Job Information
Job Category
Land Use
Company Name
City of Cathedral City
Position Level
Managerial
Job Description
Under administrative direction, plans, organizes, supervises and manages the operational activities and programs of the planning division; coordinates planning activities with building, engineering and other divisions and departments; provides expert professional assistance to City management staff in planning and related matters; performs related work as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This single position class manages all activities and staff related to City planning and related programs. The incumbent exercises considerable independent judgment and provides technical advice in designated areas of responsibility. This class is distinguished from Community and Economic Development Director in that the Director has overall responsibility for City planning, building, economic development and code compliance functions.
Example of Duties
Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following duties and responsibilities, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. This list of duties and responsibilities is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.
TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develops and manages the implementation of goals, objectives, policies and procedures and work standards for the planning function.
- Manages and participates in the development and administration of the Planning Division annual budget.
- Plans, organizes, assigns, manages and reviews the work plan for the Planning Division; selects personnel and provides for their training and professional development.
- Provides day-to-day leadership and works with supervisors and staff to ensure a high performance, customer service-oriented work environment which supports achieving City objectives and service expectations; provides leadership and participates in programs and activities that promote a positive employee relations environment.
- Advises the Community and Economic Development Director, City Manager, Planning Commission, Architectural Review Committee, City Council and the public on aspects of City planning; presents and justifies proposed plans, plan revisions, ordinances and other recommendations involving both current and advanced planning objectives.
- Develops, implements and maintains the general plan; directs current planning activities involving zoning, development applications, subdivisions, variances, environmental review and design review activities.
- Confers with City staff, public and private officials, citizens and civic groups to obtain information and inclusion of sound planning features in the City’s general plan; directs and participates in preparation of planning studies, including analysis, review and presentation of narrative and statistical findings and recommendations.
- Serves as staff to the Planning Commission and provides leadership and technical assistance to this group; maintains effective relations with a variety of community organizations, groups and other individuals.
- Works closely with building, engineering and other management and City staff to provide comprehensive services to City residents and to resolve a broad range of service delivery, community and administrative issues.
- Prepares a variety of written material, including staff reports, memoranda, administrative and technical interpretations and recommendations and correspondence.
Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge and Application of:
Local, state, and federal laws applicable to planning, zoning, subdivision and environmental review.
Local government organization and the functions and practices of a municipal planning function.
Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program and budget development and implementation, and employee supervision.
Principles, practices and trends in the field of urban planning.
Land use, physical design, demographics, environmental, social and economic concepts, including public and private financing and capital.
Ability to Perform and Successfully Apply Skill In:
Planning, managing, reviewing and evaluating the work of staff.
Selecting and motivating staff and providing for their training and development.
Administering and managing a variety of technical planning projects and programs.
Recommending comprehensive planning policy and programs based upon community needs, available resources, and overall City priorities and policies.
Providing technical assistance and staff leadership to boards and commissions within assigned function.
Exercising sound independent judgment within general policy guidelines.
Representing the City effectively in contacts with a variety of individual citizens, citizen groups, boards and commissions, staff and governmental groups.
Coordinating programs with other departments and agencies.
Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence and other written materials.
Physical and Environmental Conditions:
Daily work will be in a busy office environment with frequent phone answering and movement to open counter. Frequent bending and reaching is required to retrieve planning files. Work will involve prolonged sitting while using a computer. Daily work requires vision sufficient to read reports and other work documents, and hearing sufficient to answer phones and respond to in-person questions.
Required Skills / Experience / Education
Any combination of training and experience that provides the above listed knowledge, skills and abilities may be qualifying. A typical way of qualifying would be:
Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree with major work in city or regional planning, urban planning, or a closely related field and three years of supervisory or project leadership experience in both advanced and current planning in a public agency setting.
Experience dealing with citizen boards or committees and a Master’s degree in regional and urban planning are desirable.
US Citizenship Required?
Yes
Will security clearance be required?
No
Salary Range
146,023 - 191,139/annual
Other Benefits
Paid health, dental, vision, CalPERS retirement program, deferred compensation, wellness & tuition reimbursement, and more!
Application Deadline
11/09/2026
Position Type
Permanent Full-Time
Travel
None
Primary Language Required
English
Job Location
Location Address
68700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero
Cathedral City, California
92234
Contact Information
Hiring Contact Name
Lidia A Buelna
Phone Number
(760) 770-0352
Website
https://www.cathedralcity.gov/home