Community Development Director - City of Moses Lake

Job Description

To view the job announcement for this position, please click on the following link: 

https://wa-moseslake.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/12375/Community-Development-Director-Position-Announcement-UPDATED-Dec-2024

JOB SUMMARY

The Community Development Director is responsible for planning, organizing and directing the functions of the department, which includes Planning, Building, Development Review, Code Enforcement, and the Housing and Homeless programs. This position requires a high degree of subject matter expertise, independent judgment, initiative, and discretion. The Director is a key strategic partner of the City’s Manager’s leadership team and advises the City Manager and City Council by making recommendations on various land use and development issues. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Oversees the safe and efficient operation of the Planning, Building and Code Enforcement Divisions, the Housing and Homeless programs, and the Development Review Program. Directs planning, research, analysis and implementation of strategies, policies, projects and activities to enhance and implement City plans.
• Under the direction of the City Manager, works closely with the Mayor, City Council, Directors, the Planning Commission and other designated advisory boards, the Hearings Examiner, and State and Federal agencies to carry out the community’s vision for long-term development.
• Oversees development, implementation and maintenance of the City’s long-range comprehensive land use plans and development regulations. Initiates and monitors amendments to reflect changing needs, demographic trends and economic influences.
• Act as SEPA Responsible Official for the City of Moses Lake.
• Monitors State and Federal legislative activity, and Growth Management Hearing Board cases as they relate to land use, community development, environmental issues and related subjects.  Advises the City Manager on opportunities and areas of concern.
• Ensures appropriate staff support to the City’s Planning Commission, Hearings Examiner, task forces and other advisory boards as may develop.  Assists developers, realtors and the public on development matters.
• Ensures compliance with municipal, State and Federal laws, ordinances, codes and engineering standards and specifications.  Ensures building and City codes and regulations are appropriately interpreted, applied and enforced.  Takes corrective action as necessary.
• Oversees the development review, permitting and construction inspection processes to ensure effective and timely delivery of services.
• Facilitates and directs the interpretation of City Development Codes to streamline and help the development process including management of pre-application meetings and responding to development inquiries.
• Works cooperatively and creatively with community groups and agencies to promote a positive vision, assess needs and recommend strategies.  Serves on related boards and committees.
• Develops and administers the department budget.  Approves, monitors and maintains expenditures within budget guidelines. Uses resources effectively. Ensures optimum employee levels. Controls and minimizes labor overtime and expenses.
• Develops and implements financing strategies, including grant writing and administration.
• Participates in and/or oversees the department’s employment process including hiring, probationary periods, promotional opportunities and training programs. Assigns, trains, supervises and evaluates work of staff and ensures direct reports do the same.  Ensures performance evaluations are conducted as required to guide development of employees and provide a record of performance. Initiates, documents and implements disciplinary actions as approved by Human Resources.
• Coordinates with the Technology Services department to ensure GIS mapping data is current and that appropriate methods are utilized to demonstrate trends.

• Develops and provides oversight for housing and homeless programs including grant administration, developing and administering interlocal agreements, contract and grant compliance work and program budgeting. 

• Works closely with the Development Review Program Manager, the Public Works Department and the Fire Department to ensure that the development review and planning processes are being conducted in an efficient and stream-lined manner.

• Performs additional related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Federal, State and local regulations and codes related to community development.
• Washington State experience with the Growth Management Act.
• Organizational dynamics and principles and practices of management and supervision, including planning, staffing, selection, training, coaching, directing, coordinating and evaluating.
• Grant writing and administration.
• Safety and security hazards, precautions, standards, policies and procedures.
• Time management; advanced mathematics; English composition and grammar.
• Computer operation and software including Microsoft Office products and related database systems.
• Represent the City by maintaining a professional approach and demeanor in all activities.
• Strategically plan, prioritize, implement, coordinate and evaluate programs, staffing and services.
• Compile and analyze financial and statistical records.
• Foster an internal environment that places customer service as the highest priority.
• Ensure absolute confidentiality as required and sensitive information is handled appropriately.
• Foster a positive and productive work environment.  Take corrective action as needed.
• Exercise continuous leadership to focus operation efforts on priorities.  Train, direct, and coach staff.  Promote staff and team development and high performance by assuring regular, effective, and consistent feedback.  Recognize work excellence and build effective teams.
• Use tact, discretion, respect, persuasion, diplomacy and courtesy to gain cooperation of others and establish and maintain effective teams and professional relationships and rapport with elected officials, management, employees, and representatives of other entities and the public.
• Apply sound judgment, analytical and creative problem-solving skills to make reasoned, timely and consistent decisions.  Facilitate effective problem resolution.
• Listen attentively and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with individuals and groups in clear, concise language appropriate for the purpose and parties addressed, including preparing comprehensive reports and correspondence as well as preparing and making presentations.
• Be attentive to detail and maintain a high degree of accuracy.
• Plan, organize, prioritize and coordinate services and work assignments.  Work effectively in a multi-task environment with constantly shifting priorities.  Take appropriate initiative.
• Understand and apply appropriate regulatory requirements, terminology, policies and procedures.
• Develop ways to identify, improve and promote efficient systems and processes.
• Maintain current knowledge and adapt to new technologies, keeping technical skills up to date.
• Work independently and cooperatively as a member of a team.
• Proficiently operate office equipment and perform Microsoft Office software functions including spreadsheet and PowerPoint generation.  Type accurately and proficiently. 

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The City Manager assigns work in terms of department goals and objectives. The supervisor reviews work through conferences, reports, and observation of department activities.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include the Moses Lake Municipal eCodes, The Washington State Growth Management Act (GMA), SEPA regulations, the Shoreline Management Act, state and federal codes and regulations, and city and department policies and procedures. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

• The work consists of varied management and supervisory duties. Strict regulations contribute to the complexity of the position.

• The purpose of this position is to direct the city’s community development management functions.  Successful performance ensures the efficient and effective delivery of community development services to the community.

CONTACTS                                                                     

• Contacts are typically with co-workers, other city employees, architects and engineers, contractors, builders, engineers, homeowners, business owners, and members of the general public.

• Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, resolve problems, motivate persons, and negotiate, defend, or settle matters.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Works in an office or meeting room setting.  Sits or stands for long periods.
• Attends meetings or performs duties outside of normal office hours and travels by car.
• Lifts, carries and/or moves up to 25 pounds.
• Uses appropriate safety equipment and follows safety policies, practices and procedures.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

This position has direct supervision over the Building Official, Planning Manager, Housing and Grants Manager, and Development Review Program Manager.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in urban or regional planning, architecture, public policy or administration or a closely related field. AICP preferred but not required.
• Eight (8) years of experience in land use planning and  community development in an organization of similar size and scope, including five (5) years of supervisory experience.
• Any other satisfactory combination of experience and training which demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the job will be considered.

• All applicants must be able to successfully pass a background check process which includes reference checks and criminal history checks, or other. 

The statements contained herein reflect general details necessary to describe principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skills typically required, and the scope of responsibility; and such statements should not be considered all-inclusive.  Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas, to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or to balance workloads. 

Management reserves the sole right to add, modify or exclude any duties at any time with or without notice.  Nothing in this job description, nor by completion of any job requirements by the employee, is intended to create a contract of employment.

At its sole discretion, the City of Moses Lake may consider combinations of education, experience, certifications, and training in lieu of specifically required qualifications contained herein.

This is an FLSA-exempt position and, as such, is not entitled to overtime.  The position is also subject to an "employee at will" doctrine. 

Company Description

Moses Lake is a diverse, connected and supportive community of innovation and opportunity that values its namesake lake, small town vibe, growing arts and cultural scene, aerospace, manufacturing and agricultural heritage, and an abundance of sunshine and outdoor activities. 

Working for the City will afford you the opportunity to support the vision of Moses Lake, grow professionally, and work among diverse and dedicated staff with a goal to provide a service-oriented government that works with all interests in the community to implement our vision. 

Our location and climate allow our residents to enjoy a variety of interests surrounding the Moses Lake community. Moses Lake is centrally located between Seattle and Spokane on Highway I-90 between fields of agriculture, freshwater lakes, vineyards and popular recreational destinations. 

Moses Lake boosts active community parks and events, athletic venues and tournaments, a campground, and the popular Surf 'n Slide water park. The surrounding Columbia Basin area is filled with wine tours, a wildlife refuge, the Gorge Amphitheater, local fresh markets with direct-from-the-farm produce, and boutiques.

The City of Moses Lake is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Our objective is to provide equal opportunity in all terms, conditions, and privileges of employment for qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, or status as a covered veteran.

Benefits

The City of Moses Lake offers a comprehensive benefits package.  Employees (and their families) are eligible to enroll in medical, dental, and vision coverage.  In addition to basic life insurance coverage, AD&D, dependent life, additional life insurance, long-term disability, EAP and LifeFlight are also offered.  Retirement is through the Department of Retirement Systems - Public Employees Retirement System.  Optional deferred compensation is offered with a City match of up to 2% of the employee's base salary. Beginning January 1, 2024, the City will also be offering an optional Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for healthcare and dependent care. Employees of the City receive eleven (11) paid holidays plus one (1) floating holiday annually. Vacation accrual begins at 12 days annually and increases with years of service. Sick leave is accrued at the rate of eight (8) hours per month.

Community Development Director Position AnnouncementV4

Below is the link to the Community Development Director official job announcement:

Community Development Director Job Announcement 4-2024

Highlights of Moses Lake

Moses Lake is centrally located between Seattle and Spokane on Highway 1-90 between fields of agriculture, freshwater lakes and popular recreational destinations. The area enjoys on average 300 sunny days a year and recreational opportunities abound with world-class fishing, hunting, biking, hiking, camping, golf, boating, ballooning and hydro races. Moses Lake is situated in central Washington State in an outdoor recreation mecca. Moses Lake is the lake that shares the City's name and many visitors come to enjoy water sports activities on Moses Lake. The lake has 120 miles of shoreline, covering 6,500 acres, and is one of the largest natural freshwater lakes in the state.

The Surf 'n Slide Water Park is also a top attraction for Moses Lake and it is considered the state's premier outdoor aquatic center. The water park is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and the main features are the 200-foot water slides, the lazy river, the surfing simulator, the beach and bay swimming area, and sand volleyball courts. 

Moses Lake is host to several festivals and other community events throughout the year, such as tournament league baseball, Moses Lake Rodeo Roundup, and the Moses Lake Spring Festival. Held over Memorial Day weekend, this festival kicks off the summer tourist season. Entertainment includes live music performances, a Kiddie Parade, a Grand Moonlight Parade, carnival-style rides and games, a car show and a basketball tournament. Moses Lake is also home to the Grant County Fairgrounds which hosts an annual fair, as well as other events throughout the year. 

Moses Lake’s history is rooted in its place in aviation history as the city grew up around the former Larson Airforce Base which is now the Grant County International Airport.  Moses Lake also has a backbone economic base in agriculture, and it is still known for its fresh tree fruit and a variety of crops associated with the food processing industry. 

Manufacturing and technology have become important to the local economy as several companies have moved to the area, including Aerotec, REC and Chemi-con, complementing the Boeing presence at the Port of Moses Lake/Grant County International Airport.

The Port of Moses Lake operates the Grant County International Airport, one of the largest airports in the western United States. The airport is now a world class heavy jet training and testing facility that has been used by the Boeing Company, the U.S. Military, and many air carriers from around the world. 

The Moses Lake School District has ten elementary schools, three middle schools, one high school, the Real World Academy (a “maker’s” high school) in development and a technical skills center, which together offer a high quality of teaching and many extra-curricular activities to its students. Moses Lake is also home to Big Bend Community College which provides higher education opportunities for the region and enrolls over 4,000 students a year. Recent investments in the BBCC campus and its programs make it one of the top community colleges in the state.

Moses Lake has a growing arts and culture scene fueled by Columbia Basin Allied Arts based at Big Bend Community College, the Moses Lake Museum and Arts Center, and designs on a revitalized downtown/creative district.