City of Merced, CA
Salary :
$112,507.20 - $136,739.20 Annually Location :
City of Merced, CA Job Type:
Full-Time Job Number:
1315 Department:
Development Services Opening Date:
08/13/2025 Closing Date:
Continuous
Description Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are
not
intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION Under administrative direction, direct, manage, supervise, and coordinate the activities and operations of the Planning Division within the Development Services Department including administering planning studies, environmental reviews, community design, and the City's one-stop function; perform the most complex professional City planning functions; coordinate assigned activities with other divisions, departments, and outside agencies; and provide highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Director of Development Services.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This is a single person classification for management and supervision of City planning functions, including the one-stop permitting program.
REPORTS TO Director of Development Services or designee.
CLASSIFICATIONS SUPERVISED Principal Planner, Senior Planner, Associate Planner, Planner, Assistant Planner, Development Services Technicians, Planning Technicians, Administrative Assistants, and Office Assistants.
Examples of Duties REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices. Assume management responsibility for assigned services and activities of the Planning Division including current and advanced planning functions and programs. Manage and participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned programs; recommend and administer policies and procedures. Monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; recommend, within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels. Plan, direct, coordinate, and review the work plan for planning staff; assign work activities, projects, and programs; review and evaluate work products, methods, and procedures; and meet with staff to identify and resolve problems. Select, train, motivate, and evaluate planning personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; and implement discipline and termination procedures. Oversee and participate in the development and administration of the division's annual budget; participate in the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitor and approve expenditures; and implement adjustments. Interpret applicable laws, rules, codes, standards and regulations. Coordinate the development and adoption of codes and ordinances, as well as revisions to existing codes and ordinances. Direct and participate in the processing of major projects including annexations, general plan amendments, re-zonings, major subdivisions, and non-residential development projects. Manage assigned committees pertaining to various planning projects. Manage consultant contracts for planning projects, including managing the consultant budget, authorizing payments, reviewing consultant work, and coordinating with other departments on the projects. Prepare and administer the City's Public Facilities Impact fees and City Planning Application fees, including preparing the Public Facilities Financing Plan and base Planning fees, preparing the annual updates of fees and making determinations of which fees to charge. Serve as the liaison for the Planning Division with other divisions, departments, and outside agencies; meet with developers, engineers, architects, property owners, public agencies, the general public and other project proponents to explain City policies, design issues, and City standards relating to new project development; and negotiate and resolve sensitive and controversial issues. Serve as staff on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence; and manage assigned committees, including scheduling and chairing the meetings, reviewing and preparing agendas, reports, minutes, and public hearing notices, and assigning work. Provide responsible staff assistance to the Director of Development Services; direct and conduct a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies; and recommend modifications to planning programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate. Attend and participate in professional group meetings; maintain awareness of new trends and developments in the field of planning and incorporate new developments as appropriate. Represent the Planning Division with the public, community organizations, and other government agencies; respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints. Perform related duties as required.
Typical Qualifications QUALIFICATIONS The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.
Knowledge of: Operational characteristics, services, and activities of a planning program. Principles and practices of land use planning and their application to a variety of planning problems. Principles and practices of program development and administration. Methods and techniques of design and site planning. Principles and practices of municipal budget preparation, administration and control. Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation. Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations including laws underlying general plans, zoning and land divisions, and applicable environmental laws and regulations. Citizen involvement processes, team building processes, and other processes that insure the inclusion of a diversity of people, neighborhoods, staff, and Commissioners/Council. Purposes and procedures of public planning agencies, boards, and governing bodies. Statistical methods and research techniques applicable to the preparation of municipal planning studies. Environmental impacts of changes in land use. Software used in professional planning work. Principles of project planning, development, coordination, and direction. Principles of public administration. Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
Ability to: Oversee and participate in the management of a comprehensive planning program including current and advanced planning activities and projects. Oversee, direct, and coordinate the work of lower level staff. Select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff. Participate in the development and administration of division goals, objectives, and procedures. Prepare and administer large program budgets. Prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports. Direct the preparation and prepare a variety of planning and zoning reports. Perform the most complex professional planning studies and environmental reviews. Read, interpret, analyze, apply, implement, and explain pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, ordinances, regulations, departmental policies, general plan elements, environmental impact statements, maps, and other documents related to community planning and land use. Collect, compile, and analyze technical, statistical, and other information. Perform special assignments for a variety of City Boards and Commissions. Use appropriate software in the performance of professional planning work. Deal with difficult and complex issues and resolve conflicts. Make effective oral and written presentations. Effectively represent the Planning Department in responding to inquiries, providing assistance, and dealing with public and community organization concerns about planning, land use, and zoning. Organize and prioritize timelines and project schedules in an effective and timely manner. Analyze complex problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals. Review and proofread the work of others and provide productive suggestions for improvement of said work. Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques. Interpret and apply federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations. Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Education and Experience Guidelines
- Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Education/Training: A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in urban or regional planning, public administration, or a related field. Experience: Seven years of increasingly responsible local/regional planning experience including two years of administrative and supervisory responsibility.
License or Certificate: Possession of an appropriate California Driver License.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential job functions.
Environment
:
Work is performed in an office environment; occasionally work outside; continuous contact with staff, the public and other agencies and governing boards; and may require irregular working hours. Physical
:
Frequently stand and walk; sit for extended periods; normal manual dexterity and-eye-hand coordination; lift and move objects weighing up to 25 pounds; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; operate a vehicle; and use of office equipment, including computers, audio-visual equipment, telephones, calculators, copiers, and FAX. Health and Welfare Benefits
Up to $707.68 per pay period towards the following benefits:
Medical - Choice of Anthem Blue Cross plans
Dental - Choice of Delta Dental plans
Vision - Choice of VSP vision plans
Life - Pays amount equal to one year's salary up to $50,000
Disability - Choice of Long Term Disability coverage Vacation
Years 1-5 earn vacation at rate of 3.696 hours per pay period up to maximum of 192 hours
Years 6-9 earn vacation at rate of 4.616 hours per pay period up to maximum of 240 hours
Years 10-15 earn vacation at rate of 6.160 hours per pay period up to maximum of 320 hours Years 16-20 earn vacation at a rate of 6.928 hours per pay period up to maximum of 360 hours
Years 21-25 earn vacation at rate of 7.696 hours per pay period up to maximum of 400 hours
Years 26+ earn vacation at rate of 9.232 hours per pay period up to maximum of 480 hours Sick Leave
Sick leave is earned at rate of 3.696 hours per pay period up to maximum of 1056 hours Longevity Pay 10 Years - 1.5% of base hourly rate of pay. 15 Years - 3.0% of base hourly rate of pay. 20 Years - 4.5% of base hourly rate of pay. 25 Years - 6.0% of base hourly rate of pay.
Administrative Leave
7.5 days per calendar year Holidays
12 paid holidays Retirement
CalPERS Retirement at either 2% at 60 or 2% at 62 for Miscellaneous employees and
CalPERS Retirement at either 3% at 55 or 2.7% at 57 for Public Safety employees depending on previous CalPERS or reciprocal employment.
ICMA-RC 457 Deferred Compensation Plan available.
Other Merced School Employees Federal Credit Union membership. "Healthy Life, Wealthy Life" Wellness Program.
$112,507.20 - $136,739.20 Annually Location :
City of Merced, CA Job Type:
Full-Time Job Number:
1315 Department:
Development Services Opening Date:
08/13/2025 Closing Date:
Continuous
Description Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are
not
intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION Under administrative direction, direct, manage, supervise, and coordinate the activities and operations of the Planning Division within the Development Services Department including administering planning studies, environmental reviews, community design, and the City's one-stop function; perform the most complex professional City planning functions; coordinate assigned activities with other divisions, departments, and outside agencies; and provide highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Director of Development Services.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This is a single person classification for management and supervision of City planning functions, including the one-stop permitting program.
REPORTS TO Director of Development Services or designee.
CLASSIFICATIONS SUPERVISED Principal Planner, Senior Planner, Associate Planner, Planner, Assistant Planner, Development Services Technicians, Planning Technicians, Administrative Assistants, and Office Assistants.
Examples of Duties REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices. Assume management responsibility for assigned services and activities of the Planning Division including current and advanced planning functions and programs. Manage and participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned programs; recommend and administer policies and procedures. Monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; recommend, within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels. Plan, direct, coordinate, and review the work plan for planning staff; assign work activities, projects, and programs; review and evaluate work products, methods, and procedures; and meet with staff to identify and resolve problems. Select, train, motivate, and evaluate planning personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; and implement discipline and termination procedures. Oversee and participate in the development and administration of the division's annual budget; participate in the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitor and approve expenditures; and implement adjustments. Interpret applicable laws, rules, codes, standards and regulations. Coordinate the development and adoption of codes and ordinances, as well as revisions to existing codes and ordinances. Direct and participate in the processing of major projects including annexations, general plan amendments, re-zonings, major subdivisions, and non-residential development projects. Manage assigned committees pertaining to various planning projects. Manage consultant contracts for planning projects, including managing the consultant budget, authorizing payments, reviewing consultant work, and coordinating with other departments on the projects. Prepare and administer the City's Public Facilities Impact fees and City Planning Application fees, including preparing the Public Facilities Financing Plan and base Planning fees, preparing the annual updates of fees and making determinations of which fees to charge. Serve as the liaison for the Planning Division with other divisions, departments, and outside agencies; meet with developers, engineers, architects, property owners, public agencies, the general public and other project proponents to explain City policies, design issues, and City standards relating to new project development; and negotiate and resolve sensitive and controversial issues. Serve as staff on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence; and manage assigned committees, including scheduling and chairing the meetings, reviewing and preparing agendas, reports, minutes, and public hearing notices, and assigning work. Provide responsible staff assistance to the Director of Development Services; direct and conduct a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies; and recommend modifications to planning programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate. Attend and participate in professional group meetings; maintain awareness of new trends and developments in the field of planning and incorporate new developments as appropriate. Represent the Planning Division with the public, community organizations, and other government agencies; respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints. Perform related duties as required.
Typical Qualifications QUALIFICATIONS The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.
Knowledge of: Operational characteristics, services, and activities of a planning program. Principles and practices of land use planning and their application to a variety of planning problems. Principles and practices of program development and administration. Methods and techniques of design and site planning. Principles and practices of municipal budget preparation, administration and control. Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation. Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations including laws underlying general plans, zoning and land divisions, and applicable environmental laws and regulations. Citizen involvement processes, team building processes, and other processes that insure the inclusion of a diversity of people, neighborhoods, staff, and Commissioners/Council. Purposes and procedures of public planning agencies, boards, and governing bodies. Statistical methods and research techniques applicable to the preparation of municipal planning studies. Environmental impacts of changes in land use. Software used in professional planning work. Principles of project planning, development, coordination, and direction. Principles of public administration. Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
Ability to: Oversee and participate in the management of a comprehensive planning program including current and advanced planning activities and projects. Oversee, direct, and coordinate the work of lower level staff. Select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff. Participate in the development and administration of division goals, objectives, and procedures. Prepare and administer large program budgets. Prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports. Direct the preparation and prepare a variety of planning and zoning reports. Perform the most complex professional planning studies and environmental reviews. Read, interpret, analyze, apply, implement, and explain pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, ordinances, regulations, departmental policies, general plan elements, environmental impact statements, maps, and other documents related to community planning and land use. Collect, compile, and analyze technical, statistical, and other information. Perform special assignments for a variety of City Boards and Commissions. Use appropriate software in the performance of professional planning work. Deal with difficult and complex issues and resolve conflicts. Make effective oral and written presentations. Effectively represent the Planning Department in responding to inquiries, providing assistance, and dealing with public and community organization concerns about planning, land use, and zoning. Organize and prioritize timelines and project schedules in an effective and timely manner. Analyze complex problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals. Review and proofread the work of others and provide productive suggestions for improvement of said work. Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques. Interpret and apply federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations. Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Education and Experience Guidelines
- Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Education/Training: A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in urban or regional planning, public administration, or a related field. Experience: Seven years of increasingly responsible local/regional planning experience including two years of administrative and supervisory responsibility.
License or Certificate: Possession of an appropriate California Driver License.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential job functions.
Environment
:
Work is performed in an office environment; occasionally work outside; continuous contact with staff, the public and other agencies and governing boards; and may require irregular working hours. Physical
:
Frequently stand and walk; sit for extended periods; normal manual dexterity and-eye-hand coordination; lift and move objects weighing up to 25 pounds; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; operate a vehicle; and use of office equipment, including computers, audio-visual equipment, telephones, calculators, copiers, and FAX. Health and Welfare Benefits
Up to $707.68 per pay period towards the following benefits:
Medical - Choice of Anthem Blue Cross plans
Dental - Choice of Delta Dental plans
Vision - Choice of VSP vision plans
Life - Pays amount equal to one year's salary up to $50,000
Disability - Choice of Long Term Disability coverage Vacation
Years 1-5 earn vacation at rate of 3.696 hours per pay period up to maximum of 192 hours
Years 6-9 earn vacation at rate of 4.616 hours per pay period up to maximum of 240 hours
Years 10-15 earn vacation at rate of 6.160 hours per pay period up to maximum of 320 hours Years 16-20 earn vacation at a rate of 6.928 hours per pay period up to maximum of 360 hours
Years 21-25 earn vacation at rate of 7.696 hours per pay period up to maximum of 400 hours
Years 26+ earn vacation at rate of 9.232 hours per pay period up to maximum of 480 hours Sick Leave
Sick leave is earned at rate of 3.696 hours per pay period up to maximum of 1056 hours Longevity Pay 10 Years - 1.5% of base hourly rate of pay. 15 Years - 3.0% of base hourly rate of pay. 20 Years - 4.5% of base hourly rate of pay. 25 Years - 6.0% of base hourly rate of pay.
Administrative Leave
7.5 days per calendar year Holidays
12 paid holidays Retirement
CalPERS Retirement at either 2% at 60 or 2% at 62 for Miscellaneous employees and
CalPERS Retirement at either 3% at 55 or 2.7% at 57 for Public Safety employees depending on previous CalPERS or reciprocal employment.
ICMA-RC 457 Deferred Compensation Plan available.
Other Merced School Employees Federal Credit Union membership. "Healthy Life, Wealthy Life" Wellness Program.