Description
Senior Economic Development Manager
Full-Time/At-Will
Open/Competitive
The City of Pico Rivera's vision and values are to safeguard the public's trust through open and transparent business practices that consistently maintain our credibility of strong ethical stewardship of all resources. We strive to provide responsive and consistent customer service to the community and our employees; who we trust to always own the problem and solution of all our business challenges. We recognize that we must engage our workforce in productive and respectful dialogue as our success internally hinges on the dynamic and interdependent partnerships within; thus improving our chances of external success.
The goal is to positively impact our community by optimizing and engaging our workforce to improve the human experience and quality of life in the City of Pico Rivera. The City is committed to forging a model of 21st Century government to better serve the community and its employees.
The Department
The Community and Economic Development Department is comprised of the Economic Development, Planning, Building and Safety, Housing, Emergency Services, Code and Parking Enforcement Divisions. The Economic Development Division strives to provide retail opportunities, create diverse job opportunities, and assists in the fiscal stability of the City. The Planning Division is responsible for reviewing proposed development for compliance with the City's Zoning Ordinance and General Plan and planning long range strategies. The Building and Safety Division ensures safe construction practices are followed according to federal, state, County and local standards. The Housing Division includes the federal Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Program and administration of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). The Emergency Services Division staff ensures proper Emergency Operation Center (EOC) training and that the City is prepared for natural or man-made disasters. The Code Enforcement Division is responsible for enforcing the municipal codes that relate to residential and business property maintenance standards. The Parking Enforcement Division enforces all parking laws in the California Vehicle Code and Municipal Code.
The Position
Under the Director's general direction, this position develops and implements strategies that foster business growth, job creation, and investment opportunities, while ensuring alignment with the City's long-term economic vision.
City Hall is open Monday through Friday 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM. Employees work a 4/10 schedule from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Employees work a 4/10 schedule from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM. This position could also be required to work non-traditional hours including nights, early mornings, weekends, and holidays based on the needs of the department.
Essential Duties
The ideal candidate will have the ability to perform the following essential tasks and duties:
- Manage and coordinate the planning and implementation of the Economic Development Division's multiple programs including business retention, attraction, job creation, business assistance, marketing, and related functions.
- Assist and manage the agreement with the Pico Rivera Chamber of Commerce.
- Develop programs for economic incentives such as Property Business Improvement Districts (PBIDs) or similar programs and develop policies governing how tax and other incentives will be awarded to businesses.
- Assess the effectiveness of existing incentives, and recommend policy changes to enhance economic development strategies.
- Meet with real estate brokers and owners of vacant and underutilized commercial properties to identify occupancy and development constraints and works with property owners and City staff to minimize or eliminate those constraints.
- Maintain an inventory of available properties for businesses to occupy including retail space, manufacturing, and open land, and match businesses to available spaces.
- Prepare and negotiate documents related to economic development transactions including, but not limited to depositions, easements, contracts, resolutions, ordinances, request for proposals, conveyances, notes, deeds of trust, grant deeds, transfer of property, rights of entry, licenses, permits, reconveyances, clearing of titles, owner participation/developer agreements and meet deadlines
- Confer with representatives from developers, architects, engineers, property owners, other governmental agencies, planners, and real estate brokers on technical matters to coordinate stages of work and explain City processes and procedures; explain and interpret municipal codes and policies, standards, fees, and procedures to the public.
- Keep abreast of legislative developments that may impact economic development programs, policies, and/or procedures.
- Provide policy analysis and design advocacy efforts, including organizing campaigns to raise awareness at the local and state level.
- Prepare the Economic Development Division’s annual budget; participate in the forecast of funds needed for business incentives, staffing, equipment, and materials supplies, monitor and approve expenditures; implement adjustments.
- Prepare reports, including Agenda Reports, and make presentations to members of the business community, City Council, Planning Commission, Oversight Board, Successor Agency, and similar entities.
- Collect, develop, analyze, and compile economic, market, and demographic data for report and plan creation and data dissemination.
- Evaluate services performed and costs for services by external consultants, vendors, and contractors.
- Coordinate the City’s attendance at trade shows and conventions, seminars, and other events; and organize plans, and implement information forums and workshops for the business community.
- May be required to work after hours or weekends as needed.
- Perform all other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Knowledge of:
- Public-private partnerships and business retention strategies.
- Public administration including budgeting and purchasing, financial procedures and regulations about real estate, loan management, and property improvements.
- Skilled in reading, understanding, interpreting, and applying legal, technical, and complex development regulations, reading understanding, and writing basic legal descriptions of properties, understanding and interpreting instruments of real property conveyances, management, leasing and licenses, title services, and escrow closing procedures.
- Preparing reports, correspondence, and agreements, and applying policies and procedures for state and federal laws related to acquisition, disposition, management, and relocation and interacting professionally and maintaining effective working relationships with fellow employees, the public, and contractors.
- Ability to communicate effectively in both verbal and written form, to gather and analyze economic data to develop sound proposals, and to perform duties with little or no supervision.
- Practices, techniques, and methods of marketing and public relations for economic development projects.
- Research and reporting methods and techniques applied to the collection, tabulation, and analysis of data and information affecting urban economic development.
- Principles, procedures, and practices related to affordable housing.
- Principles of supervision and training.
- Principles and practices of public speaking, public contact, and community relations.
- Municipal budget development, preparation and administration.
- Knowledge of procurement guidelines, policies and procedures.
- Knowledge of department work plan is required. Proficiency in specialized software programs is desired.
Skills/Ability to:
- Use of a personal computer/laptop; perform mathematical computations.
- May be required to operate a vehicle and equipment safely.
- Proficiency in a designated second language is desired.
- Communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
- Analyze and solve problems.
- Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills and leadership skills.
- Assist businesses in obtaining necessary loans, permits, site analysis, and environmental reviews.
- May be required to interpret plans and specifications.
- Prioritize and plan time effectively in order to balance multiple tasks and projects with different completion dates.
- Assist with budget preparation.
- Represent the City at functions.
- Maintain confidentiality.
- Maintain effective relations with inside and outside customers.
- Resolve conflicts tactfully to maintain effective, positive, and harmonious working relationships with citizens, customers, City officials, staff, and others.
- Review organizational and administrative problems and recommend and implement an effective course of action.
- Research and interpret data, laws and regulations, standards and practices.
- Give effective oral and public presentations.
- Plan, direct organize and control department activities.
- Manage, supervise, train, and evaluate staff members.
- Properly explain, interpret, analyze, modify, and make decisions following laws, regulations, and policies.
- Respond effectively in emergencies.
- Negotiate and administer a variety of administrative contracts and effectively coordinate functions and activities between departments and outside agencies.
- Represent the City in its efforts to recruit and retain businesses.
- Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, anticipate consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
- Build consensus with strong negotiating skills to forge relationships.
- Self-motivate and be a catalyst for change through continual self-reflection and division assessment by identifying areas for improvement, encouraging new ideas, and implementing new ways to deliver services in the most friendly, efficient, and effective manner.
- Conduct studies, prepare reports, and estimate project costs.
- Organize and prioritize multiple tasks.
- Write reports and follow oral and written instructions.
- Work with minimal supervision; project, records, and time management.
- Initiate and complete performance evaluations.
- Comply with required regulations.
- Delegate tasks and manage projects.
- Maintain confidentiality of non-public records.
- Interview and hire employees.
- Use conflict resolution techniques; tracking and writing techniques.
- Recommend and implement disciplinary action.
Education
- Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration or a related a related field from an accredited college or university is required.
- Master’s Degree is desirable.
- Supervisory and managerial training is highly desired.
Experience:
- Eight years of related local government administrative experience including four years of supervisory experience.
- Seven years of public contact experience; as well as two years of budget/policy experience.
- Real Estate experience desirable.
Physical Requirements
PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS:
Ability to operate a variety of automated office machines, including a calculator, copier, personal computer and applicable software programs; coordinate eyes, hands, feet and limbs in performing slightly skilled movements, such as data entry; exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, typically involving lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling, sitting, and/or walking; maneuver and steer equipment and machinery requiring simple, but continuous adjustments, such as the operation of an automobile.
Supervisorial Responsibilities
Ability to assign, review, plan, and coordinate the work of other employees; provide instruction and guidance to staff; approve the transfer, promotion, salary increase, discipline or discharge of staff; assess the work of employees and write performance appraisals; promote staff development and motivation; oversee a program for orientation and training of all department employees; analyze problems that arise in the areas under supervision and recommend solutions. Establish and maintain effective and positive working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Mathematical Ability
Ability to interpret descriptive economic, financial and statistical reports.
Judgment And Situational Reasoning Ability
Ability to develop, implement and maintain sound accounting and financial reporting systems and procedures; ability to assess and evaluate data processing needs and evaluate computer hardware and software; ability to exercise independent judgment, decisiveness and creativity required in situations involving the direction, control and planning of an entire program or multiple programs; ability to develop new policies and modify existing policies, strategies and/or methods to meet unusual conditions within the context of existing management principles; ability to analyze and categorize data and information in order to define consequences and to consider and select alternatives; ability to decide the time, place and sequence of operations within a system or organizational framework, as well as the ability to oversee their execution.
Language Ability And Interpersonal Communication
Ability to utilize a variety of advisory data and information, such as financial statements, technical operating manuals, procedures, guidelines, ordinances, and accounting methods; advise and provide interpretation to others on how to apply policies, procedures and standards to specific situations; communicate effectively with coworkers, vendors, elected and appointed officials, and the general public, both verbally and in writing; effectively make public presentations; management and direct a group of workers, including the ability to provide counseling and mediation; ability to persuade, convince and train others.
Licenses and Certifications
- Must possess a valid California Class C Driver's License throughout the course of employment. City employees are registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles, Employee Pull Notice Program.
- Proof of car insurance (to be eligible for mileage reimbursement).
Veteran's credit will amount to 10 points to be added to the interview score. Proof of honorable discharge must be submitted with the application materials in order to be eligible for veteran's credit. Veterans who wish to utilize this credit must have served on a full-time basis (not reserve or auxiliary) in the armed forces for a minimum of six months (180 days).
Testing
Candidates who pass all qualifying phases (minimum qualification review, written and/or oral examination) will advance to the hiring department who will have access to a pool of candidates to initiate the selection process. Please note that the time frame for the recruitment timeline will vary. We will keep our applicants posted as we progress in the recruitment process.
Final Filing Date
This recruitment will close on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. Applicants are encouraged to apply early.
Selection Process
All application materials must be submitted online prior to the final filing date. Only applications that are complete, including complete answers to all supplemental questions, will be considered. Based on a review of application materials, the best qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the testing process to further evaluate their job-related experience, education, knowledge, skills and abilities. Resumes will be accepted in addition to, but not in lieu of, the required application materials (such as a copy of high school diploma, G.E.D. equivalent, Bachelor's Degree and/or typing certificate, if applicable). This is a competitive process; therefore, be thorough in your responses. All statements made on the application are subject to verification. False statements will be cause for disqualification, removal from the Eligibility List, or discharge from employment. (rev. 09.09)
For more information regarding this recruitment, please email Human Resources, at spena@pico-rivera.org.
Physical/Background Check
Upon conditional offer the selected candidate will be subject to background and reference checks and will be required to satisfactorily complete a post offer physical examination including a drug screen at the City's expense.
At-will Classification
Members in this job classification are considered at-will employees and serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.
Emergency Disaster Worker
City employees are registered as Emergency Disaster Workers and must take an oath. In the event of a declared emergency, City employees shall initially remain at work, or if recalled, shall report to work after completing critical personal and family emergency responsibilities.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Pico Rivera is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, disability (mental and physical), legally protected medical condition (genetic characteristics), marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other bases protected by federal law (including but not limited to Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the American with Disabilities Act of 1990) state or local law. The City of Pico Rivera does not discriminate or any other basis protected by law, in its employment policies or practices.
Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance
The City of Pico Rivera provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals under ADA, considering each situation on an individual basis. Individuals with qualified disabilities who need reasonable accommodation during the selection process must specify the accommodation needed, in writing, for the application and/or interview phase. If you have questions, please contact the Human Resources Department staff: nkatabyan@pico-rivera.org.
City of Pico Rivera Human Resources, 6615 Passons Blvd., Pico Rivera CA 90660
Mid Management and Professional & Confidential Representation – This classification is represented by City Employees Associates (CEA) under the Pico Rivera Mid-Managers and Professional, and Confidential Employees Association (PRPCEA). Membership optional.
Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)- Effective the first full pay period occurring on or after July 1st.
2024: 4%
2025: 3%
2026: 3%
Paid Vacation - 88 hours after one year, 128 hours after 5 years, 168 hours after 10 years, and 208 hours after 20 or more years of service.
Management/Administrative Leave - This classification may be eligible for 60 hours of administrative leave per fiscal year.
Sick Leave - 105 hours per year with the employee having the option to accumulate a maximum of 800 hours or receive pay each July for unused portion accumulated in the preceding fiscal year.
Retirement – Employees are covered under the State of California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) at the 2% at 60 formula for current CalPERS members and 2% at 62 for new CalPERS Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) members. Effective July 1, 2023, PEPRA members pay 7.5% of the employee's portion to CalPERS. Current CalPERS members (Tier II) pay 7% of employee's portion to CalPERS. PERS determines whether an employee is a Classic or New PERS member.
The City does not contribute to Social Security.
Holidays - The City observes twelve (12) holidays.
4/10 Schedule- Monday through Thursday.
Insurance - The City offers CalPERS health benefits to all full time employees. The City will pay 100% of the health insurance premiums for full-time employees and their qualified dependents, but not to exceed the Kaiser HMO premium. Employees may choose a different CalPERS health care provider offered by the City, however, any cost greater than the Kaiser HMO premium rate shall be paid by the employee through payroll deductions.
- Multiple CalPERS Medical plans to choose from or Cash In-Lieu of Benefits (amount paid shall be equal to the Public Employees' Medical & Hospital Care Act (PEMHCA) minimum).
- Dental Insurance (3 plans to choose from), at no cost to the employee selecting HMO dental plan.
- Vision Insurance- (2 plans to choose from) at no cost to the employee.
- Group Life Insurance ($100,000 life insurance policy), at no cost to the employee.
- Short Term Disability Insurance, at no cost to the employee.
- Long Term Disability Insurance, at no cost to the employee.
Pre-Tax Dependent Care and Healthcare Flexible Spending Account: Employees may specify a dollar amount annually to be deducted from their earnings to pay for qualifying dependent care and/or eligible medical expenses on a pre-tax basis.
Credit Union – Credit Union membership is available.
Deferred Compensation- Empower Retirement (deferred compensation plan (i.e., Internal Revenue Code Section 457 program) which employees may choose to participate in at their own expense. The City will match Association members' contributions up to a maximum of one percent (1.0%) of base compensation. Participation in the Deferred Compensation Plan is voluntary.
Tuition Reimbursement - The IRS maximum of $5,250 annually (calendar year) or the effective amount should it be adjusted by the IRS in a given year.
The City of Pico Rivera is an equal opportunity employer and supports workforce diversity.
01
This is a competitive process; therefore, be thorough in your responses. We require applications be completed in their entirety. Only applications that are complete, including complete answers to all supplemental questions, will be considered. (rev. 09.09) Please acknowledge that you understand this requirement.
02
This position is a permanent regular position. Are you a retired annuitant (CalPERS retiree)?
03
If you answered "Yes", to the retired annuitant question above, are you willing to reinstate?
- Yes, I'm willing to reinstate.
- No, I'm not willing to reinstate.
- Not applicable (I'm not a CalPERS retiree.)
04
Do you possess a Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, or a related field?
05
Describe your years of public contact experience. (include Agency name and experience)
06
Describe your years of supervisory experience. (include Agency name and experience)
07
Describe your experience training, leading, and supervising staff, including addressing employee issues and conflicts in the workplace.
08
Give example of a large project you were a part of, describe your role and responsibilities and length.
09
Describe your Government board experience.
10
Describe your experience in Real Estate.
11
Disclosure Authorization and Release
I hereby authorize any former employer, its employees and representatives, or any person listed as a reference, to provide any and all information they deem appropriate regarding my employment and job performance to the City of Pico Rivera, its employees, representatives, and/or agents. This information may be provided either verbally or in writing. In addition to authorizing the release of any information regarding my employment, I hereby fully waive any rights or claims I have or may have against any former employer, its employees and representatives, educational institutions, or any person listed as a reference from any and all liability, claims, or damages that may directly or indirectly result from the use, disclosure, or release of such information by any person or party, whether such information is favorable or unfavorable to me.
I certify that all statements made in this application are true and complete and I authorize investigation of all matters herein contained. I agree and understand that any misrepresentation or omission of a material fact may be justification for rejection of my application, refusal of employment, removal of my name from the eligibility list, and/or dismissal from employment with the City of Pico Rivera. I agree to undergo a physical examination and drug screen by a City-appointed physician and fully understand that employment is contingent upon meeting the City’s physical requirements.
(Print your name and date)
