JOB DESCRIPTION

To be considered for this position, you must apply online through the City of Arlington website at: https://arlingtontx.wd503.myworkdayjobs.com/cityofarlingtoncareers

Job Details:

Under general direction, the Assistant Director of Land Development Services is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing programs, operations, and staff involved in the pre-development consultation, zoning entitlements, platting, infrastructure review, and permitting of private development projects. The position provides high-level leadership for the City's development review processes, ensuring regulatory compliance, process efficiency, and alignment with long-range planning goals and City Council priorities. The Assistant Director advises executive leadership on development policy collaborating with other departments, and promotes high-quality, sustainable growth consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Manage all programs and staff responsible for land development functions including zoning administration, platting, site plan and civil plan review, and inspect on-site development activities.
• Serves as the Director's designee in their absence, representing the department in the office and at public meetings.
• Establishes clear performance goals, monitors outcomes, and ensures accountability and professional standards.
• Participates in the strategic planning process for the department, including city council priorities.
• Formulates, recommends, and implements policies and strategies related to land use, growth management, infrastructure, environmental protection, and housing to support the City's comprehensive vision.
  • This includes administration of the Unified Development Code and adoption of amendments.
• Oversees the coordination and processing of development applications to ensure consistency with City ordinances, design standards, and planning objectives.
• Works closely with other divisions (Building Inspections, Health, Fire, Water Utilities, and Public Works) to maintain a unified, customer-oriented approach to development services.
• Administers the City's development process management/permitting system.
• Identifies opportunities for process streamlining, improved transparency, and enhanced customer experience through digital transformation and performance tracking.
• Develops and manages the Land Development Division's budget.
• Forecasts staffing, equipment, and technology needs; approves expenditures.
• Oversees revenue generation and fee studies to ensure cost recovery and financial sustainability.
• Consults on and sets direction for major development projects to ensure compliance with City goals, applicable laws, and professional standards.
• Reviews project schedules, assigns resources, and resolves conflicts to ensure timely, high-quality outcomes.
• Represents the City before City Council, Planning and Zoning Commission, and other boards and committees.
• Serves as a liaison to regional agencies, industry partners, and community organizations.
• Provides professional guidance on policy matters, legislative issues, and complex development projects.
• Directs communications and outreach programs to enhance public awareness of growth, land use, and planning issues.
• Oversees public hearings, surveys, and community meetings to gather feedback and ensure inclusive participation in planning and development decisions.
• Monitors federal, state, and local legislation impacting development and land use.
• Recommends ordinance amendments and policy changes to maintain compliance and support the City's strategic development objectives.
• Establishes performance standards, provides coaching and mentoring to staff, and conducts regular performance reviews. Promotes a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability across teams.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Assists and participates in long-range planning division's projects.
• Participates in developing long-range infrastructure and capital improvement plans.
• Provides technical and legal testimony on development-related matters.
• Coordinates with consultants and contractors to ensure compliance with scope, budget, and policy requirements.
• Represents the department at professional conferences and regional planning forums.
• Performs other duties as assigned to support the mission and objectives of Planning and Development Services.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Knowledge of relevant federal, state, and local development regulations, codes, and policies.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of developing teams, motivating employees and managing in a team environment.
• Knowledge of office and administrative practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of municipal development processes, land use law, zoning, platting, and engineering design principles.
• Knowledge of administrative principles and practices including goal setting, program development, implementation, and evaluation and the management of employees through multiple levels of supervision.
• Skill with organization and attention to detail.
• Skill in using PC Software including current Microsoft Office Suite of applications.
• Skill in supervising, mentoring, and evaluating professional and technical staff.
• Skill in strategic planning, project management, and policy formulation.
• Skill in preparing and directing the preparation of clear and concise reports, policies, procedures, correspondence, and other written materials.
• Skill in planning, organizing, and administering a complex program of development standards enforcement and enhancement
• Skill in interpreting, applying, and explaining complex codes, ordinances, and regulations related to the areas of responsibility.
• Skill in developing effective work teams and motivating individuals to meet goals and objectives and provide customer services in the most cost effective and efficient manner.
• Skill in communicating professionally and tactfully with other city employees and the public by oral and written means.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and enterprise permitting/workflow systems, including utilization of AI following city's security policies.
• Ability to work within a set schedule.
• Ability to work independently under general instructions.
• Ability to understand mathematical calculations involving fractions, percentages, and decimals.
• Ability to prioritize deadlines and tasks.
• Ability to plan, organize, monitor, and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to accomplish unit objectives.
• Ability to perform a variety of physical skills including but not limited to filing, pulling, seeing, sorting, squatting, standing, stooping, twisting body, typing, walking, and writing.
• Ability to operate a variety of office equipment, including but not limited to telephone, PC, fax, copier, and calculator.
• Ability to operate a motorized vehicle safely with the general public in all conditions.
• Ability to manage complex, cross-departmental initiatives and balance competing priorities.
• Ability to learn new systems and procedures quickly.
• Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment utilizing knowledge of the organization's policies.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with elected officials, developers, consultants, and residents.
• Ability to analyze complex technical and policy issues and develop innovative solutions.

Qualifying Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in planning, Civil Engineering, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in land development, civil plan review, or municipal development services.
  • Including four (4) years in management or administrative leadership.
• Either AICP certification or Professional Engineer (P.E.) license required.
• Valid Texas Class C Driver's License required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Experience in implementing Form-based Code for development projects.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Master's degree preferred

Employment Screenings Required:

• Criminal background check
• Motor Vehicle Review
• Drug and Alcohol Screening