Assistant Director of Urban Development

Department: Urban Development

FLSA Status: Exempt

Annual Salary: $70,256.98 - $75,280.99

Position Overview

This position answers to the Director of Urban Development in the Urban Development Department. This position is responsible for assisting the planning, organizing, directing and leading all programs and activities of the Urban Development Department under the direction of the Director. Work includes responsibility for developing and maintaining public awareness and support for sound urban planning and development, land use management, economic development programs for the city. Supervision is exercised directly or through subordinates, over a professional, technical, and clerical staff. Work is performed with wide latitude for the exercise of independent technical judgment and action under the general administration direction of the Chief Administrative Officer, within the framework of the policies of the city council and state and federal regulations. This position will also assume the role of Building Official and will be responsible for organizing and directing all building code inspections and enforcement activities in the City of Gulfport including directing, coordinating, and supervising the inspection of buildings to ensure compliance with codes and ordinances relating to construction. Examine plans and specifications. Attends and addresses committee and commission meetings as required. This position is classified with a Essential personnel classification for Emergency Response. This means that during an emergency response this position is required to report directly after an emergency. Essential status is defined as employees whose duties are vital to maintain basic municipal functions during an emergency.

Essential Job Functions

Essential job duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following:

• Assists in planning and directing the development and implementation of comprehensive city planning processes through the establishment and maintenance of adequate databases, analysis of existing conditions and probable future trends, development of comprehensive plans, and coordination of planning with capital budgeting processes and economic development programs.
• Assists in the weekly and/or monthly and special reports covering departmental activities to the Director, Mayor, City Council, City Attorney, and Chief Administrative Officer.
• Assists in oversees annexation studies and formulate recommendations in this and related areas of policy
• Assists in providing staff assistance to the Planning Commission, Mayor, City Council, boards, and committees as required.
• Assists in the in performing a variety of administrative tasks such as preparation and administration of the department budget.
• Assists in a variety of public informational activities designed to interpret departmental programs and services to the general public and to secure their cooperation and support.
• Serve on various boards and committees which promote and enhance the quality of life and the economic vitality of the city.
• Assists in the development, reviews, updates, and enforces internal controls and procedures to provide: efficient public service, compliance with local, state, and federal laws, regulations and ordinances.
• Plans, organizes and directs the work of personnel engaged in providing inspection, regulatory and code enforcement services related to all phases of building construction.
• Supervises and participates in the review of plans and specifications to determine compliance with existing codes.
• Performs field inspections of building construction, alterations and repairs to ensure compliance with approved permits and state and local regulations.
• Researches, interprets, analyzes and explains requirements of building codes, zoning ordinances and other applicable laws and ordinances to building contractors, developers and the general
• Directs the investigation of activities and practices in violation of codes and ordinances.
• Works with boards and commission related to the enforcement of codes adopted by the city.
• Responsible for issuing building permits.
• All other duties as assigned by your Director, CAO or Mayor.
  
  

Knowledge Skills And Abilities

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Thorough knowledge of modern theories, principles, and practices of Urban Planning and Development and public administration.
• Thorough knowledge of principles and procedures of federal and state grant administration and management and of grant sources and related requirements.
• Thorough knowledge of the department mission and objectives and the resources available to meet those objectives. Thorough knowledge of the community, its needs, growth potential, and resources.
• Ability to plan, organize, direct, and supervise a comprehensive Urban Community Development, Planning, Economic, and Building program.
• Ability to provide technical and professional guidance to subordinate staff and to secure acceptance from official bodies and the public of planning, building, economic and community development objectives.
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally, and in writing, and to make effective presentations to professional groups and to the public.
• Possess high degree of skill in leadership, planning, negotiating, problem solving, and self motivation.
• Ability to interpret codes, laws, statutes, ordinances and regulations and apply them in appropriate situations and projects implemented by the department.
• Display a high degree of sound business judgement, prudence, and ethical conduct.
• Thorough knowledge of modern developments, current literature and sources of information related to municipal building inspection and code enforcement.
• Thorough knowledge of modern building construction methods and materials and of inspection techniques.
• Thorough knowledge of the requirements of standard building and housing, plumbing, electrical, mechanical and swimming pool, and other related codes.
• Ability to plan, organizes, direct and evaluate a comprehensive building inspection and code enforcement program.
• Ability to supervise the work of subordinates.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinate employees, contractors, architects and the public.
• Ability to prepare concise oral and written reports.
• Ability to maintain harmonious and effective working relationships with other employees, supervisor and other departments.
  
  

Education And Experience

High school graduate or equivalent. Completion of college-level course work in civil, mechanical, or electrical engineering or related field. Ten (10) years’ experience with five (5) years supervisory experience. Considerable administrative experience in code enforcement and building inspection programs preferred. Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.

Proven experience in management and leadership is required. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to lead teams effectively, supervise staff, delegate responsibilities, and foster a positive and productive work environment. Strong decision-making, conflict resolution, and organizational skills are essential, along with a commitment to mentoring and developing employees. Previous experience in a municipal or office setting is preferred.

Licenses of Certifications

A valid Mississippi Drivers License. Flood Plain Manager Certification Required within 6 months of employment. Course certificate in related fields.

SHRM-CP, PHR or other certificates related to Human Resources is preferred.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

The 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 may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical requirements include occasional lifting/carrying of 50+ pounds; visual acuity, speech and hearing; hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer keyboard and basic office equipment. Subject to sitting, standing, reaching, walking, twisting and kneeling to perform the essential functions. Working conditions are both indoors and outdoors.