Director of Planning and Inspections

Job Description

Requirements

MOS Codes: None

The City of El Paso, TX (pop 683,012) is seeking an accomplished, forward-thinking Director of Planning and Inspections to lead a department that plays a critical role in shaping the City's growth, development, economic mobility, and quality of life.

Reporting to a Deputy City Manager, the Director oversees planning and land development, building permitting and inspections, customer service, licensing and special events, and City real estate functions. The Director will provide strategic and operational leadership while advancing efficient development processes, strong customer service, organizational improvement, and effective collaboration across the City and community.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree, with a Master's preferred, in Policy Analysis, Urban or Regional Planning, Urban Design, Business or Public Administration, Architecture, Engineering, or a related field, and eight years of relevant professional experience, including six years in a managerial role.

Candidates must also demonstrate effectiveness working with corporate, education, not-for-profit, and community organizations. A valid Texas Class "C" Driver's License or equivalent is required by the date of appointment, and residency within the City of El Paso is required by the date of employment.

General Purpose

Under administrative direction, as a department director, manage, direct, and assist in the alignment of development-related functions; and serve as a liaison to external organizations and the private, education, military, and not-for-profit sectors on development-related matters.

Typical Duties

The Director will provide leadership for the City's development-related functions, including:

• Planning, zoning, subdivisions, long-range planning, and land-development policy
• Residential and commercial permitting, plan review, inspections, and code interpretation
• Customer service, pre-development assistance, and interdepartmental development coordination
• City real estate, land, easements, rights-of-way, leasing, and property compliance
• Department strategy, budget, performance management, organizational development, and workforce leadership
• Communication and coordination with City leadership, Mayor and Council, developers, businesses, community organizations, regulatory agencies, and the public

General Information

The ideal candidate

The City is seeking a candidate with these key competencies:

The successful candidate will bring:

• Significant leadership experience in planning, development, inspections, building services, or a closely related field. Strong knowledge of municipal planning, land development, zoning, development review, and building and zoning codes. Demonstrated success improving processes, customer service, and organizational performance. The ability to lead change while valuing employee expertise, collaboration, accountability, and professional development. Excellent communication, relationship-building, conflict-resolution, and public-engagement skills. Experience using data, technology, and performance measures to improve efficiency, transparency, and service delivery

Compensation and Benefits

The anticipated hiring range is $190,000 to $210,000. The benefits package includes medical, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, paid time off, holidays, parental and shared leave, employee assistance programs, wellness incentives, and retirement benefits. Optional benefits include a Health Savings Account, deferred compensation 457(b) plan, tuition assistance, training and certification resources, and other programs. Visit elpasotexas.gov/careers/benefits/ to learn more about the City's employee benefits. Relocation assistance is subject to City approval and will be addressed with the successful candidate.

How to Apply

The position is open until filled; however, first review of applications will occur on September 28, 2026. We invite qualified and interested candidates to apply online at www.GovHRjobs.com. For more information, please contact Yolanda Howze, MGT, Director of Executive Recruitment, at 224-245-5630.

For more information about the City of El Paso, please visit: https://www.elpasotexas.gov/

Determined by agreement

Closing Date/Time: Continuous