Job Abstract

About Planning and Economic Development

From its earliest days, the City of Rancho Cucamonga was dubbed the "City with a Plan" and over the past forty years, we have been creating a World Class Community. In late 2021, the City adopted an updated General Plan which clarified the vision for the City’s next chapter and an idea that has been simmering for over a decade: that the city can grow, providing new housing and economic opportunities and position itself for the next generation economy, while maintaining, or even improving, its wonderful single-family neighborhoods by focusing new growth onto key corridors and into key nodes.

The Planning and Economic Development (PED) Department plays a critical role in achieving the City Council's goals and objectives relative to land use, urban design, and the quality and sustainability of the built environment. The department focuses on development that enhances economic value and opportunities for prosperity and quality of life for all. We work with residents, business owners and elected officials to build a consensus on how to develop the city on a human scale going forward, both short-term and long-term. PED is also focused on improving the business environment in Rancho Cucamonga, aiding with business location questions, permit processing issues, real estate acquisition or other types of business assistance. The PED team administers the City’s General Plan and Development Code which are the key documents that guide physical development (what can go where and under what conditions) in the city. Additionally, the Department focuses on creating opportunities for wealth through which community benefits are realized. Development for people first and building a quality of place attracts and retains residents, visitors, businesses, and talent.

DEPARTMENT PERKS

• We budget for renewals for professional certifications (AICP, CNU-A, etc.) for our staff.
• We are invested in your continued education and budget for educational courses and continuing maintenance for professional certifications.
• Where possible we offer the flexibility of a hybrid schedule option so you can work from home on occasion.

Senior Landscape Planner

We are looking for someone to lead our landscape planning practice. This is a new practice area for the city; if you are interested in building a multi-disciplinary program from the ground up, this may be a great fit for you. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working cooperatively with all Community Development Departments as well as partnering with Community Improvement and Community Services to meet the city’s open space and urban forest goals. You will also examine our existing work programs relating to landscape review and make recommendations and revisions to provide appropriate landscape review for new development. We are seeking someone with previous experience in landscape architecture, landscape design or horticulture planning across a wide range of projects. Some of these projects include:

• Leading or assisting with the preparation a Parks Master Plan.
• Plan and coordinate the development of existing and new trails across the city.
• Help with grant applications and administration of grants for park development.
• Assist in implementation of the Urban Forest Management Plan (currently under development).
• Developed an updated MWELO program, working with our water partners and train planning staff on implementation.
• Lead the production of educational materials for residents and businesses looking to retrofit landscapes to reduce urban water use.
• Provide standards, training, and guidance for planning staff on reviewing landscape plans for new development and retrofit projects.
• Working with developers to ensure great open spaces are provided in new development.

These positions might be perfect for you if:

• You are interested in shaping and directing new citywide initiatives.
• Can think strategically and make recommendations that meet the city's goals and objectives.
• You have a talent for clearly and effectively communicating important information and decisions.
• You enjoy cultivating and sharing knowledge and skills around landscape design to empower developers, businesses, residents, and staff to create more resilient landscapes.
• You relish complex problems and are excited to lead a cooperative process to devise solutions.
• You are committed to providing excellent customer service through teamwork, communication, and responsiveness.
• You are looking for a team committed to your growth through training and team building opportunities.
• You are a self-motivated leader who enjoys the flexibility of shifting between coordinating a multi-disciplinary team and detailed project management.

Education and/or Experience:
Graduation from an accredited college with a Bachelor's degree in Planning or a related field; four years of progressively responsible experience in current or advanced planning, including one year of supervisory experience or any combination of training and experience that provides the desired knowledge and abilities. A Master's Degree in Public Administration, Planning, Business Administration or a related field is desirable.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of planning; related state and Federal laws, ordinances, rules and regulations; environmental impact report administration; methods and techniques of training and supervision. Ability to plan, organize and coordinate planning activities; prepare and present reports; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; deal constructively with conflict and develop effective resolution; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships; supervise assigned staff.

Special Requirements:

Possession of or ability to obtain an appropriate California driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Frequent standing and sitting. Dexterity and coordination to handle files and single pieces of paper; occasional lifting of items weighing up to twenty-five pounds such as files, stacks of paper, reference and other materials. Moving from place to place within the office; some reaching for items above and below desk level. Strength, dexterity, coordination and vision to use keyboard and video display terminal occasionally.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Generally clean work environment with limited exposure to conditions such as dust, fumes, odors or noise. Is required to attend evening meetings and travel throughout the City. May involve evening and weekend work.

APPLICATION PROCESS
All applicants are required to apply online at www.cityofrc.us. This recruitment closes on Thursday, July 18 2024 , or until a sufficient number of applications have been received. Please see the above timeline for additional information.

Applications must be complete and demonstrate that the minimum qualifications are met. All statements made on the application are subject to investigation and verification. Resumes may be attached to the completed application form as supplemental information but will not be accepted in lieu of an official application form. Applications will be screened and the most qualified candidates who best match the needs of the City will be invited to compete further in the examination process. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will remain, candidates, until a final offer is accepted by the candidate who most closely meets the requirements of the City. The City may conclude that none of the candidates, even those who meet the minimum qualifications, are appropriate for the position.

Successful candidate will be required to:

• Complete a verification form designated by Immigration and Naturalization Service to certify that they are eligible for employment in the United States of America; and
• Provide proof of a valid California driver's license and be insurable; and
• Pass a pre-employment medical exam,
• Pass a reference and background verification. References will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established.
• Degree Verification