Planning Manager (Principal Planner)

The City of Grants Pass seeks a Planning Manager (classification title: Principal Planner) to lead the Planning Division within the Community Development Department. This position will oversee the planning division budget, five staff, and current and long-range planning in the City, including development and updates for all land use programs, complex planning projects, the Comprehensive Plan, and Development Code. The Planning Manager will serve as staff liaison to the Urban Area Planning Commission and Historical Buildings and Sites Commission. Additionally, this position will direct consultants and oversee their projects, review and present staff reports, connect with other regional partners, and keep informed of legislative changes that may impact planning and land use in the State of Oregon. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a high level of emotional intelligence and political savvy, effectively lead and develop staff, breakdown silos and work effectively across other departments and divisions, keep informed of and apply for appropriate grants, leverage resources and technology to continue to improve processes and efficiencies, and engage the community to ensure they are informed on what is happening within their community and neighborhoods. This is an excellent opportunity to apply your experience and knowledge to support an engaged community with gorgeous natural resources and an urban center.

THE DEPARTMENT & THE DIVISION
The City of Grants Pass uses an integrated approach to providing development services that coordinate the functions of planning, building, economic development, and parks into one department. The Planning Division supports the City Council and various committees to ensure the Comprehensive Plan, codes and other regulations are up to date and reflect the community’s vision for long-term quality of life through growth management, conservation, and development. The Planning Division provides quality of life with lands designated for high caliber neighborhoods with a range of housing, commerce and employment, and economic development opportunities. The division strives to be flexible and accommodating to the varying planning needs and community values.

BENEFITS
- City sponsored/funded retirement plan through Oregon PERS/OPRSP
- Full family medical, dental & vision insurance with the City contributing to the monthly premium and the employee contributing 7.5%
- Health reimbursement account (HRA VEBA) employer contribution of $234 per month ($2,808 annually) to offset out-of-pocket healthcare expenses
- Life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment policies at one-time the annual salary and long term disability (LTD)
- Relocation reimbursement of up to $3,000 if moving into the city limits or the urban growth boundary of Grants Pass at the time of hire
Our ideal candidate will be excellent at customer service and a public speaker who is, effective and proactive at engaging the community, and who uses their expertise to fulfill the needs of a diverse community. The Planning Manager will be flexible and adaptable, and effectively communicate, collaborate and advise others with competing needs. The ideal candidate will demonstrate emotional intelligence and political savvy, be well versed in a wide variety of planning principles, and bring experience overseeing complex planning projects. We are seeking an effective leader and mentor for staff who works towards breaking down silos and collaborates well with other departments and divisions. This candidate will keep informed of and apply for appropriate grants, leverage resources and technology to continue to improve processes and efficiencies, and regularly engage with the public to ensure they are informed about planning projects and policies that could impact their neighborhoods. Our candidate will be strategic, develop and execute a vision, and be an excellent project manager and creative problem solver.

• A Bachelor’s Degree in urban planning or a related field, and
• Five years of directly related experience including two years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job
• Valid Driver’s License—Class C with an acceptable driving record

Desired Qualifications:

• Oregon planning experience
• Master’s Degree in a related field
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Certificate

The City provides education equivalency at the rate of 2 years of directly related experience equaling 1 year of required education. (i.e. an Associate's degree is equal to 4 years of directly related experience.)

Apply on-line by the application deadline and attach your resume and cover letter.

Questions regarding this recruitment can be directed to: 541-450-6050 or humanresources@grantspassoregon.gov

The City of Grants Pass is a High Performance Organization that has a well-defined Mission, Vision and Values which provides the framework for our organizational culture. We believe that the best solutions come from empowered teams with the knowledge and shared vision of the community's goals. We promote a legacy of excellence through a culture of trust, collaboration, and encouragement of personal growth and the celebration of our achievements. We seek to attract adaptable, creative and motivated individuals who share our community pride and dedication to exceptional public service.

If you are an individual who appreciates a working team environment, which focuses on trust, crucial communications, commitment, accountability and results, then the City of Grants Pass may be a great place for you!

All candidates will be notified of the status of their application after the closing date.

Reasonable accommodations may be made upon request prior to the application deadline to enable individuals with disabilities to participate in the job application process.

EEO

A Great Place to Work, Live & Play
Grants Pass serves as the major commercial center and the county seat for Josephine County. The City organization has seven departments, 247 budgeted employees, and reputation of local government through quality service delivery. Grants Pass is a city where the community works together in partnership for the benefit of all. The City is known for its festivals, boat races, art exhibits, craft fairs, parades, horse racing, and exceptional climate. The Rogue River is one of the greatest attractions in Southern Oregon, flows for 215 miles, and cuts through the heart of the City of Grants Pass. Prized for its salmon runs and steelhead and trout fishing, legendary whitewater rafting, and nearby hiking trails. Art and culture are plentiful in Grants Pass with community theaters, a performing arts center, Rogue Community College, and Southern Oregon University in close proximity. The Rogue Valley area is home to numerous award-winning wineries and breweries and a variety of unique dining experiences. Neighboring attractions include renowned Southern Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Jacksonville’s Britt Music and Art Festival, Mount Ashland Ski Resort, Crater Lake National Park, and the Oregon Caves National Monument. For more information about the community, please visit www.visitgrantspass.org.

Per Oregon Revised Statutes 408.225 and 408.230, the City of Grants Pass grants preference in hiring and promotion of veterans and disabled veterans as defined by state law. If you are eligible and wish to claim Veterans' preference points, please indicate so on your application. Please note that you need to submit documentation of your eligibility at the time of your application.

Directly related work experience and qualifications will be evaluated alongside others who perform work of comparable character as required by Pay Equity Law.

It is the policy of the City of Grants Pass that no person shall be discriminated against based on race and characteristics traditionally associated with race to include hair styles, religion, color, sex, marital status, family status, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or current employment status. The City values diversity and encourages everyone who is interested in employment with the City to apply.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Police Officer applicants must show proof of citizenship with 18 months of hire.