Chief of Development Services

Description Responsible for leading, managing, and providing direction to the staff of the Development Services Division, which includes the site and subdivision plan review function, and zoning and code enforcement. Directs the activities of professional, technical and administrative staff engaged in plan review to ensure compliance with applicable County and State Codes and design criteria in an expeditious manner. Advises County and department leadership on development and zoning matters, and resolves issues or conflicts related to development and code. Plans, organizes, and directs the activities of professional, technical and administrative personnel engaged in the plan review and approval process. Directs, assigns, and reviews the activities of Division personnel; participates in employee selection, evaluation, and disciplinary actions; resolves problems as non-routine situations arise; provides technical assistance to staff on zoning and subdivision matters. Works with the Zoning and Code Enforcement Supervisor and Inspectors to provide direction and guidance. Evaluates workloads and staffing levels in the division; assigns personnel to specific areas of responsibility to distribute the workload among the staff. Leads, motivates, and develops a multidisciplinary team by setting clear expectations, providing constructive feedback, and fostering accountability for individual and division performance. Coaches and mentors supervisors and staff; identifies professional development opportunities and promotes cross-training, knowledge sharing, and continuity of operations. Fosters a collaborative and accountable work environment; addresses employee concerns and performance issues promptly, fairly, and consistently with County policies. Leads the evaluation and improvement of development review and enforcement procedures to promote efficiency, consistency, transparency, and responsive customer service. Coordinates the resolution of complex issues involving multiple divisions or departments and elevates matters requiring policy direction or executive-level decisions. Guides staff through changes in ordinances, policies, procedures, and technology; communicates expectations and evaluates implementation. Resolves development and code-related issues, conflicts, and problems; serves as technical advisor and provides staff support to the Department Director, Deputy Director, and County Administration on development and zoning matters; recommends policy or ordinance amendments related to regulation of development and plan implementation. Manages all aspects of the site plan and subdivision plan review processes; may serve as the County Administrator’s designee for the Plan Approving Agent for site plans, the Subdivision Agent for subdivision plans and plats, and the Zoning Administrator. Reviews and provides comments on special use permits, rezoning applications, special exceptions, and ordinance amendments. Meets with and provides technical assistance to staff on zoning and subdivision matters, and to developers and property owners; acts as a facilitator in promoting and expediting economic development projects; makes determinations on development projects, approvals, and sureties. Assists with the development and administration of the division's operating and capital improvement budget; monitors division's expenditures. Directs and manages the development, maintenance, and compilation of development-related databases, special reports and studies, as well as weekly project status reports and the division's monthly activity reports. Coordinates with Planning Division staff to ensure consistency throughout development processes and promotes cross-training opportunities for staff in both Divisions. Prepares and gives presentations to various audiences including, but not limited to, business and citizen groups, trade associations, the Board of Zoning Appeals, Planning Commission, and Board of Supervisors. Performs a variety of administrative and supervisory tasks, including reviewing and approving employee leave requests; preparing and updating job descriptions; formulating and establishing goals and objectives with employees; determining staff training requirements; advertising vacancies; and participating in the selection process, including making recommendations for hire. Attends court proceedings and provides testimony as required.

Conducts site inspections of development projects or code violations.

Minimum Qualifications Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a Bachelor’s Degree in Planning, Public Administration, or related field, and 6 to 9 years of experience in planning and development management at the local government level, with demonstrated experience and knowledge of development review, code enforcement, and effective leadership and supervisory practices. A Master’s Degree in Planning, Public Administration or a related field is preferred.

AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners) designation or the CZA (Certified Zoning Administrator) designation is required, or must be obtainable within 12 months of employment start date. Both designations must be obtained within three (3) years of employment start date. Possession of a valid driver's license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

This job is contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment checks to include driving record, criminal history and background checks.

Supplemental Information Comprehensive knowledge of professional planning principles and practices, as they pertain to site analysis and design.

Comprehensive knowledge of leadership and supervisory principles and practices.

Thorough knowledge of research and analysis techniques.

Thorough knowledge of technology to include computers, printers, scanners, copiers, software programs and other necessary applications to perform work. Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Ability to delegates responsibilities effectively, establish priorities, and balance competing workloads while maintaining timely, accurate, and consistent service delivery.

Ability to manage conflict constructively, address employee concerns promptly and fairly, and facilitate resolution of disagreements among staff, applicants, property owners, and other stakeholders.

Ability to build and maintain collaborative working relationships across divisions and departments, clarify shared responsibilities, and coordinate the resolution of development-related issues.

Ability to translate departmental priorities into measurable division goals, monitor progress, and use workload and performance information to guide improvements.

Ability to plan, organize, and perform complex research and planning projects.

Ability to read and interpret architectural, surveyor, and civil engineering drawings.

Physical Demands Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including computers, recording devices, calculators, etc. Must be physically able to operate a motor vehicle. Must also be able to make site inspection visits, including bending, stooping, and walking/traversing the site. For a more detailed description: View Document

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Benefits

The County of York offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees to include medical, dental, and vision insurance, health savings accounts, VRS retirement, group life insurance, deferred compensation, flexible spending accounts, employee assistance program, paid holidays and paid leave.