8/04

City of San José
DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST (4224)

CLASS SUMMARY:
   Performs professional level administrative and technical duties to facilitate development projects and programs in one or more of the following areas or any other designated areas: housing, mixed use housing, real estate development, neighborhood development, industrial development, or downtown development. May independently coordinate less complex development projects or programs. May participate in cross-functional project teams. May serve as a City contact with businesses and commercial areas of the community. May supervise clerical support staff. Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
   This is the first of three levels in the professional Development series. This class differs from the higher class of Development Officer in that incumbents of the latter class normally perform more complex and specialized duties with less supervision, including strategy and policy development; supervision of professional staff, leading a project team(s), or coordinating a variety of complex projects or programs. Development Specialists typically report to a Development Officer or Sr. Development Officer (or other similar level management position). Incumbents may be assigned to different areas of development, and duties vary by area of assignment and position.

QUALIFICATIONS
   (These qualifications are typically required. An equivalent combination of education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to satisfactorily perform the duties of the job may be substituted.)

Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience
   Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Planning, Housing, Geography, Economics, Business Administration, Public Administration, Political Science, Sociology or related field and two (2) years of directly related work experience. Additional experience beyond two years can substitute for up to two years of the education requirement on a year-for-year basis.

Required Licensing (such as driver’s license, certifications, etc.)
· Possession of a valid State of California driver’s license may be required for some assignments.

Other Qualifications
   (Incumbents may be required to have different combinations of the listed qualifications, or more specific job-related qualifications depending on the position.)

Basic Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
(Needed at entry into the job in order to perform the essential duties)
· Knowledge of the general principles and approaches to municipal development.
· Knowledge of the general principles and practices of public agency organization and administration.
· Knowledge of basic research and analysis methodology and techniques.
· Knowledge of basic statistical methods.
· Knowledge of applicable computer programs and equipment
· Knowledge of applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations
· Knowledge of budget administration principles
· Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
· Ability to collect, compile, analyze, and interpret data.
· Ability to write and prepare clear and concise reports and other documentation
· Ability to work independently and as an effective team member.
· Ability to develop and maintain good working relationships with private and public agencies, developers, residents, volunteers, team members and various outside resources

Desirable Qualifications
(Knowledge, skills and abilities; licenses, certificates, education, experience that is more position specific and/or likely to contribute to more successful job performance.)
· Knowledge of neighborhood planning, urban development processes, and community participation processes and issues
· Knowledge of City of San José development processes and issues
· Knowledge of development funding and financing processes
· Knowledge of affordable housing policy issues
· Knowledge of real estate finance, appraisal and marketing practices
· Knowledge of loan management practices
· Ability to negotiate and administer contracts
· Ability to interpret housing loan-related or development-related documents, laws and regulations for developers and the general public (for example, housing loan-related documents if assigned to Housing development).
· Experience working with community groups.

*Frequency defined as % (totaling 100%), or Continuous”(daily or approximately 20%+), “Frequent”(weekly or approximately 15%+), “Occasional”(monthly or approximately 10%+), “As Required”(Intermittent or 5% or less).

CLASSIFICATION HISTORY
Established 1/86: Revised 8/04; s002