Deputy Director of Community Services

Group: City of Port Angeles

Location: Port Angeles, WA

Salary Range: $92,430.37 - $110,466.14 annually plus benefits

Deadline Information: First review of applications: February 22, 2023

Deadline Date: 02/22/2023

Posted Date: 02/01/2023

Website: https://www.cityofpa.us/1260/Deputy-Director-of-Community-Services/

Contact Information for Applicants
Abbigail Fountain
Afountai@cityofpa.us
(360)417-4510

The Community
With a population of just over 20,000, Port Angeles is a modern community with a rich and diverse history. Abundant in cultural events, including festivals, art, music, outdoor recreation, and sporting events, Port Angeles is also fortunate to be enhanced by a thriving and active Native American culture. Education options in the area are fantastic, with public schools consistently ranking very high. Port Angeles is the home of Peninsula College, which offers both two and four-year degrees.

Port Angeles and the surrounding region offer incomparable recreation opportunities for year-round activities. Close by are hot springs, numerous rivers, beaches, and parks, the Olympic National Park and the Olympic Discovery Trail, which is one of the longest trail systems in the U.S.

Port Angeles is a tourist destination and international gateway via ferry to Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Port Angeles enjoys a mild, coastal climate with daytime temperatures ranging from 40° in the winter to 70° in the summer. Average rainfall is less than 25 inches per year.

The Position
Under administrative direction of the Assistant City Manager, this position will oversee and direct the day-to-day community development activities of the Permitting/Customer Service (PCS). This includes work involved in the processing of development review applications and building permits and improving efficiencies of the overall City development review process. This position also serves as a primary Staff advisor to the City’s Hearing Examiner, Planning Commission, and other related advisory groups.

The Deputy Director may be appointed by the City Manager to serve as the “Building Official” for the city although compliance and inspection activities are delegated to departmental staff.

Prioritize customer service through the creation of predictable timing and expectations in all land use review and permitting related services.
Supervises Permitting and Customer Service (PCS) staff including conducting assignments, monitoring work, reviewing reports, conducting performance evaluations, and related supervisory duties.
Recommends changes to community development related policies and procedures.
Maintain a high standard of coordination with and among all City Departments responsible for land use and permit related development review.
Serves as advisor to the Assistant City Manager, City Manager, City Council, Planning Commission, Hearings Examiner and other related boards and commissions.
Oversee the drafting and production of the Planning Commission and Hearings Examiner meeting packet and agenda.
Administers and coordinates the building inspection program.
Prepares periodic reports to the Assistant City Manager, City Manager and City Council on department activity concerning permitting.
Fosters care and attention to quality urban design for projects and outcomes throughout the city
Contributes to the development of vibrant commercial corridors
Administers customer service with innovation and technological efficiency
Serves as a liaison to the North Peninsula Builders Association and other civic groups as assigned.
Attends various meetings of the City Council, Planning Commission, and meetings of other public agencies as necessary or requested.
Acts as the focal point for coordination and contact with new and expanded business opportunities and appropriate governmental and regulatory agencies.
Leads other high priority projects and initiatives as assigned by the Assistant City Manager.

The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate should possess the following:
Knowledge of modern principles, practices, methods, and techniques of current and long-range urban planning, community development, economic development, and housing development.
Knowledge of City, County, State, and Federal laws, rules, regulations, and codes related to community development, economic development, and code enforcement activities.
Specific knowledge to analyze and interpret Washington State and Local Zoning Codes, Environmental and land use laws and codes, enforcement codes and regulations. These include but not limited to State Growth Management Act, State Environmental Policy Act, and Shoreline Management Act.
Knowledge of City of Port Angeles ordinances, codes, policies, and procedures related to economic and community development, and general supervision of employees.
Knowledge of modern supervisory and management practices and principles.
Knowledge of effective negotiating and human relation skills that result in development of positive relationships with the various public and private agencies, the public, developers, builders, and others that the Director comes in contact within the course of employment.
Knowledge of economic market analysis and research techniques.
Ability to effectively administer and monitor comprehensive permitting and community development activities of the department.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, including difficult and disgruntled citizens, contractors, developers, community and agency representatives, and others.
Ability to provide leadership and vision with respect to community and economic development tasks through effective delegation, communication, and analytical and coordination skills.
Ability to exercise independent and sound judgment in decision making within general policy guidelines of the City Manager and City Council.
Ability to represent the City effectively and professionally in meetings and all aspects of work.
Ability to prepare clear, concise, and competent reports correspondence, and other written materials.
Ability to make effective and competent verbal public presentations on behalf of the City.
Ability to operate a personal computer and learn job related software, including spreadsheet applications, specialized software for building and permitting.
Ability to read, write, and speak the English language at a level for effective job performance.
Ability to prepare and monitor the departmental budget within established levels.
Ability to effectively supervise subordinate employees, prepare timely performance evaluations, and monitor employees work products on an on-going basis.

Compensation & Benefits
Deputy Director of Community Services Annual Salary Range: $92,430.37 - $110,466.14 annually ($44.4377-$53.1087 per hour).

Benefits include:
Deferred Compensation – employees are eligible to receive a 3.0% matching contribution
12 paid holidays and accrued vacation, sick leave and floating holidays
Medical insurance with employer contribution to Health Savings Account
Dental & Vision insurance
Health Care Offset - $50 per month
Employee Assistance Program
Life insurance – employer-paid premiums for $50,000 plan
Long term disability
Wellness Program
Washington State Retirement System (PERS)

Preferred qualifications

Education:
A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Regional or Urban Planning, Economic Development, Public Administration, Economics, or a closely related field.
A Master’s degree in a related area is preferred.
Professional certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is desirable.

Experience:
Four years of professional planning experience at the senior level or higher in a public agency, including supervisory experience. An equivalent combination of experience and education may be evaluated for qualifying experience on a case-by-case basis.
Other necessary requirements:

Possession of a valid Washington State Driver’s License within 30 days of employment and a good driving record.

To Apply
Apply online at www.cityofpa.us to complete the online job application and submit a letter of interest and resume. COPA is an E.O.E. First review of applications will take place February 22, 2023.

For more information, please contact Human Resources at 360-417-4510 or afountai@cityofpa.us.