Director of Economic Development and Planning - Soldotna, United States - City of Soldotna, AK

Description

Salary : $92, $129,417.60 Annually

Location : City Hall Soldotna

Job Type: Regular full-time

Job Number:

Department: Economic Development & Planning

Opening Date: 04/09/2024

Closing Date: Continuous

Summary

The City of Soldotna is recruiting for a regular full-time Director of Economic Development & Planning

To apply, complete the City application and attach cover letter and resume.

This position is open until filled with a first review of applications on April 29, 2024.

This position, under the general direction of the City Manager, manages and coordinates all functions of the Economic Development and Planning Department, which include: community and economic development, short- and long-range planning, zoning, central permitting, code enforcement, and geographic information systems (GIS). Provides staff support to the Planning and Zoning Commission, and researches and recommends policies and ordinances related to land use and development in the City.
Detailed Work Activities

• Issues administrative recommendations and determinations on development applications including: plats, conditional use permits, site plans, variance requests, and zoning map amendments.
• Interprets and applies applicable state, borough and local codes, ordinances and regulations.
• Meets with members of the public, contactors, developers, other City department representatives, and agencies to coordinate and facilitate development activities in the City.
• Coordinates with other City departments and initiates actions necessary to correct deficiencies for violations of City code and regulations.
• Implements programs and projects to further the goals of the Comprehensive Plan.
• Creates and implements short- and long-range land use plans; develops planning and zoning policy recommendations and related ordinances, policies, and procedures.
• Provides staff support to the Planning and Zoning Commission, and advises various councils, boards, commissions and elected officials on planning-related issues.
• May be required to assist in the development and management of city owned land and facilities.
• Administers contracts, RFP's and grants pertaining to Planning and Zoning functions.
• Develops and presents annual Planning Department budget to the City Manager. Monitors and tracks departmental budget expenditures.
• Supervises Planning Department staff; including, but not limited to, assigning workload, training, and performance management.
• Performs other duties as directed.

Desired Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Well-developed knowledge of urban planning, land use development, community and economic development, code enforcement, and local government principles and practices.
• Knowledge of principles, methodology, practices of research and data collection, technical report preparation and presentation.
• Statistical, algebraic, or geometric knowledge and ability to apply such knowledge in practical situations.
• Knowledge of computer hardware and software programs, which including Microsoft Office and Excel, Internet applications, database management, and GIS.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, and knowledge of citizen involvement techniques and processes.
• Must be innovative, detail-oriented, and experienced in visible and/or controversial projects.
• Capable of managing multiple, high-priority assignments or projects simultaneously.
• Ability to review plans and permit applications and apply provisions of the ordinances and codes to determine compliance with such regulations and to apply regulations to field conditions.
• Ability to work independently or in a team environment as needed.
  
• Ability to manage projects effectively and meet firm deadlines.
  
• Requires frequent exercise of decision-making authority with respect to interpretation of City and Borough ordinances and planning, zoning, permitting, and property management functions.
  
• Responsible for accuracy and clarity of reports and plans produced in the Planning Department.
  
• Ability to provide effective supervision, training, and staff management.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in urban planning, architecture, public policy, or related area of study and at least three years of experience in municipal business, community or regional planning required; or
  
• Bachelor's degree in a related area of study plus a minimum five years of experience in planning, zoning, permitting, or related field may be substituted to meet the minimum qualification.
  
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification preferred, or ability to become AICP accredited within two years.
  
• Must have a valid driver's license. Must have and maintain a good driving record.

Working Environment:
Work is performed mostly in the office setting but does require working in the field. Outdoor work is required in the inspection of various land uses and other matters.

Physical Demands:
Must be able to operate a motor vehicle. May require lifting up to 30 pounds. Attendance at evening meetings is required. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to use hands and fingers dexterously to operate office equipment, communicate orally, regularly required to sit, occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The City of Soldotna is an equal opportunity employer. Employment is based on qualifications free of personal and political considerations, with equal opportunity for all with no discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, changes in marital status, pregnancy, parenthood, genetic information or any other basis prohibited by law.

City of Soldotna offers a complete benefit package to regular full-time employees including: health and life insurance, retirement, holidays, personal leave, and deferred compensation plan. Benefits may vary by position or may be pro-rated for other than full-time work. All benefits are subject to change by the City.

To learn more details, visit our benefits page.

Retirement Benefits

• Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), a defined benefit or defined contributions plan based upon employee eligibility upon hire. Regular full-time employees participate in PERS in lieu of Social Security.
• Option to enroll in a Deferred Compansation plan
• Employer matching program

Insurance Benefits

• Health Insurance coverage 31days after hire
• Employee and dependant care available
• The City covers 90% of premium costs for employee coverage and 80% of the premium for family coverage.
• The City offers deductible reimbursment assistance through an HRA.
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employer paid basic life coverage for regular full-time employees with supplemental coverage available for employees
• Option to purchase supplemental insurance with Aflac

Paid Leave & Other Benefits

• Personal leave accrual rate starting at 15hrs per month with an accural rate increase based on longevity
• Twelve paid holidays each year
• Paid parental leave program
• Free or discounted accress to many Parks & Recreation amenities
• Wellness reimburment program
• Education benefits

Step Increases

• Regular employees serve a six month probationary period (police officers serve one year). After completing six month probationary period (or six months service for police officers) with a favorable evaluation, regular employees will be eligible for a step increase. Step increases are given annually thereafter based on a favorable evaluation.