CITY OF KALISPELL

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

JOB DESCRIPTION

Class Title:      Director of Development Services

Department:    Planning/Building/Community Development                       

Union:             Non-Union

Salary:             $124,179 -  - $158,960  DOQ

Benefits:          100% paid health insurance for employee & reduced rates for   dependents.  State retirement plan, 3-weeks’ vacation, paid sick leave, 10 State and Federal holidays.  This position participates in a *VEBA program.

FLSA Status: Exempt

Date:               January 7, 2026

1. GENERAL CLASS DESCRIPTION:

The Director of Planning, Building and Community Development manages the City’s planning, zoning, and code enforcement program; building review and inspection programs and community and economic development activities. Work involves proposing planning, zoning and development/re-development programs; giving guidance and oversight to the city building department and community development staff; preparing and monitoring program budgets; and planning, assigning and reviewing the work of subordinate staff. Performs work under the direction of the City Manager. Serves as acting City Manager when assigned.

1. SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Works under the general guidance and direction of the City Manager.

1. SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Exercises supervision over all department/division staff, either directly or through subordinate supervisors.

1. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Note: The following duties are typical for this classification. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned. 

It is expected that every employee should be on time, fully prepared, every day that the employee is scheduled to work.  We expect every employee to strive for perfect attendance.

General (90%):

1. Establishes an operating plan and department budget for the Planning/Building/Community Development Department based on Council policies, identified issues and needs, and available resources.
2. Prepares and maintains the growth management plan for the City. Assists in the preparation and maintaining of the master development plans for the City to include the Capital/Strategic Plan.
3. Assists in the formulation and administration of cost based fees for new development.
4. Proposes planning, building inspection, and zoning programs and projects to meet the needs of the City residents and businesses. Develops project schedules, program guidelines and procedures for planning, building inspection, code enforcement, and zoning activities.
5. Schedules, assigns, reviews and evaluate the work of staff in the Planning, Building and Community Development divisions.
6. Serves in official capacity as the City Zoning Administrator, Floodplain Coordinator and Environmental Certifying Officer unless otherwise delegated or designated.
7. Oversees preparation and administration of grant applications and projects; prepares and submits reports of actions and activities; ensures compliance with relevant requirements and regulations; provides program level guidance for redevelopment activities involving revolving loan funds, TIF districts management and brownfields administration.
8. Prepares and presents reports to City Council, Planning Commission, Urban Renewal Agency and other government, board and community officials.
9. Makes recommendation on planning and land use issues in the City such as zoning applications and development proposals.
10. Serves as staff liaison to City boards and commissions. Coordinates activities with other City, local and community organizations/agencies.  Represents the City’s position to Boards and commissions.
11. Prepares City plans and participates in the development and modification of County and State plans as appropriate.
12. Solicits consultant services and directs the work of consultants hired.
13. Ability to develop effective working relationships with City, County, State, and Federal officials regarding department plans, programs and activities.
14. Ability to read, analyze and interpret regulations, policies, technical documents, and plans for application to Department planning programs.

Peripheral Duties: (10%):

1. May serve as a member of various employee committees.
2. Performs other duties as assigned by City Manager.

1. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs):

1. Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, and methodologies of urban planning, zoning, and economic development.
2. Thorough knowledge of City, State and Federal programs related to planning, building inspection, code enforcement and zoning.
3. Considerable knowledge of City business conditions, socio-economic issues, and related trends and needs.
4. General knowledge of marketing, promotion and business financing principles; principles and procedures of grant administration; and of roles and relationships of City, State and Federal agencies, boards and commissions with regard to planning and zoning, building, and community development programs.
5. General knowledge of the principles of supervision and of program planning and administration.

1. EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:
   1. Master’s degree in planning or a related field;
   2. 6-9 years of progressively responsible experience reviewing, analyzing, developing and reporting on planning, economic development, zoning and community development projects and programs, or;
   3. Any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

1. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
   1. Valid Montana Driver’s License or ability to obtain one upon hire and proof of satisfactory driving record;
   2. Knowledge of the Kalispell area and issues affecting Flathead County and the City;
   3. Membership in the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) preferred.
   4. Offers for employment conditional upon successful completion of a criminal background check and possibly a credit history.

1. TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

Personal computer, including word processing and data base software; motor vehicle, telephone, cell phone, copy and fax machine.

1. PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
   1. Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to communicate effectively;
   2. Sufficient vision or other powers of observation, with or without reasonable accommodation, which enables the employee to review a wide variety of materials in electronic or hardcopy form and conduct and observe operations in the assigned areas of responsibility;
   3. Sufficient manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which enables the employee to drive and operate a motor vehicle, operate a personal computer, telephone, and other related equipment;
   4. Sufficient personal mobility, physical reflexes and the ability to lift 50 lbs. with or without reasonable accommodation, which enables the employee to function within a general office environment and to efficiently and effectively carry out assigned training and instructions duties and transport oneself from job site to job site.
   5. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
2. WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee works mostly in an office environment with some exposure to outside weather conditions and is occasionally subjected to wet, cold and/or icy conditions.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet.

1. SELECTION GUIDELINES:
   1. Formal application analyzed, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference and background check; other job related tests may be required;
   2. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position;
   3. Kalispell is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the American with Disabilities Act, 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;
   4. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

*VEBA (Voluntary Employee Benefit Association) is a tax-exempt health reimbursement account used by employees and their eligible dependent to pay for eligible medical expenses.  The plan is funded by an employee’s sick and/or vacation banked hours upon leaving City employment.

Posting Date:   January 7, 2026

Closing Date:   February 16, 2026

NOTICE!

ONLY CANDIDATES SELECTED FOR INTERVIEWS WILL BE CONTACTED.

A CITY APPLICATION CAN BE OBTAINED FROM:

• THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT WITH THE CITY OF KALISPELL, 201 1^ST AVENUE EAST, KALISPELL, MONTANA, PHONE: (406)758-7774 OR
• THE KALISPELL JOB SERVICE, 427 1^st AVENUE EAST, KALISPELL, MONTANA.  PHONE (406)758-6200 OR
• ONLINE AT THE CITY OF KALISPELL’S WEBSITE AT: WWW.KALISPELL.COM.

Jobs • Kalispell, MT • CivicEngage