director of Planning organizes and directs the activities of the Planning Department including Planning, Building Inspections and GIS services.  Responsible for complex professional planning work that involves directing development and implementation of comprehensive plans for the physical development of the City.  Also, plans, organizes, and directs activities associated with implementing current development and design standards such as zoning and subdivision regulations, building codes, and coordinates related requirements.  Gathers and analyzes research data and prepares written and oral reports for the City Manager and for boards/commissions. Supervises all assigned department staff.

SUPERVISION

RECEIVES direct supervision from the City Manager.

EXERCISES direct supervision over the Planning department staff.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS 

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills.  This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Administration

• Oversee daily operations, activities, and programs of the Planning Department, in the areas of Planning & Development, Inspections & Permitting, Historic Preservation, and GIS.
• Develop, plan and implement goals and objectives relating to assigned departments.
• Recommend and administer departmental policies and procedures.
• Maintain departmental efficiency, effectiveness and safety.
• Direct the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies.
• Serve as a member of the City's management team; provide information and recommendations regarding operations.
• Develop strategic long range and short range plans to determine goals and objectives for the department.
• Participate, oversee and manage the administration of the department budget, budget projections and justifications for the annual budget.
• Prepare cost estimates for budget recommendations; submit justifications for needed supplies, material and equipment.
• Achieve goals as outlined in the City Strategic Plan.

Planning - Comprehensive

• Reviews and recommends development proposals for compliance with various developmental regulations and with principles and practices of effective planning and land use.
• Participate in local, regional and statewide planning organizations and functions in order to advance the City’s adopted Comprehensive Plan and other planning related policies and priorities.
• Ensure compatibility and coordination with other City planning documents – Strategic Plan, CIP, Water/Wastewater Master Plan, for example.
• Present visionary “big picture” and “long term” implications of incremental land use decisions to decision makers.

Planning - Current

• Coordinate development review process within the City and with external agencies, Planning and Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustments, Historic Preservation Commission, and other boards, developers, citizens, neighbors, engineers and surveyors, among others.
• Maintain and update zoning and subdivision ordinances, and related codes and procedures, to facilitate development review.
• Coordinate building permitting, building inspections, and code enforcement issues within the city and with external agencies, and implement.

Special Projects

• Determine data needs for complex planning studies and collect, analyze and evaluate data. 
• Prepare related reports, projects and exhibits as needed.
• Participate in preparation of long range planning studies, corridor studies, comprehensive plan updates, general code amendments and annexation studies.
• Develop, organize and implement short range land use plan including zone changes, variances, ROW abandonments, dedications, encroachment licenses and annexation in accordance with City of Belton ordinances and plans.

Staff Support

• Represent the City in making presentations to Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment, City Council and other boards/groups as needed, as well as civic and community groups.
• Interpret and prepare amendments to the City’s Design Standards, Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Standards, and ensure coordination with the City’s Design Manual as needed.
• Conduct plan review for land development projects, including field work to evaluate existing land use conditions and application of codes.
• Coordinate with all departments as needed in support role.
• Assemble department and agency comments in conjunction with development review.
• Coordinate with the Information Technology (IT) Department regarding mapping, GIS, etc.
• Represent the City in planning and development negotiations for significant projects.
• Ensure the Department is sensitive and responsive to the needs of a wide variety of local interest groups.
• Ensure the Department maintains easy to understand, as well as user friendly, processes and procedures.

Personnel

• Supervise and direct all Planning Department staff.
• Provide direction and vision to assigned staff in the operation of the Planning Department.
• Process annual employee performance reviews and ensure employees meet the minimum expectations of their individual roles and responsibilities.
• Work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline and termination procedures when needed.
• Coordinate with Human Resources in the recruitment and selection of department personnel.
• Ensure department personnel receive training/continuing education as the budget allows.
• Review and assign staff resources as needed to achieve objectives of programs and services within the department.  
• Ensure bi-weekly payroll timesheets are processed accurately and efficiently for submission to Human Resources.

Other Duties

• Establish and maintain communication with other agencies involved in planning activities which impact the City; UMHB, Bell County, CTCOG, KTMPO, other area cities, BISD, BEDC, TxDOT, etc. 
• Maintain records of statistical data and coordinate with Staff and others. 
• Administer City’s façade improvement grant program.
• Travels to attend meetings, conferences and training.
• Ensures required reports are submitted to regulatory entities.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by the City Manager.
• Regular and consistent attendance for the assigned work hours is essential.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines:

A Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Urban Planning, Public Management, or a closely related field with five years’ experience in City planning with involvement in comprehensive and current planning activities, including supervision and project management is required. Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in the same fields of study with seven years’ experience in comprehensive and current planning activities may also suffice for meeting the qualifications for this position.  

Knowledge of:

• Management and leadership practices and principles.
• Modern principles and practices of City planning, recent developments, current literature and sources of information in this field.
• Knowledge of procedures and standards for development review and of statistical and research techniques.
• Applicable laws, rules, regulations, ordinances and codes pertaining to planning activities.
• Government organization and administration.
• Land-use theory and planning and environment theory.
• Land development principles and practices.
• Principles of effective public relations and relationships with individuals, community groups and agencies, private firms and other levels of government.
• Budget preparation and monitoring.
• Basic computer applications including proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook), and use of the Internet is required. Proficiency in Graphic based programs for GIS applications including AutoCAD and ESRI is desired.

Skills and Abilities:

• Analyze, interpret, summarize and present information and data in an effective manner.
• Prepare and analyze reports, statements and correspondence.
• Demonstrate word processing and computer skills.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Present programs and ideas clearly and concisely, orally and written.
• Speak in front of groups and civic organizations; establish and maintain working relationships with officials, developers, the public and co-workers.
• Appraise situations and people accurately and quickly, and recommend an effective course of action.
• Exude an attitude of teamwork and a solution orientation. 
• Represent the public image of the City of Belton both in the community and at professional meetings.
• Work in a challenging, team environment, with keen interest and satisfaction in meaningful community problem solving.
• Work with individuals, citizens, developers, builders, and architects to encourage high quality development character that emphasizes sustainability for the future.
• Present proposals, analysis, and alternatives based on latest trends, while being capable of acknowledging and implementing community decisions.
• Attend City Council meetings, board meetings and seminars after normal working hours.  Some travel is involved and incumbent must provide his/her own transportation.
• Plan, implement, and monitor assigned department budgets.
• Exercise judgment and utilize discretion with tact.
• Ability to maintain complex administrative records, to prepare records, and completes forms.
• Be punctual and regular in attendance.

LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) strongly preferred, or the ability to secure this certification within one year from the date of hire.

Possess a valid Texas driver’s license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS AND CONDITIONS

• Work is performed in a standard office environment.
• May be subject to repetitive motion such as typing, data entry and vision to monitor.
• May require standing, sitting, walking.
• May be subject to occasional lifting, carrying, bending, reaching, kneeling, pulling, crouching, and lifting.
• Must be able to sit for an extended period of time.
• Must be able to work in extreme temperatures.
• Must be able to work in stressful situations.

The City of Belton is the recipient of the 2009 Preserve America Award, was designated a Gold Certified Scenic City in 2010 and 2015 and has been awarded the 2018 Project Planning Award by the Texas Chapter of the American Planning Association-Central Texas Section for the Sparta Road Roundabout. Also, the City of Belton was approved by the Texas Historical Commission as a Certified Local Government in 2018.

Benefits include 100% employer paid employee medical, dental and basic life insurance premiums. Paid vacation, holiday, and sick leave available.  Participation in the Texas Municipal Retirement System is required.

Application for employment must be submitted to Human Resources in order to be considered for employment.  Resumes are strongly encouraged, but will not be accepted in lieu of an application.  Application may be found on our City website at www.beltontexas.gov.  Submit application via email, mail, in person or by fax to: 

City of Belton-HR

P. O.  Box 120 

100 S. Davis

Belton, Texas 76513

Phone:  (254) 933-5805

Fax:  (254) 933-5859

Email:  hr@beltontexas.gov