Bernalillo County is 1,160 square miles and is New Mexico’s most populous county with more than 676,000 residents. Bernalillo County government provides a wide range of public services to residents who live in Albuquerque, Los Ranchos and Tijeras with approximately 106,000 residents living in unincorporated areas of the county. Bernalillo County employs approximately 2,500 people and has an annual operating budget, capital investments and other funds of more than $1 billion. Elected officials include five county commissioners, assessor, clerk, probate judge, sheriff and treasurer.

Bernalillo County

Department of Human Resources

Job Descriptions

What does the red Zia symbol mean? The Zia sun symbol represent the four cardinal directions, the four seasons of the year, the four period of each day (morning, noon, evening, and night), and the four seasons of life (childhood, youth, middle age, and old age). The centre of the sun symbol stands for life itself. The yellow field with red symbol pays recognition to the Aragon Realm of the conquistadors and their homeland in Spain.
JCM510: Deputy Director (Planning and Development Services)

Deputy Director (Planning and Development Services)

Job Code
Grade
Bargaining Unit
JCM510
10
None
       
       
Salary
As Hourly
As Annual
89,128.00 - 111,946.00 - 140,733.00 USD Annual
$42.85 - $53.82 - $67.66
$89,128.00 - $111,946.00 - $140,733.00

POSITION SUMMARY

The Deputy Director oversees planning and zoning activities, ensuring that new development and land use conform to all Bernalillo County policies, ordinances, and standards. This position advises the department director on operations and programs, responds to inquiries regarding major development projects and code application, and implements policies that promote efficiency, effectiveness, and excellent customer service.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Manage current and long-range planning projects, including consultation with developers, engineers, and architects on development proposals, capital improvements, and open space initiatives.
  • Provide staff support to resolve conflicts in the land use development and permit processes; explain and justify department programs and policies; resolve sensitive or controversial issues.
  • Serve as liaison to Bernalillo County Economic Development on matters related to regional, current, and long-term zoning plans and building requirements.
  • Oversee the processing of planning projects from initiation to completion, engaging with external stakeholders including developers, agencies, citizens, and community groups.
  • Review and oversee the analysis of development plans and provide recommendations on commercial, industrial, and residential projects.
  • Meet with developers, builders, realtors, and property owners to discuss and evaluate development proposals.
  • Negotiate with developers on behalf of the County.
  • Supervise and direct professional and administrative staff, including assigning tasks, evaluating performance, setting objectives, and recommending hires, terminations, and disciplinary actions.
  • Review or draft legislation and ordinances, assess impacts, and provide recommendations to support County initiatives and updates to local policies.
  • Supervise special projects and department functions, applying customer service principles and directing staff as needed.
  • Conduct research and provide analysis on special projects.
  • Prepare and present reports on community development and project status.
  • Oversee section budget and assist with preparation of the department’s annual budget and performance measures.
  • Brief the County Commission on zoning, planning, and land use issues as required.
  • Handle sensitive and confidential records, plans, and decisions in accordance with confidentiality standards.


*The above information is intended to outline the general nature and scope of the duties required for this position. It is not an exhaustive list and may vary depending on specific job assignments and responsibilities. 


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Business or Public Administration, Architecture, or a related field.
  • Ten (10) years of work experience in planning, architecture, code enforcement, permitting, plan checking, or general project management.
  • Four (4) years in a managerial role.

*Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience may be considered for the above requirements. 


SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

SCREENING AND COMPLIANCE


The offer of this Bernalillo County position requires compliance with the following:

  • Successful completion of a post-offer medical examination and background investigation.
  • Adherence to all County safety guidelines.
  • Documentation of required experience.
  • Completion of FEMA training(s) as assigned to the position.
  • Completion of required supervisory training, if applicable.
  • Possession and maintenance of a valid New Mexico driver’s license.


WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Primary duties are performed indoors in a temperature-controlled environment.
  • Work is primarily conducted on even, dry, carpeted, or tiled flooring.
  • Tasks may be performed independently, in group settings, or collaboratively with a designated team.


EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS

  • Equipment typically used in the performance of office duties includes telephone, computer, printer, and copy machine.
  • Paperwork and various administrative documents are handled routinely in the performance of essential duties.
Revision: 8/21/2025 1:40:29 PM