JOB SUMMARY
Under the general direction of the City/Deputy Administrator, the Development Services Director is responsible for strengthening the overall health and vitality of the City of Gretna through developing, managing and evaluating economic and community development programs, including land use and master planning, redevelopment, development review, housing needs, zoning, building plan review and inspection, code administration and enforcement, and various other services as assigned.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
• Develops and administers the departmental budget.
• Develops policies and procedures designed to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of departmental operations, and to ensure the appropriate application of local, state and federal laws pertaining land use planning, growth, and development.
• Directs the preparation and maintenance of the Comprehensive Plan, Transportation Plan, Housing Study, and other plans as identified.
• Performs supervisory functions such as staffing, scheduling work, assigning work duties, training personnel on various equipment and techniques, conducting performance evaluations.
• Oversees development and planning activities, including plan reviews, responding to requests for information, writing zoning text amendments, and providing administrative support to the Planning Commission, Board of Adjustment, City Council and others as assigned.
• Responsible for the enforcement of adopted building and municipal codes and zoning ordinances.
• Coordinates and promotes planning activities with other governmental agencies, private entities and community/regional groups.
• Evaluates areas identified for annexation and prepares reports and analyses.
• Attends various City meetings, conferences, workshops and training sessions.
• Answers inquiries and makes recommendations regarding the functions of the department.
• Prepares reports and makes recommendations on planning and development requests, operations and general information for the city and surrounding service jurisdiction.
• Analyzes proposals for future public and private development, infrastructure, economic initiatives, and strategic objectives.
• Responds to citizens' questions and comments in a courteous, professional, and timely manner.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with the general public, governmental officials, co-workers and supervisors.
• Directs the economic development initiatives by pursuing the objectives of the City’s economic development goals and provides assistance in the development of short and long term goals.
• Prepares and presents data and demographic information in a variety of formats to the public, City Council, and other groups.
• Performs other duties as assigned or as situation dictates.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge:
• Operational characteristics, services, and activities of local government Planning, Zoning, and Building functions.
• Current principles, practices, and methodologies of municipal planning functions.

• Geographical layout and demographic attributes of the City of Gretna and surrounding jurisdictions.
• Governmental processes relating to development review and analysis.
• Economic development and incentive programs.
• Modern and highly complex principles and practices of department administration.
• Current land use, growth, and economic trends of municipal government.
• Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs.
• Principles and practices of municipal government budget preparation and administration.
• Research and reporting methods, techniques, and procedures.
• Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
• Advanced computer skills and operation of office equipment.
• Audio/visual equipment and techniques.
Abilities:
• Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the work of Supervisory, Professional, and Technical personnel; delegate authority and responsibility.
• Provide administrative and professional leadership and direction for assigned department and functions.
• Identify needs of the municipality.
• Plan, direct, and coordinate work plans; meet with staff to identify and resolve problems; assign projects and areas of responsibility; review and evaluate work methods and procedures.
• Provide effective leadership in coordinating administrative activities.
• Analyze, interpret, summarize, and present administrative and technical information and data in an effective manner.
• Interpret and apply City policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Analyze problems; identify alternative solutions; implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion.
• Operate computerized drafting and mapping techniques.
• Ability to provide administrative direction within a municipal department.
• Supervise, train, evaluate and lead the work of others.
• Prepare and present accurate and reliable reports containing findings and recommendations.
• Perform job duties efficiently while managing frequent interruptions and under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines.
• Quickly learn and put to use new skills and knowledge brought about by rapidly changing information and/or technology.
• Assist in developing, administering, coordinating, and monitoring departmental budget.
• Evaluate and develop improvements in operations, procedures, policies, or methods.
• Prepare clear and concise reports and develop appropriate recommendations; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, City and other government officials, development community, community groups, the general public, and media representatives.
• Work a varying schedule, including situations which demand unusual hours.
• Plan a personal work schedule, set priorities and meet deadlines while managing frequent interruptions.
• Manage multiple projects independently and simultaneously; maneuver quickly and change direction.
• Maintain confidentiality of critical information.
• Understand and follow both oral and written instructions.

Skills:
• Interpersonal skills, team building, and establishing professional relationships.
• Persuasive yet professional.
• Ambitious; optimistic; motivated.
• Attention to detail.
• Problem-solving to overcome challenges.
• Coordination and working with others to manage events efficiently and effectively.
• Logistics to properly plan details and carry out events.
• Time management, communications, and organization.
• Providing outstanding customer service and organizing memorable events.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
• Graduation from accredited four-year college or university with a degree in planning, geography, political science, civil engineering or closely related field.
• Must have five (5) years of experience in municipal planning and two (2) years of which must be in a supervisory position.
• American Institute of Certified Planners credentials is preferred.
• City will consider equivalent combinations of education, training and experience.
• Must have a valid driver's license at the time of hire and maintain it throughout the course of employment.

POSITIVE ATTRIBUTES
• Be a self-starter.
• Exhibit integrity in words, actions, and deeds.
• Represent the City of Gretna professionally and enthusiastically.
• Be proactive in forming positive, respectful relationships.
• Collaborative; compassionate; competent.
• Success in team building and relationship maintenance.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT
Seeing and hearing: read documents, computer, phones, communicate in person. 75-100%
Standing and walking. 0-24%
Sitting 50-74%
Climbing, stooping, squatting and kneeling. 0-24%
Dexterity: utilizing phone, typing, and writing. 75-100%
Lift in excess of 10 pounds 0-24%