Community Development Director

Salary : $157,660.68 - $201,219.36 AnnuallyLocation : 18747 Clarkdale Avenue, ArtesiaJob Type: Full-time exemptJob Number: 26-003Department: Community DevelopmentOpening Date: 08/18/2025Closing Date: 9/18/2025 4:00 PM PacificAnnual Salary $157,660.68 - $201,219.36The City of Artesia is seeking qualified and enthusiastic candidates to fill the position of Community Development Director! The ideal candidate is a forward-thinking, results-driven professional with a deep passion for community planning, development, and revitalization. This individual is a strategic and collaborative leader with a proven track record of managing diverse projects, fostering stakeholder relationships, and navigating complex regulatory environments.This is a high-level executive role with hands-on responsibilities. The successful candidate will be a working director, fully engaged in leading strategic initiatives and supporting day-to-day operations within the Community Development Department. The position oversees Planning, Building, Code Compliance/Enforcement, and Parking Enforcement and works closely with other departments to implement the City's vision for growth and quality of life.A strong background in urban planning is required, and experience in code compliance, code enforcement, and parking enforcement is highly desirable. The ideal candidate will bring technical expertise and strong leadership skills to guide staff, streamline processes, and foster a proactive approach to community development and regulatory compliance.Key attributes of the ideal candidate include:Visionary Leadership: Ability to develop and implement innovative strategies that support sustainable growth, economic development, and neighborhood revitalization.Technical Expertise: In-depth knowledge of planning, zoning, housing, code, parking enforcement, environmental regulations, and experience managing complex development projects and funding opportunities.Operational Oversight: Proven experience managing daily operations, evaluating performance metrics, and mentoring staff across multiple functional llaborative Spirit: Demonstrated success in building strong relationships with residents, businesses, developers, and regional partners to support inclusive and community-centered development.Clear Communication: Skilled at presenting complex information in a professional, accessible manner to elected officials, community members, and cross-departmental teams.Problem-Solving Focus: A pragmatic and solutions-oriented approach to addressing challenges while balancing community needs and regulatory mitment to Excellence: A passion for public service and dedication to enhancing the City's livability, safety, and long-term prosperity.The ideal candidate will embrace the City of Artesia's mission and values, bringing integrity, innovation, and enthusiasm to this critical leadership role. If you are looking for a dynamic opportunity to shape the future of a diverse and growing community, this is your chance to make a lasting impact!The City of Artesia offers a competitive benefits package, including a hybrid/remote work option, a 9/80 work schedule, and an Employer-sponsored health reimbursement account of $600 annually. Please click on the BENEFITS tab to view more information on benefits. For Additional Information regarding the position, please contact Human Resources at DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES : (include but are not limited to the list below):ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONSEssential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. The following list is not a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific mits to honoring the City of Artesia's Mission, Vision, Core Values, and Commitments. EPlans, organizes, directs, and manages all activities of the Community Development Department including development/environmental review, planning, building and safety, zoning, economic development, community preservation/code compliance, parking enforcement housing/community development and geographic information systems. EPlans, organizes, directs and evaluates the work of professional planners engaged in the development and administration of plans for the orderly and attractive development of the community, and the administration of subdivision and land use and regulations. EDevelops, implements and maintains department goals, objectives, priorities, procedures and work plans. EOversees the selection, training and evaluation of department personnel, including contract employees and consultants, which includes reviewing the work of department personnel to ensure compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations. EProvides leadership and direction in the development of short and long-range plans and projects. EAdministers and oversees the management of a variety of planning, economic development, building, housing, development, and grant agreements. EOversees a variety of programs related to neighborhood and housing preservation, code compliance, property management, fair housing, and neighborhood revitalization. EOversees the use of federal Community Development Block Grant funds and compliance with federal regulations. EOversees and directs the production of maps, reports and special projects. EDirects and participates in the preparation, revision and implementation of the general plan, specific plans and other comprehensive plans. EDirects and oversees the preparation of reports and recommendations on modifications to various ordinances and resolutions related to the city's operational policies and procedures. EAdministers and oversees the review of planning submittals, issuance of building permits, building inspections and record keeping activities related to county contract services. EMeets with property owners, developers, engineers, architects, and contractors related to potential development and entitlement procedures. EDirects and participates in the preparation of recommendations on revisions to zoning, subdivision and sign ordinances and miscellaneous sections of the city code. EOversees the Planning Commission and presents planning commission recommendations to the City Manager and, as directed, to the City Council. EPrepares, administers and reviews annual departmental budget. EWorks with other city departments to review and provide directions on the planning, permitting and building inspection related to capital improvement projects and other city developments and projects. EAttends meetings and participates with county, regional, state, and federal government agencies. EAddresses civic, professional, and public groups and organizations on community development matters. EServes as staff advisor to the City Manager, Planning Commission, and City Council. EDirects staff and participates in the preparation of reports and recommendations regarding proposed policies on land use, city public and private improvements, zoning, zone changes and annexations. ESupervises the maintenance and proper destruction of departmental records. ECoordinates activities with other city departments and relevant outside agencies. EPerforms related duties as assigned.Note: At the end of some of the duty statements, there is an italicized E, which identifies essential duties required of the classification. This is strictly for use in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIESKnowledge of: Theory, principles and practices of municipal planning, zoning, building and safety, housing and community code enforcement; principles, practices, and techniques of economic development in a public agency setting; State and County regulations relating to subdivisions, annexations, zoning, housing and land use; physical design, demographic, environmental, economic, and social concepts as applied to municipal planning, community and economic development and housing; techniques used in planning and housing research and in the development and implementation of a general plan; regulations governing the use of Community Development Block Grant funds, and the use of Housing Set Aside funds; implementation of housing rehabilitation programs; budgetary best practices in the development and administration of the departmental budget; principles, practices, codes and laws related to building inspections of residential, commercial and industrial buildings; principles of organization, administration, supervision, and training of department staff and personnel; grant writing and administration; contract negotiation and administration; methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation and writing; and effective customer service techniques.Ability to: Plan, organize and direct an effective municipal community development program; analyze and interpret data pertaining to planning, zoning, building, housing, code enforcement, and economic development; supervise and coordinate the technical research required in the economic review process; prepare ordinances and formulate land use policies; direct and evaluate the city's building plan check, inspection and permit program and activities; direct and evaluate the city's neighborhood preservation program; prepare clear and comprehensive reports; present and defend programs and proposals before councils, commissions, and public groups; direct, organize, supervise, evaluate and train subordinate staff and take effective personnel action; communicate effectively, both orally or in writing; deal with stressful situations and solve complex problems; establish and maintain cooperative and effective work relationships with public and private officials and with members of the general public contacted in the course of work; Effectively speak and communicate in large and small public settings; create and make effective presentations; carry out effective interpersonal communication. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSEducation: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major work in urban or regional planning, public administration, or a closely related field. A Master's degree is desirable.Experience: Five years of progressively responsible experience in the implementation and development of major commercial and housing developments; five years of professional city, county, or regional planning, building inspection, and/or economic development experience; and three years in a managerial and supervisory capacity. Any combination of training, education, and experience that would indicate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed herein may be considered.REQUIRED LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATESPossession of a valid Class "C" California Driver's License is required. An incumbent is required to possess a valid Driver's License and maintain an acceptable driving record. PHYSICAL DEMANDSThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer to inspect City development sites, to operate a motor vehicle, and to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification, although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds.PRE-EMPLOYMENT:All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of both a pre-employment physical exam, including a drug/alcohol test, and a criminal background investigation, which involves fingerprinting (A felony or misdemeanor conviction may disqualify the applicant from City employment). PROBATIONARY PERIOD:The position has a 365-day probationary period in accordance with the employee handbook.APPLICATION & EXAMINATION PROCEDURES:Qualifications Appraisal Interviews Tentatively Planned: TBDFinal Interviews Tentatively Planned: Wednesday, TBDThe examination process for this recruitment may be comprised of one or any combination of the following: screening of the applicant's training, background, and experience; scored evaluation of responses on a supplemental application; written examination(s); qualifications appraisal oral examination; performance examination; or technical oral examination, scored on a job-related basis. Only the most highly qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the examination process. Successful candidates who pass all parts of the examination process will be placed on the eligibility list in order of their relative merit as determined by these competitive examinations. The eligibility list for this classification will remain in effect for a period of 6 months.Application Process: Please submit your online application through the City of Artesia website. If you do not meet the minimum qualifications as stated, you are required to upload and attach a request for equivalency consideration statement to your application.***If the position requires transcripts, you are required to attach this document to your application at the time of submission.***A complete application is required for consideration. Please be advised that incomplete applications will be rejected.***If a reasonable accommodation is required, you are required to contact the Human Resources Manager at least two days prior to the closing date for the position. You may contact the human resources office at hr@cityofartesia.us. Management (Exempt) Employees:New PERS Members (entering after January 1, 2013) or returning members with a break in service greater than 6 months will be enrolled in the City's 2% @ 62 Defined Benefit Pension Plan. The employee contributes 7.75% in employee contribution ** subject to change annually. Classic PERS Members (entering before January 1, 2013, and enrolled in the CalPERS system within the past 6 months) will be enrolled in the City's 2% @ 60 Defined Benefit Pension Plan. The employee pays 7% in employee contribution The City does not participate in social security.9/80 work scheduleHybrid/Remote Work Option Available After 90 days of Employment (Maximum of two days per week)Long-Term Disability, Short-Term Disability, and Life Insurance Plans paid for by the CityDeferred Comp (457b plan and 401a plans) are availableHEALTH/DENTAL/VISION INSURANCEThe City covers medical insurance up to the Region 3 CalPERS Kaiser health plan rate. If a less expensive plan is selected, the excess can be used towards the cost of dental and vision coverage.Health Reimbursement Account - $600 contributed annually by the City (Increased to $800 annually effective 1/1/26)Option to contribute to Flexible Spending Account (Pre-tax)Tuition Reimbursement: up to $4,000 per fiscal year after completion of the initial 365-day probationary periodVACATION: 80 hours per year for the first year of service (pro-rated based on start date). Increases to vacation accrual are tiered after the first yearSICK LEAVE: 96 hours per yearHOLIDAYS: 12 paid days per yearFLOATING HOLIDAYS: 3 days per yearADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE: 80 hours per fiscal year (pro-rated based on start date)$100 per month Technology Stipend$300 per month Vehicle Allowance 01 Please initial below that you understand and acknowledge the following: I am required to list all qualifying work history on my application and attach supporting documents, including licenses and transcripts (if a degree is required), to have a complete application on file. If I do not submit all required documentation, by the closing date of the recruitment, I understand my application will be rejected as incomplete. 02 Please initial below that you understand and acknowledge the following: If I do not meet the minimum qualifications as stated, and would like consideration based on a combination of education and experience, I am required to attach a statement to my application, at the time of of submission, to be considered. 03 This position requires a valid California Class C driver's license. This position also requires that candidate's meet and maintain a driving record appropriate for use of City Vehicles during the course of work. Do you meet this requirement? Yes No 04 Check the type of driver's license you possess. Class C Class B Class A Out of State I have no driver's license, California or otherwise. 05 Which option below best describes your highest level of education? (NOTE: You will be required to verify your education level if you continue in the selection process.) High School or GED Associate degree Bachelor degree Master degree Doctorate degree None 06 If you answered Bachelor's degree or higher for your education, please enter your major here: (If you do not have an Bachelor's degree or higher, state "not applicable.") 07 Please specify the number of years of experience you have in implementing and developing major commercial and housing developments; five years of which must have been in a professional city, county, or regional planning, building inspection, and/or economic development work environment. **Please note: experience must be listed on your application for consideration No experience One Year Two Years Three years Four years Five or more years 08 Please describe below how your education, training and experience qualify you for this position. **Note, please limit your response to 1/2 page. Text beyond 1/2 page will not be considered. 09 Please specify the number of years of experience you have in a supervisory capacity. **Please note: experience must be listed on your application for consideration None One Year Two Years Three Years Four Years Five or more Years 10 Individuals selected for the position will serve a 12-month probation period. Individuals serving a probation period may be terminated at any time during the 12-month period. Are you willing to accept these requirements? Yes No 11 I hereby understand and declare that the statements on this supplemental questionnaire are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. As applicable, I hereby authorize the City and/or designees to contact the references listed to verify the information I have supplied. I hereby release from liability all persons and organizations furnishing such information. I understand that the City reserves the right to validate information received on the supplemental questionnaire and that I will be subject to disqualification and/or termination if any statement in this supplemental questionnaire is found to be untrue or determined to be misleading. Yes No Required Question