Development Manager

Company Description

Baker City, Oregon, is a historic community located in the heart of Eastern Oregon, dedicated to enriching the quality of life for its residents and visitors. The city blends small-town charm with a forward-thinking approach to economic development, infrastructure improvement, and community well-being. Baker City values transparency, collaboration, and inclusive engagement with its diverse population, local businesses, and regional stakeholders. Committed to sustainable growth, the city preserves its rich heritage while fostering innovation and opportunity for a thriving and resilient future.

To Apply: Please read the job description carefully before applying. Fill out the employment application below and submit it to humanresources@bakercity.gov, or deliver to the human resource office located at City Hall , 1655 1st Street, room 205, or mail to PO Box 650, Baker City, OR 97814. For more information, please contact Andrew Crabtree at the email address listed above. 

Job Title: Development Manager

Department: Planning

FLSA Status: Modified Exempt

Reports To: City Manager

Monthly Salary Compensation: $6,528 - $7,635

Summary/Objective

The Development Manager directs and coordinates planning-related activities within the City’s development and community planning functions. This mid-to-senior level management position oversees planning operations, collaborates with multiple city departments, and drives the integration of innovative planning processes, including AI-enabled efficiencies. The role requires strong leadership, technical planning expertise, and the ability to translate policy goals into actionable programs and procedures. This position works under administrative direction and has responsibility for staff supervision, program development, budget administration, and cross-department collaboration to meet city priorities.

Supervision

·        Supervision Received:

Works under the general supervision of the City Manager; coordinates with other Department Heads as needed.

·        Supervisory Responsibilities:

Supervise staff assigned to planning tasks (clerical and technical), including participating in training, performance evaluations, coaching, and development.

Position Details

·        40 hours per week per week (Mon–Thurs), 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. & (Fri), 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. or 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

·        Additional hours may be required for meetings and for completion of project deadlines.

·        Local travel within Baker City; occasional out-of-area or overnight travel may be required

Essential Functions

Note: Reasonable accommodation may be provided for individuals with disabilities.

• Manage Planning and Development Activities: Oversee and coordinate city planning functions, including current and long-range planning, zoning interpretation, code administration, and land use regulation; ensure planning processes align with the Comprehensive Plan, development standards, and city goals; coordinate with Public Works, Community Development, and other departments to resolve issues and streamline approvals; manage proposed development projects from intake through staff reports, public hearings, and final recommendations; supervise pre-application processes and coordinate with applicants and other departments.
• Interdepartmental Collaboration and Liaison: Work with Community Development and Public Works staff to identify department needs, design cross-department workflows, and implement efficiency improvements; serve as a liaison to advisory committees, boards, and commissions (e.g., Planning Commission, Downtown Urban Renewal, Parking District) to achieve project goals and policy objectives; represent the City in public meetings, community outreach, and intergovernmental coordination on planning and development initiatives.
• Program Development, Training, and AI Integration: Develop, implement, and monitor planning programs; establish short- and long-term goals, performance metrics, and continuous improvement plans; lead training initiatives for staff on planning duties, zoning amendments, and development procedures; promote knowledge sharing and professional development; integrate planning efficiencies with new AI initiatives to improve data analysis, permit processing, reporting, and decision-making; evaluate effectiveness and adjust as needed.
• Budgeting and Resource Management: Assist in the development and execution of the Planning/Development budget; monitor expenditures and resource allocation; identify opportunities for cost savings and improved efficiency; oversee procurement related to planning studies, consultants, and technology tools; ensure compliance with city policies.
• Public Service and Communication: Provide technical information and guidance regarding planning, zoning, development standards, and compliance; respond to inquiries from developers, the public, and colleagues with accuracy and timeliness; prepare and present reports, policy recommendations, and presentations to City Council, Planning Commission, and community groups.
• Leadership and Work Environment: Foster a collaborative, service-oriented team environment; delegate responsibilities, monitor progress, and provide clear direction; ensure department compliance with applicable codes, laws, rules, standards, and procedures; interpret and apply regulations related to planning, zoning, land use, and development; continuously assess processes and implement improvements to increase efficiency, accuracy, and quality of service.
• Special Projects and Other Duties: Lead or participate in special studies, grant applications, and economic development initiatives as assigned; perform other related duties as required.

Additional Duties

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Provide support for Public Works, Building and Community Development.
• Contribute to the City’s emergency response planning.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Tools and Equipment Used

• GIS software and planning tools, standard office equipment, and municipal software as needed.
• Personal computer, iPad, including word processing, database software, spreadsheets, 10-key calculator; phone, copy machine, fax machine, motor vehicle (with valid Oregon Driver's License without points on driving record).

Minimum Qualifications

• A combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered.
• Education:Bachelor’s degree in; Urban and Regional Planning, Public Administration, or a closely related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of five (5) years of progressive planning experience, including at least two (2) years in a supervisory/management role; experience in urban planning, zoning, land use regulation, and development review.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Microsoft Office Suite; experience with Caselle or equivalent financial management software; familiarity with public IT systems and data management.
• Ability to obtain or maintain any required certifications or training required by the City.
• Valid driver’s license (Oregon or valid in your jurisdiction) with a clean driving record.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Master’s Degree in a related field.
• Experience: 7 years of progressive planning and project management experience plus 5 years of supervisory experience.
• Certifications: American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

·        Knowledge of applicable federal and state regulations governing planning and zoning laws.

·        Knowledge of city planning, long-range infrastructure planning, and safety standards.

·        Development review processes.

·        Data analysis.

·        GIS or Planning software.

·        Municipal budgeting methods.

·        Departmental policies, procedures, ordinances, and governing regulations.

Skills in:

·        Proficient operation of a motor vehicle.

·        Proficient use of computers, tablets, office equipment, and basic remote collaboration tools (e.g., Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Microsoft Office, Caselle or equivalent financial software).

·        Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences.

·        Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

·        Public speaking.

·        Policy interpretation.

·        Internal and external collaboration.

·        Leadership.

Ability to:

• Oversee complex projects.
• Learn and apply new methods and codes; assess applicants’ needs and make informed recommendations.
• Manage multiple priorities.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures.
• Analyze technical information and prepare concise oral and written reports.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with elected officials, staff, and the community.
• Coordinate with other departments and external agencies to ensure compliance.
• Demonstrate strong personal qualities (persuasion, patience, perseverance, thoroughness, flexibility, independence) and sound judgment.

Work Environment

·  Primarily indoors, office setting.

·  Some exposure to weather, and noise, when reviewing projects sites and as duties require.

·  Wet/humid conditions and high places may be encountered.

Physical Demands

·  Frequent use of hands and visual acuity.

·  Standing, walking, climbing, kneeling, crouching, crawling.

·  Lifting: up to 25 lbs. frequently; up to 50 lbs. with assistance.

·  Ability to perform strenuous outdoor activities within reason while reviewing projects and as duties require.

Additional Information

·  This position is subject to the City of Baker’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy.

·  This job description is not an employment contract and may be updated as needed.

·  This job description is designed to provide a general listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job, it is not a complete and fully comprehensive outline of the duties associated with the listed position.