Growth Management Department Director

Directs and manages the operations of the Santa Fe County Growth Management Department (Department), which currently consists of the Building and Development Services Division (including Code Enforcement), Planning Division, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Division (including Rural Addressing).

• Develops and communicates a long- and short-range direction for Santa Fe County in the areas of Building and Development Services, Planning, and GIS.
• Ensures compliance of Department's planning and development activities with County and Department policies and procedures.
• Tracks individual Division programs and projects; provides direction and advice as needed.
• Prepares and manages Department's annual budget and work program.
• Manages Department staff; reviews and approves staff recommendations, planning, development, zoning, and building work items.
• Manages Department personnel matters including hiring, discipline, training and development, performance appraisals and related activities.
• Communicates and coordinates with other County departments and federal, state and local government entities on matters of regulation, long term planning, and GIS.
• Drafts, participates in, and/or oversees the preparation, adoption, implementation and enforcement of land use and other rules, policies, resolutions, ordinances, and plans.
• Works with boards, committees, and public and private entities to ensure code compliance.
• Plans, organizes, and directs the activities of Department staff involved in the preparation and implementation of land use policies and public decisions and the review and processing of land development proposals and permits.

• Attends public hearings and Board of County Commissioner meetings; supports Building and Development Services, Planning, and GIS staff presenting ordinances, resolutions, applications and other matters; oversees BCC packet preparation, notices and postings.

• Prepares and give public presentations on Department's activities, functions, and issues.
• Acts as liaison between public and commissioners, and public and staff for difficult land-related issues; demonstrates professionalism and courtesy in interactions with internal staff and external customers and agencies. Oversees GIS Steering Committee participation by all departments and the GIS Strategic Plan.
• Responsible for ensuring consistent interpretation, application, and enforcement of the Sustainable Land Development Code.
• Ensuring Department provides exemplary customer service.
• May be appointed as, or directly or indirectly supervise, the Land Use Administrator under the Sustainable Land Development Code
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge of planning in specialized area; research methods; data analysis; and report writing.
• Extensive knowledge of the principles of land use and Growth Management and general planning and the application and enforcement of land development codes.
• Knowledge of budget preparation and management.
• Skill in supervising, managing, advising, and evaluating assigned personnel and user groups.
• Ability to interpret applicable federal, state, county and local laws, regulations, and requirements.
• Ability to identify and resolve Departmental operational problems.
• Ability to prepare executive-level correspondence and reports.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working and diplomatic relationships with management, employees, employee representative and representatives from government, industry, media, and other agencies, and the public representing diverse cultures and background.
• Ability to prepare accurate, complete and legible reports and plans, and present detailed, accurate, and objective oral presentations and responses to questions.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to analyze and provide solutions to problems.
• Ability to operate various word-processing, spreadsheet, database, and other software programs in a Microsoft environment.
• Ability to make solid decisions and exercise independent judgment.

• Bachelor's degree in business or public administration, urban, regional or community planning, architecture, engineering, GIS, or a closely related field plus (8) eight years of progressively responsible experience in planning, development review and permitting, GIS, architecture, engineering, or closely related field, two (2) of which must have been in a supervisory capacity, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A completed New Mexico EDGE Public Supervisor certification will substitute for two (2) years of required supervisory experience.
• A minimum of two years' experience in development review and permitting as an employee of a governmental entity preferred.

Working Conditions:

Work is performed generally in an office environment and occasionally outdoors in varied weather conditions with exposure to dust, fumes, airborne particles and/or allergens. Work involves high risk or potentially dangerous situations, excessive noise, hostile individuals, and work near hazardous/moving equipment or machinery. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to sit, stand, and walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands or arms; and talk or hear. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. Clarity of vision at long distance and short distance is required. Evening and weekend work is required.

Conditions of Employment:

Selected candidate must submit to and pass a County paid pre-employment physical and drug/alcohol screening. Additionally, selected candidate must submit to and pass a county paid criminal background screening. Selected candidate must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico Class D Driver's License as incumbent shall be appointed to drive a County vehicle during the performance of his/her duties. Candidate must obtain and/or maintain all certifications required.Employment Type: Full-Time