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Responsible for supporting and assisting the Planning Environmental & Development Service (PEDS) Director in all areas related to the efficient and quality management of the Planning, Environmental & Development Services Department. Helps advance the mission of Orange County government by ensuring that customer and resident expectations are met or exceeded through professional, competent and effective program oversight and service delivery.

Work duties are performed with independence as directed by the Department Director. This position is occupied by 2 (two) Deputy Directors. Each Deputy serves to support the Department Director in the general operations and management of assigned divisions within PEDS.  Reviews are conducted via scheduled and as needed meetings with the Department Director as well as via customer feedback, observations, and the quality of performance and results achieved.

Duties may vary based on the area of assignment. The following are representative duties, it is not the intent to capture all duties performed by this classification.

• Collaborates with the Department Director as routine and unique departmental needs dictate to:
• Oversee and provide leadership direction and support across the essential and “value added” activities of the assigned Planning, Environmental, Permitting and Development Services Department divisions.
• Provide input regarding policy and procedural development to the Mayor, Board of County Commissioners, County Administrator, Division Managers and regulatory agencies through meetings, reports, memorandums, presentations, and public hearings.
• Bring innovation and expertise that further advances the Department’s goals and priorities consistent with the department's mission, to ensure that service delivery goals and objectives are met, Capital Improvement Program (CIP) project mandates are realized, and compliance with financial and regulatory requirements are maintained and exceeded.
• Review work product of subordinate staff for completeness and accuracy, evaluates and offers recommendations as indicated, and provides insight and feedback assistance as is appropriate.
• Meet with the County Mayor, County Commissioners, County Administration and other senior staff, and attend Board meetings as needed.
• Provide targeted input in assisting the Director in the preparation and review of the Department's budgets to ensure consistency with County, Department and Division objectives.
• Address personnel matters within the Department, including hiring, discipline training and development, retention, performance appraisals, and related activities.
• Provide support, direction and guidance to division managers and as needed provide temporary department leadership when the Department Director is absent.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by Department Director.

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Planning, Urban Studies, Public Administration, Business Administration, Environmental or Civil Engineering, or a closely related field and ten (10) years of progressive professional experience in County, City or Regional Planning to include four years in a supervisory or management role or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted on a year for year basis.

• Certification/licensing in one of the related fields listed above.
• Experienced in public speaking and skilled in delivering technical information to the public with clarity and
• Experienced in budgeting, contract negotiations and personnel administration functions.
• Ability to plan, organize, lead, and collaborate across diverse and multi-disciplinary divisions.
• Knowledge and expertise in supporting sustainable development and redevelopment.
• A minimum of a Master’s degree and eight (8) years of professional experience in County, City or Regional Planning.