Director of Development Services

City of South Miami; Town of Florida (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

City of South Miami seeks a Director of Development Services to lead Building, Planning & Zoning, and Code Enforcement. The role directs a multi-division department, develops annual budgets, and implements city-wide development strategies to support growth while ensuring high-quality service to residents and contractors.

The position requires advanced knowledge of land use regulations, leadership experience, and the ability to collaborate with external agencies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in a related field (engineering, architecture, planning, etc.).
• Minimum eight years of relevant governmental experience; senior management preferred.
• State Building Code Administrator Certification or eligibility preferred.
• Must possess valid Florida driver’s license and be able to travel to job sites.

Responsibilities

• Directs and manages the Development Services Department and its three divisions.
• Develops annual operating budget and long-range plans.
• Sets policy and coordinates building, zoning, planning, and code enforcement.
• Reviews development plans for land use and code compliance.
• Oversees field inspections and collaborates with architects and engineers.
• Promotes innovation and professional development within staff.

Skills

Regulations knowledge

Communication skills

Building codes

Team supervision

Bilingual English/Spanish

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

8 years of relevant experience

Building Code Administrator Certification preferable

Florida driver's license

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were explicitly written out in this job description.

This is a broad job description. Employees in this classification with additional essential job functions, education/experience, licenses/certifications, or knowledge/skills/abilities may be placed at a higher tier within the assigned pay grade. The requirements for advancement to a higher tier will be determined by the City Manager.

General Summary

The Director of Development Services serves as a key member of the City's leadership team with direct responsibility for the effective implementation of City-wide strategic and operating initiatives. The Director provides leadership through managing, directing, and coordinating the activities of the department's three (3) divisions: Building, Planning and Zoning, and Code Enforcement. The Director of Development Services organizes land development services with other divisions and departments and provides highly complex staff assistance to the Building, Code Enforcement, and Planning and Zoning staff. Implements strategies and systems to enhance operations, management of employees, customer satisfaction, and budget management. Must be able to think strategically and exercise considerable initiative and independent judgment.

Supervision Received & Exercised

The Director of Development Services position exercises supervision and management of the department's three (3) divisions: Building, Planning and Zoning, and Code Enforcement. The Director works strategically and exercises considerable initiative and independent judgment, while under the general supervision of the City Manager. This position is classified as an exempt, full-time position.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Directs and manages a comprehensive City-wide Development Services Department consistent with the City's goals and initiatives ensuring high-quality customer service and professional standards.
• Develops and manages the annual operating budget of the Development Services Department.
• Develops and implements long range and annual action plans to meet the needs of a growing City.
• Provides overall direction and strategy regarding Building, Planning and Zoning, and Code Enforcement policies, procedures, and regulations to the City. Including the formation, adoption, and enforcement of zoning regulations, and comprehensive plans.
• Reviews and assesses the development plans and proposals for land use; and the administration of building, and other related codes.
• If eligible to be certified by Miami-Dade County Board of Rules and Appeals, may act as Building Official.
• Demonstrates leadership by advocating for innovation and strategic change within the Development Services department.
• Reviews, evaluates and when necessary, implements business practices to ensure the efficient provision of development services to the public.
• Manages and develops a qualified staff, ensuring professional and courteous service from all employees in support of the City’s mission, values, customers, and stakeholders.
• Promotes the development of a diverse and engaged workforce.
• Oversees the department's divisions in assisting contractors and developers and may at times perform field inspections to review work at construction sites.
• Confers with the Building, Planning and Zoning, and Code Enforcement division heads, architects, engineers, and property owners regarding compliance with City ordinances, and City zoning codes. Interprets ordinances and codes, makes recommendations, and settles difficult enforcement problems.
• Remains informed of cutting-edge technologies and advancements in municipal building, code enforcement, and planning and zoning programs.
• Works collaboratively with and regularly interacts with other agencies, boards, authorities, commissions, developers, contractors, regulatory agencies, and civic groups.
• Pursues ongoing professional development through course attendance, professional organizations, and meetings/conventions to stay informed of technological advancements and trends in the industry.
• Conforms with and abides by all regulations, policies, work procedures, and instructions.
• Conforms with and abides by all applicable safety rules which include wearing and using all appropriate safety equipment.
• Drafts and prepares Memo's and Resolutions for City Commission Meetings.
• Presents items to the City Commission as required.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications Required

• A bachelor's degree with major coursework in engineering, architecture, planning, construction management, business administration, public administration, or a related field.
• Eight (8) years of responsible and relevant experience, preferably in local government with considerable senior management level experience is required.
• Advanced degrees and/or relevant professional licenses or certifications in engineering, architecture, planning, building code administration, construction management, or a related discipline are preferred.
• Must possess a State of Florida Building Code Administrator Certification, also known as a Building Official. Certification, or eligible for approval, as a Building Official by the Miami-Dade County Board of Rules and Appeals (BORA) is preferred.
• This is a designated classification in the City's Emergency Operations Plan and will require the employee occupying this position to work during critical incidents and/or declared emergencies.

• Completion of appropriate level of National Incident Management System (NIMS) training is mandatory within one (1) year of employment.

• Must possess a valid State of Florida driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

• A comparable amount of training or experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of regulations affecting building, zoning, planning, and code enforcement.
• Knowledge of FEMA and floodplain management requirements.
• Skill in the use of computers and software applications related to the essential functions of the job.
• Skill in effective communication, both verbally and in writing.
• Skill in the use of various types of office equipment.
• Ability to perform basic engineering and mathematical calculations and use common engineering tools and reference materials.
• Ability to successfully supervise and delegate to trade inspectors.
• Ability to present technical information clearly to lay and professional groups.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, peers, officials, and other agencies.
• Ability to supervise the work of others in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale.
• Ability to identify and resolve problems in a timely manner.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to be fluent in the English language. Bilingual in English and Spanish is preferred.
• Skill in computer literacy being proficient in Microsoft Office programs including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability to maintain high ethical, honest, and moral standards.
• Ability to be prepared and available to work during a hurricane or declared emergency.
• Minimum qualifications may be waived by the City Manager.
• Ability to have the use of sensory skills in order to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public through the use of telephone and personal contact as normally defined by the ability to see, read, talk, sit, stand, hear, use hands to fingers, handle, feel or operate objects, read and write English.
• Ability to be physically capable of effectively using and operating various items of office equipment, such as but not limited to a personal computer, calculator, copiers, and cell phones.
• Ability to spend a considerable amount of time working/sitting in front of a computer.
• Performs work in a predominantly indoors, usually quiet to moderately noisy environment. May occasionally work outdoors during inspection of various land use developments and construction sites. Must be able to wear a hard hat/helmet, safety glasses, safety shoes, and gloves. Be able to handle exposure to extreme temperatures, electrical hazards, noise, heights, and dust are common. Must have the physical ability to enter and inspect hazardous locations, climb stairs, reach above and below shoulders, walk, and bend. Ability to lift, carry, and/or push articles weighing up to twenty (20) lbs.

Disclaimer

The City of South Miami provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, the City of South Miami complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. The City of South Miami provides Veterans' Preference in accordance with Chapter 295, Florida Statutes. Eligible veterans, servicemembers, and certain spouses and family members may receive preference in employment. Eligible applicants should indicate their eligibility during the application process.