What are the responsibilities and job description for the Deputy Development Services Director position at City of Arcadia?
Description
ABOUT ARCADIA
Arcadia is a charming, family-oriented community with a population of just over 57,000. Located 13 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, regional transportation networks like the Metro A Line connect Arcadia as a premier residential, shopping, and entertainment destination in the San Gabriel Valley. Arcadia is known for its top-rated schools, iconic landmarks, and serene neighborhoods. Arcadia is an award-winning community having been twice named as the best City in California in which to raise kids and has been recognized as a premiere business friendly City in Los Angeles County.
About The Position
The City of Arcadia is seeking a highly motivated Deputy Development Services Director to join the Development Services Department team. The incumbent assigned to this position would assume management responsibility for the department and related activities, including direct oversight of planning, zoning, environmental review (CEQA), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), historic preservation, and business license. Additionally, they would assist in the coordination and oversight of other departmental functions and serve as second-in-command to ensure continuity of leadership across the department.
If you are looking to have a meaningful impact with service and excellence as guiding principles, then we invite you to join our team of collaborative, community-focused changemakers!
DESIRED QUALITIES
Recruitment Process, Important Dates, And Application Requirements
Application Submission Deadline: Application filing period has been extended through Tuesday, July 14, 2026 and will close at 11:59 p.m.
Qualifications Appraisal Interview: Week of July 20, 2026 (Tentative).
Application Requirement: Applicants are required to include a cover letter as part of the application submission process.
DEFINITION
Under administrative direction, to direct, manage, supervise, and coordinate Development Services Development programs and activities including planning, zoning, environmental review (CEQA), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), historic preservation, and business license; to coordinate assigned activities with other City departments, divisions, and outside agencies; and to provide highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Development Services Director; Serve as the Development Services Director in their absence.
Examples of Duties
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Exercises direct supervision over supervisory, professional, technical, and clerical staff.
Examples Of Important And Essential Duties
Assume management responsibility for Development services and activities including planning, zoning, environmental review (CEQA), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), historic preservation, and business license.
Manage and participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned programs including planning, zoning, environmental review (CEQA), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), historic preservation, and business license; recommend, within Departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; recommend and administer policies and procedures.
Continuously monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assess and monitor workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identify opportunities for improvement and review with the Development Services Director; direct the implementation of improvements.
Select, train, motivate, and evaluate assigned personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline and termination procedures.
Plan, direct, coordinate, and review the work plan for Development services and activities; meet with staff to identify and resolve problems; assign work activities, projects, and programs; monitor work flow; review and evaluate work products, methods, and procedures.
Manage and participate in the development and administration of the Development Services Department annual budget; direct the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; direct the monitoring of and approve expenditures; direct and implement adjustments as necessary.
Serve as a liaison for Development Services with other City departments, divisions, and outside agencies; negotiate and resolve significant and controversial issues.
Provide responsible staff assistance to the Development Services Director; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
Conduct a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies; recommend modifications to Departmental programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate.
Ensure enforcement of applicable codes on all projects and applications.
Review zoning, variance, conditional use permit, subdivision, design review and other similar planning related applications; assign to appropriate staff person.
Assume responsibility for the preparation and implementation of the General Plan and related updates.
Review project related environmental issues; assist other departments in the review of environmental issues, including compliance with CEQA.
Serve as Primary Liaison to the Planning Commission.
Participate on a variety of boards and commissions; attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of Development Services.
Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive inquiries and complaints.
Responsible for the Department’s Geographic Information System (GIS), and ensure up to date technological resources and tools for efficient service provision throughout the Department.
Other Job Related Duties
Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Knowledge Of
JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS
Operational characteristics, services, and activities of a Development Services program.
Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of Development Services programs, policies, and operational needs.
Modern and complex principles and practices of Development Services program development and administration.
Advanced principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.
Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations including CEQA.
Information sources and research techniques in urban planning, business license, GIS, and historic preservation.
Architectural design review concepts, site grading, and drainage.
Safe driving principles and practices.
Skill To
Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment.
Operate a motor vehicle safely.
Ability To
Provide administrative and professional leadership and direction for Development Services divisions in Planning and Business License and as assigned.
Recommend and implement goals, objectives, and practices for providing effective and efficient services throughout the Department.
Manage, direct, and coordinate the work of management, supervisory, professional, technical, and clerical personnel.
Select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff.
Identify and respond to community issues, concerns, and needs related to Development.
Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
Prepare and administer budgets.
Prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports.
Interpret and apply the policies, procedures, laws, codes, and regulations pertaining to assigned programs and functions.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
Experience
Any combination of education and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential job duties of the position is qualifying. The incumbent will possess the most desirable combination of training, skills, and experience, as demonstrated in past and current employment history. A typical example includes:
Six years of responsible planning experience, or in a related field, including four years of management and supervisory experience.
Training
Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in urban planning or a related field. A Master's degree is desirable.
License Or Certificate
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver's license.
Supplemental Information
Special Requirements
Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:
Ability to work in a standard office environment; ability to travel to different sites and locations.
Application
A fully completed online application is required to be submitted. Incomplete, late, emailed, faxed and hard copy applications are not accepted. Resumes are not considered in lieu of the required online employment application. All certificates, resumes, cover letters, and other documents requested by the City for the position advertised, must be uploaded with your online application.
The Selection Process
Those candidates who are determined to be best qualified based upon the information presented on the application materials will be invited to continue in the selection process which may include a qualifying written or performance evaluation and will include an interview weighted 100%. The City reserves the right to limit the number of interviews conducted. Candidates will be notified via e-mail or telephone if they qualify to move to the next step in the selection process. The interview score will determine ranking on the eligibility list and will remain in effect for one year.
Pre-employment background and medical examinations are additional requirements for hire. Failure on any part of the selection process will result in removal from the recruitment process.
Please Note: If you have a disability that may require an accommodation in the selection process, please notify Human Resources in writing when you submit your application.
Please Note: If you have a health or medical condition or a sincerely held religious belief that may require that the City provide you with an accommodation in either the selection process or the performance of your duties, please notify Human Resources in writing when you submit your application.
ABOUT ARCADIA
Arcadia is a charming, family-oriented community with a population of just over 57,000. Located 13 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, regional transportation networks like the Metro A Line connect Arcadia as a premier residential, shopping, and entertainment destination in the San Gabriel Valley. Arcadia is known for its top-rated schools, iconic landmarks, and serene neighborhoods. Arcadia is an award-winning community having been twice named as the best City in California in which to raise kids and has been recognized as a premiere business friendly City in Los Angeles County.
About The Position
The City of Arcadia is seeking a highly motivated Deputy Development Services Director to join the Development Services Department team. The incumbent assigned to this position would assume management responsibility for the department and related activities, including direct oversight of planning, zoning, environmental review (CEQA), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), historic preservation, and business license. Additionally, they would assist in the coordination and oversight of other departmental functions and serve as second-in-command to ensure continuity of leadership across the department.
If you are looking to have a meaningful impact with service and excellence as guiding principles, then we invite you to join our team of collaborative, community-focused changemakers!
DESIRED QUALITIES
- Spirited team player and a self-starter
- People-oriented and trustworthy
- Great management and interpersonal skills
- Effective communicator
- Principled with great work ethic
- CalPERS retirement plan
- Monthly benefit contribution:
- Employee Only: $866
- Employee 1: $1,550
- Family: $2,150
- $300/month Deferred Compensation match through Empower
- City paid Vision Plan for employee and family
- City paid Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, and Long-Term Disability
- Bilingual pay
- Tuition reimbursement/advancement upon completion of probationary period
Recruitment Process, Important Dates, And Application Requirements
Application Submission Deadline: Application filing period has been extended through Tuesday, July 14, 2026 and will close at 11:59 p.m.
Qualifications Appraisal Interview: Week of July 20, 2026 (Tentative).
Application Requirement: Applicants are required to include a cover letter as part of the application submission process.
DEFINITION
Under administrative direction, to direct, manage, supervise, and coordinate Development Services Development programs and activities including planning, zoning, environmental review (CEQA), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), historic preservation, and business license; to coordinate assigned activities with other City departments, divisions, and outside agencies; and to provide highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Development Services Director; Serve as the Development Services Director in their absence.
Examples of Duties
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Exercises direct supervision over supervisory, professional, technical, and clerical staff.
Examples Of Important And Essential Duties
Assume management responsibility for Development services and activities including planning, zoning, environmental review (CEQA), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), historic preservation, and business license.
Manage and participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned programs including planning, zoning, environmental review (CEQA), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), historic preservation, and business license; recommend, within Departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; recommend and administer policies and procedures.
Continuously monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assess and monitor workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identify opportunities for improvement and review with the Development Services Director; direct the implementation of improvements.
Select, train, motivate, and evaluate assigned personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline and termination procedures.
Plan, direct, coordinate, and review the work plan for Development services and activities; meet with staff to identify and resolve problems; assign work activities, projects, and programs; monitor work flow; review and evaluate work products, methods, and procedures.
Manage and participate in the development and administration of the Development Services Department annual budget; direct the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; direct the monitoring of and approve expenditures; direct and implement adjustments as necessary.
Serve as a liaison for Development Services with other City departments, divisions, and outside agencies; negotiate and resolve significant and controversial issues.
Provide responsible staff assistance to the Development Services Director; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
Conduct a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies; recommend modifications to Departmental programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate.
Ensure enforcement of applicable codes on all projects and applications.
Review zoning, variance, conditional use permit, subdivision, design review and other similar planning related applications; assign to appropriate staff person.
Assume responsibility for the preparation and implementation of the General Plan and related updates.
Review project related environmental issues; assist other departments in the review of environmental issues, including compliance with CEQA.
Serve as Primary Liaison to the Planning Commission.
Participate on a variety of boards and commissions; attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of Development Services.
Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive inquiries and complaints.
Responsible for the Department’s Geographic Information System (GIS), and ensure up to date technological resources and tools for efficient service provision throughout the Department.
Other Job Related Duties
Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Knowledge Of
JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS
Operational characteristics, services, and activities of a Development Services program.
Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of Development Services programs, policies, and operational needs.
Modern and complex principles and practices of Development Services program development and administration.
Advanced principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.
Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations including CEQA.
Information sources and research techniques in urban planning, business license, GIS, and historic preservation.
Architectural design review concepts, site grading, and drainage.
Safe driving principles and practices.
Skill To
Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment.
Operate a motor vehicle safely.
Ability To
Provide administrative and professional leadership and direction for Development Services divisions in Planning and Business License and as assigned.
Recommend and implement goals, objectives, and practices for providing effective and efficient services throughout the Department.
Manage, direct, and coordinate the work of management, supervisory, professional, technical, and clerical personnel.
Select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff.
Identify and respond to community issues, concerns, and needs related to Development.
Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
Prepare and administer budgets.
Prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports.
Interpret and apply the policies, procedures, laws, codes, and regulations pertaining to assigned programs and functions.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
Experience
Any combination of education and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential job duties of the position is qualifying. The incumbent will possess the most desirable combination of training, skills, and experience, as demonstrated in past and current employment history. A typical example includes:
Six years of responsible planning experience, or in a related field, including four years of management and supervisory experience.
Training
Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in urban planning or a related field. A Master's degree is desirable.
License Or Certificate
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver's license.
Supplemental Information
Special Requirements
Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:
Ability to work in a standard office environment; ability to travel to different sites and locations.
Application
A fully completed online application is required to be submitted. Incomplete, late, emailed, faxed and hard copy applications are not accepted. Resumes are not considered in lieu of the required online employment application. All certificates, resumes, cover letters, and other documents requested by the City for the position advertised, must be uploaded with your online application.
The Selection Process
Those candidates who are determined to be best qualified based upon the information presented on the application materials will be invited to continue in the selection process which may include a qualifying written or performance evaluation and will include an interview weighted 100%. The City reserves the right to limit the number of interviews conducted. Candidates will be notified via e-mail or telephone if they qualify to move to the next step in the selection process. The interview score will determine ranking on the eligibility list and will remain in effect for one year.
Pre-employment background and medical examinations are additional requirements for hire. Failure on any part of the selection process will result in removal from the recruitment process.
Please Note: If you have a disability that may require an accommodation in the selection process, please notify Human Resources in writing when you submit your application.
Please Note: If you have a health or medical condition or a sincerely held religious belief that may require that the City provide you with an accommodation in either the selection process or the performance of your duties, please notify Human Resources in writing when you submit your application.
Salary : $300