JOB SUMMARY

The incumbent, under the oversight of the Deputy City Administrator, is responsible for supervising and administering the Planning & Zoning, Business Licensing and Community Development functions of the City (including managing special projects as assigned). 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Note: All City of Fort Smith positions require the employee to provide good customer service to both internal and external customers, maintain positive and effective working relationships with other City employees, and have regular and reliable attendance that is non-disruptive.  Must show cooperation and respect to fellow employees and supervisors at all times.  All other duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor and/or department director. 

1. Meet with developers, planners, architects, engineers, contractors and the public to interpret, inform and assist on development issues, codes, zoning, subdivision and other activities.

1. Coordinate with staff and persons of various departments concerning matters of interpretation about codes, development standards, specifications and development of policy administration.

1. May negotiate and manage design and construction contracts between the City and architects and engineers on various City building projects.

1. Supervise and administer the activities of the Planning & Zoning and Business Licensing functions.

1. Responsible for oversight of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.

1. Handle media contacts and speak to civic groups as needed.

1. Prepare and update City plans, ordinances, policies, support material and staff reports.

1. Assist the City Administrator and/or Deputy City Administrator on special projects as assigned.

1. Determine project scope and specifications to solicit bids from consultant contracts.

1. Serve as staff support for the Planning Commission and other various City boards and commissions as necessary in matters relating to development or land issues.

1. Recommend policy issues to the City Administrator and Board of Directors.

1. Work hours other than normal business hours due to peak and fluctuating workloads and meetings.

1. Coordinate and manage certain grant programs relating to building construction and historic preservation.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Directly supervises all Planning & Zoning staff, Business Licensing staff and Community Development Director.  Indirectly supervises employees responsible for community development activities within the department.  Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.  Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring and training employees, planning, assigning and directing work, and addressing complaints and resolving problems.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Administration, Management or a related field. 
• Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in construction design, urban planning, commercial development, plan review, construction management or a combination of these areas. 
• Special training as a Building Official, Codes Analyst, or Construction Manager is beneficial.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Architecture, Engineering, Administration, Management or a related field.
• Fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible experience in construction design, urban planning, commercial development, plan review, construction management or a combination of these areas. 
• Advanced training/certification in construction design and urban planning.
• Experience with or knowledge of local government finance and licensing systems

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• The incumbent should possess proficiency and technical aptitude with the ability to use Microsoft products, including Word, Excel, Outlook and computerized accounting programs (preferably ERP and/or Energov).
• Must be a self-starter, trustworthy, have excellent organization skills, and can work with minimal supervision.
• Problem solving and analytical ability are required to perform the duties of this position.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are also required with the ability to develop effective working relationships and administer personnel policies and procedures. 
• Specific knowledge-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: pertinent laws, codes, policies, and/or regulations; personnel processes; and standard business practices.
• The ability to schedule a number of activities, meetings, and/or events.  Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances. 
• Ability is also required to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups
• Ability to work with a variety of data; and utilize a variety of job-related equipment.
• Independent problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans.
• Specific ability-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: meeting deadlines and schedules; setting priorities; working with multiple projects, frequent interruptions, and changing work priorities; working with detailed information/data and maintaining accurate records; maintaining confidentiality; and facilitating communication between persons with frequently divergent positions.
• Ability to direct, supervise and communicate with people in ways that promote individual motivation and overall productivity is necessary
• The incumbent should have knowledge of modern office practices, procedures and equipment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Semi-repetitive type of work which requires periods of concentration for varied time cycles as prescribed by the task(s).  While performing the duties of this job, the employee must frequently stand, walk, talk and hear.  Occasionally sit, use hands to handle objects, and reach with hands and arms.  The incumbent must also stoop, kneel and crouch.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, color and distance vision.  The ability to adjust focus and depth perception is also required.

The employee is occasionally required to lift up 25 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Up to 10% travel may be required for this position.

Normal working conditions found within an office setting, wherein there is controlled temperature and a low to moderate noise level, plus a minimum of distractions.