Planning Team Leader – Open Space

Primary Purpose

Under general supervision of the Planning Manager. This is a senior level planning position which is responsible for taking the lead on a variety of planning projects and overseeing the team in work that includes formulating and implementing strategies, ordinances, agreements, legislation, programs and policies.  This position will supervise and provide direction to a team.

Essential Job Functions

General: 

• Supervises staff, provides instruction to employees; plans and assigns work; evaluates and approves/disapproves leave requests; approves timesheets; checks final work to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures; recommends the hiring of new employees; recommends disciplinary action; provides feedback on work performance for employees; completes performance evaluations for employees.
• Oversees all aspects of planning for the team; provides training and technical support to lower-level planners.
• Research best practices; assists in the development, interpretation, presentation and coordination of County planning policies, procedures, and ordinances.
• Develops, reviews and provides technical analysis for administrative decisions.
• Develops and updates data for Santa Fe County and other user agencies.
• Provides interpretation and assists the public in understanding the County Sustainable Growth Management Plan.
• Provides excellent customer service by responding promptly to requests in person and in writing.
• Must complete all training as designated or assigned
• Performs other duties as directed or assigned.

For Assignment in Open Space and Resource Management Team Leader:

• Develops Open Space plans, plan updates, and policy recommendations related to County objectives for open space, trails, resource conservation, and parks.
• Represents the County and makes professional presentations on land use issues; deals with the public in an advisory capacity on planning matters; represents the County government at public hearings, public meetings and conferences; and gives presentations to public agencies, non-profits and other groups.
• Implements Open Space, Trails and Parks Strategic Management Plan and property specific management plans.
• Facilitates interdepartmental and intradepartmental coordination efforts with appropriate managers, committees, authorities and boards on various matters including creating or amending resolutions and ordinances under the direction of the Planning Manager.
• Develops programs covering design guidelines, standards, facility investment and cost estimates for recreation areas and facilities, including trails and parks.
• Provides technical assistance to community and special advisory groups, city boards and county commissions, staff and public committees and the public.
• Reviews open space elements of development applications including conceptual plans, site development plans, subdivision plans and plats.
• May serve as staff liaison to the County Open Lands, Trails and Parks Advisory Committee (COLTPAC).
• Participates in community planning processes to address open space issues.
• Develops project scope and approach and manages professional services agreements for various projects.
• Develops Planning Elements of the County’s Sustainable Growth Management Plan (SGMP).

Knowledge/ Skills:

• Knowledge of principles, practices, scope and techniques of land use planning; statistical and research methods and sources of data relating to growth management; subdivision land use, zoning and legal descriptions.
• Knowledge of capital planning, data compilation, graphic design, presentation and production techniques; cartographic principles; general knowledge of surveying principles and practices; geographic information systems (ArcInfo, ArcGIS, Arc IMS); transportation modeling and data base design and creation as applicable for assignment.
• Skill in project management; planning, organizing and reviewing work.
• Skill in training, supervising, advising, and evaluating assigned personnel.
• Skill in demonstratingprofessionalism and courtesy in interactions with internal staff and external customers and agencies.
• Ability to edit and analyze studies, reports and plans.
• Ability to operate various word-processing, spreadsheet, database, and other software programs in a Microsoft environment.
• Ability to prepare accurate, complete and legible reports and plans, and presentdetailed, accurate, andobjective oral presentations and responsestoquestions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships withassociate personnel,otherdepartments and divisions, other governmentalagencies, community organizations, and the public.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban/Regional Planning, Public Policy, Geography, Economics, Natural Resources or a closely related field.
• Five (5) years of work experience in Urban/Regional Planning, Public Policy, Geography, Economics, Natural Resources or a closely related field, of which two (2) years must be in urban and regional planning or in a specialty area where applicable (Open Space or Community Planning).
• education may substitute for experience on a year for year basis or High School Diploma or GED and nine (9) years of experience.
• Two (2) years of supervisory experience.
• A completed New Mexico EDGE Public Supervisor certification will substitute for two (2) years of required supervisory experience.

Working Conditions:

Work is primarily in an office environment and occasionally outdoors with exposure to dust, fumes, airborne particles and/or allergens.  Work may involve exposure to excessive noise and hostile individuals.   While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands or arms; and talk or hear. Ability to lift up to 20 pounds. Clarity of vision at short distance required.  Evening, holiday, and weekend work is required.  Extended hours and irregular shifts may be required.   May be on call for emergencies and staffing shortages.

Conditions of Employment:

Selected candidate must submit to and pass a County paid pre-employment physical and drug/alcohol screening.  Additionally, selected candidate must submit to and pass a County paid criminal background screening.  Selected candidate must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico Class D Driver’s License as incumbent shall be appointed to drive a County vehicle during the performance of his/her duties.  Candidate must obtain and/or maintain all certifications required.

Santa Fe County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
It is the policy of Santa Fe County to ensure equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of race, color, age, physical or mental handicap, sex, national origin, ancestry, religion, serious medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or political affiliation.