Planning and Building Services Director

County of Mendocino; Ukiah (CA); On-site; USD 142,000 - 172,000; Full time

Job summary

The County of Mendocino invites applications for the Planning and Building Services Director. This executive role provides strategic leadership, oversees planning, building, code enforcement, and cannabis divisions, and partners with elected officials, staff, developers, and the public to advance responsible growth and public service.

Under the CEO, the Director directs policy, budget development, and organizational performance while ensuring compliance with laws.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in urban or regional planning, public administration, geography, architecture, or related field.
• Five years of management experience in planning, building inspections, code enforcement, or related activities, with three years in a leadership role.
• Licenses and certifications (AICP, Master Code Professional) are desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and strategic direction for Planning, Building, Code Enforcement, and Cannabis divisions.
• Develop and implement departmental policies, initiatives, goals, and objectives.
• Oversee operations, programs, and personnel while promoting accountability and improvement.
• Direct budget development and monitor resources and performance.
• Represent the Department with the Board, County leadership, agencies, and the public.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Strategic thinking

Decision making

Education

Bachelor's degree in urban/regional planning or related field

AICP desirable

Master Code Professional desirable

Job description

Planning and Building Services Director

County of Mendocino

$141,668 - $172,203 DOE

The ideal candidate is an experienced, strategic, and collaborative leader who is confident navigating complex regulatory and operational environments. They will possess strong leadership, communication, and decision‑making skills, with the ability to establish priorities, manage competing interests, and promote accountability and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will build effective relationships with elected and administrative officials, department staff, developers, community members, and other stakeholders while providing responsive, professional, and solutions‑oriented public service.

Under administrative direction from the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Director of Planning and Building Services provides executive leadership, strategic direction, and overall administration of the County’s Planning and Building Services Department. The Director plans, directs, and evaluates departmental operations, programs, services, and personnel and is responsible for departmental policy, strategic planning, budget development, organizational performance, and executive decision‑making.

• Provides leadership and strategic direction for the Planning, Building, Code Enforcement, and Cannabis divisions.
• Develops and implements departmental policies, strategic initiatives, goals, and organizational objectives while ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Oversees departmental operations, programs, services, and personnel and promotes accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Directs budget development and monitors departmental resources, priorities, and performance.
• Represents the Department with the Board of Supervisors, County leadership, other governmental agencies, community organizations, and the public.
• The position is fully described in the County’s Job Specification.

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in urban or regional planning, public administration, geography, architecture, architectural engineer, land use economics, or a closely related field

And

Five (5) years of increasingly responsible management experience in city/county urban or regional planning, building inspections, code enforcement, permit processing, and/or development‑related activities, including program planning, development, and administration and working with community organizations, with at least three (3) years in a management‑level capacity.

Substitution

A combination of nine (9) years of directly related education, training, and experience performing progressively responsible duties in city/county urban or regional planning, building inspections, code enforcement, permit processing, and/or development‑related activities, including program planning, development, and administration and working with community organizations, with at least three (3) years in a management‑level capacity, that would provide the knowledge skills and abilities necessary to effectively perform the duties of the job.

Graduate level coursework in urban, regional or environmental quality planning or related field may substitute for up to one year of the management‑level experience requirement.

Licenses and Certifications

• Valid State Driver's License
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) (desirable)
• Certified Building Official (desirable)
• Master Code Professional (desirable)

Incumbents must possess and maintain, or obtain and maintain, all licenses, certifications, registrations, and/or other requirements identified in the minimum qualifications, as applicable, and within the timeframes specified. These requirements are conditions of continued employment and minimum qualifications for the position. Failure to possess, obtain, or maintain any required license, certification, registration, or other requirement within the specified timeframe may result in rejection during the probationary period, or disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

The County of Mendocino participates in the E‑Verify program to confirm employment eligibility. If hired, the information you provide on your Form I‑9 will be used to verify your authorization to work in the United States.

The County of Mendocino is an Equal Opportunity Employer