HomeMy WebLinkAboutDevelopment Services CoordinatorUpdated: August 2025 (Admin Review)
CITY OF IOWA CITY – JOB DESCRIPTION
Position Title: Development Services Coordinator
Department: Neighborhood & Development Services
Division: Development Services
Supervisor: Neighborhood and Development Services Director
FLSA: Exempt
Civil Service: No
Pay Grade: 31
Job Number: 3111
Job Summary
Directs the operational, financial and personnel activities of the Development Services Division.
Ensures division operates with a focus on customer service and is responsive to community
needs relative to planning, growth and development services.
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive
or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
• Directs the activities and programs of the Development Services which includes planning
and zoning, development and building codes inspection operations and administrative
functions.
• Prepares and manages budget for the Development Services division and participates in
capital improvement planning.
• Oversees development and updates of the comprehensive plan and other related long-
term planning documents.
• Ensures timely and accurate responses to public inquiries regarding zoning, development
and building code compliance issues.
• Manages enforcement of the zoning, subdivision development, site plan, and
construction codes (building, plumbing, backflow, electrical, mechanical, fuel gas and
sometimes the fire code).
• Carries out Building Official duties of administrative determinations, waivers, minor
modifications, and conducts administrative hearings. Issues administrative orders for
building safety.
• Directs staff to draft correspondence, staff reports, ordinances and resolutions for the
consideration by various boards, commissions, and the City Council. Reviews and edits
such documents as necessary.
• Presents to local boards, commissions, neighborhood associations, business and student
groups, and the City Council.
• Manages staff workload and to make certain issues are being resolved and proposals are
being reviewed in a timely manner.
• Resolves conflict between staff, developers, and the general public.
Updated: August 2025 (Admin Review)
• Confers with elected officials, boards, and commissions regarding planning, zoning and
development issues.
• Guides developers through zoning and development application processes.
• Investigates questions and complaints from residents regarding non-compliance issues.
• Coordinates the division's activities with other City divisions and departments.
• Reviews City plans and those submitted by developers for general compliance.
• Serves as project manager for permitting and licensing software, ensures staff training,
and software upgrades and maintenance are completed.
• Directs preparation and maintenance of public information, including print materials and
information on the division’s web site.
• May perform duties of Neighborhood & Development Services Director in his/her
absence.
• Conducts self in a professional manner which demonstrates courtesy and respect for all
community members and coworkers.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited educational institution and three to five years of
related experience; or a Master’s degree and one to three years of related experience;
or seven to nine years of related experience and/or equivalent combination of
education and experience. Degree in Public Administration, Urban Planning,
Construction Management or related. Experience in municipal planning, construction or
building trades.
• Valid State of Iowa driver’s license with satisfactory driving record. Must be 18 years of
age. Must pass criminal background check.
Preferred Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other
• Master’s degree from an accredited educational institution and five years of related
experience; and/or equivalent combination of education and experience. Supervisory
experience.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Certification. Familiarity with building
codes or managing a building inspection department.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Ability to analyze a variety of alternatives and make recommendations based on benefits
to the community.
• Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to
practical situations.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to develop and present mathematical budget information zoning / building
calculations.
• Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or
boards of directors.
Updated: August 2025 (Admin Review)
• Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or
diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial
reports, and legal documents.
• Ability to reliably and predictably carry out duties.
• Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory
agencies, or members of the business community.
• Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference,
and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry.
• Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style
and format.
• Knowledge of local zoning, building codes, municipal planning techniques and principles
and the general workings of state and federal programs.
• Knowledge of relevant provisions of federal, state and local law and current
administrative techniques and practices.
• Skill in customer service, reasoning, conflict resolution, and verbal and written
communications.
• Skill in observing, reading and interpreting technical materials, codes, regulations, and
blueprints.
• Skill in the use of a variety of technologies, including mobile devices that may be used in
the industry.
• Skill in using computers and applicable software applications (Microsoft Office – Word,
Excel, Outlook).
Supervision
Assists with the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of a program function or unit for
the department. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's
policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include supervising direct reports including
interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; writing
and delivering performance reviews; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing
complaints and resolving problems; and terminating employees.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an
employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform
the essential duties and responsibilities.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The
employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands
and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or
crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision
Updated: August 2025 (Admin Review)
abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception
and ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee
encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
duties and responsibilities.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Duties are generally performed in
an office setting with a controlled environment. The job requires sitting for extended periods of
time and the work may expose the employee to unpleasant social situations and significant
work pace pressure.
Iowa City is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities
Act as Amended, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with
disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential
accommodations with the employer.
Reviewed/Approved by: Tracy Hightshoe, Neighborhood & Development Services Director (4/2024)
I have read and understand the duties and requirements of this job description, and I
agree that I can perform the duties of this position with or without reasonable
accommodation.
Employee Date
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