Development Services Director

Summary: The Development Services Director plans, supervises, and directs the services administered by the Department of Building Safety, the Planning and Zoning Department, and Code Enforcement.  This position works cooperatively with the Building Official and supervisors in the Department of Building Safety, Code Enforcement Department, and the Planning and Zoning Department to administer building regulations, the City Code of Ordinances, permit guidelines, inspections, the unified development code, and the City growth plan.  This is an administrative position with supervisory responsibility over approximately 15-20 staff members.

Supervision Received: Works under the broad policy guidance of the City Administrator and Board of City Commissioners.

Supervision Exercised: City Planner, Staff Planner, Building Official, Planning Technician, Plans Examiner, Building Inspectors, Administrative Assistants, and Code Enforcement Personnel.

FLSA Status: Exempt

Essential Job Functions:

1. Trains, directs, and supports staff to promote a strong culture of customer service and a friendly, helpful culture in administering development services.  
2. Builds and maintains strong professional working relationships with the building and development community, including contractors, engineers, developers, architects, and associations.
3. Consults with City Administrator, City Commission, or other officials to review department operations/activities, review/resolve problems, and receive advice/direction.
4. Actively promotes collaboration on multiple levels between all development services including Department of Building Safety, Code Enforcement, Planning and Zoning, Economic Development, and Engineering.  
5. Develops, plans, implements, and manages department goals and objectives consistent with approved development plans; recommends and reviews department issues relating to capital improvement plan.
6. Confers with and advises other Department Heads on issues relating to various code interpretations, plans reviews, permits, inspections, and administrative matters such as fee collections. 
7. Supervises and reviews permit and plan approval processes to better support and serve the public and promote community interests.  
8. Supports and assists City Officials, developers, citizens and community organizations in the development and completion of their projects. 
9. Responds to City Commission and Planning and Zoning Commission requests regarding any development projects or enforcement cases and the application of City Codes and Ordinances.   Coordinates meetings to present information and communicate with applicants. 
10. Works to collect and share public feedback and resolve conflicts that arise during the development approval process among applicants, department staff, and other City departments. 
11. Evaluates efficiency and effectiveness of department operations, procedures and use of resources; implements improvements where necessary.  
12. Collaborates with County Development Services to ensure consistency and functionality of general development master plans and ordinances. 
13. Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive inquiries, complaints and requests for services from the development community and the public by providing support and guidance. 
14. Oversees the creation and implementation of the following department budgets ensuring compliance with the approved City fiscal year budget: Department of Building Safety, Planning and Zoning Department, and Code Enforcement.  
15. Represents the City and the Development Services as directed at various events and venues.   Works closely with Economic Development to engage with potential developers and facilitate project needs.
16. Prepares presentations and information to educate the public on major projects and initiatives, as well as permit requirements. 
17. Maintains a comprehensive current knowledge of and ensures departmental compliance with all applicable codes, ordinances, laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures.  Follows all established safety procedures as directed.  
18. Translates administrative and planning objectives into specific programs and projects.
19. Counsels and advises builders, contractors, architects, and other interested parties on zoning codes, ordinances, and resolutions.
20. Meets with fire and health officials regarding inspection and regulatory activities; meets and confers with the Building Official, City officials, contractors, and the public on all aspects of inspection work.
21. Prepares and submits monthly and annual reports to City Administrator and City Commission and maintains complete records of work performed. 
22. Performs other reasonably related duties as assigned by the City Administrator and other management as required.
23. Provides support and leadership at Planning and Zoning Commission Meetings
24.    Performs related work as required.
25.    Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with City policies and procedures.  

Peripheral Job Duties:

1. Planning and Zoning Commission meetings, and City Commission meetings
2. Issuing permits
3. Assist Building Department 

Note: The functions and duties listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of the specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.  Additional duties may be assigned to this person to assist with internal procedures to keep the department sharp and in front of technology advancement.

Minimum Qualifications: Strong supervisory skills.  Excellent oral and written communication skills. Thorough knowledge of construction techniques. Administrative and managerial skills. Extensive knowledge of all types of building construction methods, practices, materials, and minimum standards. Extensive knowledge of the stages of construction where possible violation and defects may be easily detected and corrected. Thorough knowledge of federal, state and local ordinances, laws, codes and standards governing general building construction and zoning. Ability to read and interpret plans, specifications, and blueprints, and compare them with construction in process. Ability to enforce regulations with firmness, tact, and impartiality. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. Ability to write clear and concise reports. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with persons involved in inspection and regulatory matters, other employees, agencies, and departments, and the general public. Ability to formulate, initiate, and administer general policies and procedures. Knowledge of building material costs, local labor wage scales, housing construction maintenance and repairs. Knowledge of the specific provisions of the Enabling Act. Knowledge of federal redevelopment program procedures, including Sustainable Communities, and development processes. Some knowledge of real estate, property management, and mortgage loan procedures.

Education: Bachelor’s degree from a college or university with a degree in public administration, urban development, engineering, architecture, construction management, or a closely related technical field. 

Experience: Ten years of increasingly responsible experience in development or construction industry with at least five years’ experience in a leadership role with ongoing continuing education and training.  
Five years of increasingly responsible experience in public development programs in cities of comparable size. Experience in fields such as urban renewal or social service is desirable. 
Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position may be substituted at the discretion of the hiring authority. 

Necessary Special Requirements: Valid North Dakota driver’s license.

Preferred Special Requirements/Qualifications:  

• Master’s degree in Public Administration or Community Development.  
• American Institute of Certified Planners Certification (AICP) or the ability to obtain.
• Membership in American Planning Association (APA).
• NeighborWorks America coursework and certifications or the ability to obtain.  
• Certified Building Inspector and/or Certified Planner.   
• Experience with many types of management software capable of tracking each department. 

Equipment Used in Job Performance: Construction inspection equipment such as gas detector, motor vehicle, calculators, copier, metal detector, phone, personal computer, ladder, tape measure, and level. 

Physical Demands: Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort, including, but not limited to moving, lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (generally 25 pounds and less).   While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; and smell. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.  Tasks may involve extended periods of time in seated position and at a keyboard or workstation.  

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.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock and vibrations. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate, but can be loud.

Physical Demands: Close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Ability to work in areas of moderate to loud noise.

To be granted veterans preference, the required forms, letters or certificates must be submitted with the application.

The City of Williston does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, genetics, religion, age or disability in employment or the provision of services and complies with the provisions of the North Dakota Human Rights Act.

Any materials, files, documents, electronic tools, or other items collected or created by an employee in connection with their employment remain the property of the City. Additionally, all material created, transmitted/sent, received, deleted, downloaded, or stored using electronic tools are and remain the property of the City. Employees have no expectation of privacy when using City property.

The City of Williston is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

Salary : $120,000 - $140,000