Deputy Planning and Development Services Director

Job Description

Deputy Planning and Development Services Director

City of Clovis

Clovis, CA, United States

Clovis is a community of approximately 125,000 residents in California’s Central Valley, adjacent to the City of Fresno. Known for its high quality of life and strong community character, the City is seeking an experienced planning professional to serve as Deputy Planning and Development Services Director and help lead a dynamic department supporting continued growth and development.

Position Summary

Under direction, plans, organizes, and manages assigned divisions and operations within the Planning and Development Services Department, including administration, planning, engineering, and building functions. Responsibilities include divisional budgeting, development of policies and procedures, and directing operations to support departmental objectives. The position advises the Director, City Manager, and City Council on planning, engineering, and building matters and may serve as Acting Director when designated.

Class Characteristics

This position performs a wide range of administrative and technical management functions and exercises a high degree of independent judgment. Work is performed under general policy direction, with most operational issues resolved using professional judgment and established precedent; matters involving new procedures or deviations from policy are referred to the Director.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, assign, prioritize, train, and review work of division heads and managerial staff.
• Supervise clerical, technical, and mid-management staff; establish priorities, assign work, and provide guidance to ensure efficient departmental operations.
• Assist in developing and implementing annual strategic objectives.
• Coordinate and represent the department with other City departments and regional agencies.
• Confer with the Director, City Manager, other departments, and public groups regarding development projects.
• Oversee preparation of staff reports, ordinances, and other materials for City Council consideration.
• Represent the City in interactions with governmental agencies and regional organizations.
• Develop program definitions and implement departmental policies in consultation with the Director.
• Develop and administer the department’s five-year financial forecast and annual operations and maintenance budgets.
• Assist with preparation of the City’s Community Investment Program (CIP) budget.
• Participate in recruitment, selection, and performance evaluations of staff.
• Communicate departmental policies, procedures, goals, and objectives to staff.
• Address employee grievances and recommend or implement disciplinary actions when appropriate.
• Meet and negotiate with outside agencies, developers, business representatives, and community groups.
• Ensure compliance with legislative, regulatory, and judicial mandates and professional standards.
• Conduct staff meetings and public information meetings.
• Perform related duties as required.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

License: Possession of a valid California Driver’s License with a satisfactory driving record.

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Civil Engineering, Planning, or a closely related field from an accredited four-year college or university.

Desirable: Master’s Degree in a closely related field.

Experience: Five (5) years of progressively responsible professional management experience in an Engineering or Planning Department in municipal or county government, including at least three (3) years in a supervisory capacity.

Knowledge Of

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Principles of budgeting and financial management
• Technical, legal, financial, and public relations issues related to planning and development
• Program management, research methods, and grant writing/application processes
• Supervision, training, and performance evaluation principles
• Organizational practices related to municipal planning and development
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, ordinances, and policies
• Workplace safety procedures
  
  

Ability To

• Prepare complex technical reports
• Manage grant programs and funding requirements
• Conduct research and develop sound recommendations
• Read, interpret, and apply complex regulatory materials
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, City officials, community groups, developers, and agencies
• Develop and administer departmental O&M and CIP budgets
• Assist in formulating and implementing City and departmental policy
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Supervise, plan, assign, and evaluate staff work
• Serve as Acting Director when required
• Operate a vehicle safely
  
  

Application and Selection Process

Interested applicants must submit a completed City of Clovis employment application and supplemental questionnaire by 4:30 p.m., April 3, 2026.

Applications must be submitted online at https://www.clovisca.gov. For questions, contact the City of Clovis Personnel Office at (559) 324-2725.

A brief resume may supplement the application, but the employment application and supplemental questionnaire must be completed to be considered. Requests for reasonable accommodation for qualified candidates with disabilities must be submitted in writing with the application.

Applicants must meet all qualifications by the application deadline. Applications will be reviewed, and candidates best meeting the City’s needs may be invited to a 100% weighted oral examination. Successful candidates may be placed on an eligibility list for up to one year. Examinations and interviews will be conducted in Clovis.

Successful candidates must complete and pass a medical exam, drug/alcohol screen, and background check prior to appointment. Proof of U.S. citizenship or work eligibility and a valid California Driver’s License are required at hire.

The examination may include questions on budgeting and financial management; planning and development services; grant writing; supervision; municipal planning practices; laws and regulations; technical report preparation; program management; research; communication; staff supervision; and serving as Acting Director.