Community Development Manager

This is an open recruitment to fill one current full-time vacancy.

The incumbent will enjoy working a 4/10 work schedule (Monday through Thursday), 7:30 am - 6:30 pm. with every Friday off!
This position will receive a 4% cost of living adjustment effective July 1, 2026.

The incumbent will have their own office, enjoy a family environment, and be a part of an enthusiastic workforce that has its own spirit committee that facilitates monthly employee events.

The incumbent will thrive working in this small culture environment allowing them to grow their knowledge, experience, resume, and prepare them for advancement by introducing them to a variety of community development related projects and responsibilities.

If you want to join a hard‑working team that shares a commitment to keep the City of La Palma safe, clean, and efficiently run, consider a career with the City of La Palma.

Come be a part of our family and see what makes La Palma a nice place to live and work! :
Join our team!

Under the administrative direction of the City Manager or designee, plans, organizes, manages, and directly participates in the operations of the Community Development Department, including building and safety, code enforcement, business licensing, economic development, housing, land use, and planning; participates as a member of the Executive Management Team and provides operational and policy support and advice on Community Development matters city‑wide;
Consistent with the City’s organizational structure, the Community Development Manager is expected to perform a significant portion of professional‑level planning, economic development, and project management work directly in addition to supervising staff and consultants.

Receives administrative and general policy direction from the City Manager or designee. Exercises direct supervision over service contractors and limited subordinate professional, and technical staff. May serve as Acting City Manager during the City Manager’s absence, as designated by the City Manager or their designee.

This management class is a single position class that establishes and maintains effective working relationships with department personnel, City Staff, Citizen Advisory Committees, City Council, and other governmental agencies. Successful performance of work requires an ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing, including public speaking skills before large and small groups, supervise, plan, and coordinate the work of others.

This classification is an “at will” position that is a member of the management employees who serve at the discretion of the City Manager.

An original City of La Palma application must be submitted online almaca.gov. The City must receive completed applications, resumes, and supplemental questionnaires by the final filing date and time listed to be eligible for consideration. Facsimiles will not be accepted. Resumes will not, nor will references to a resume, be accepted in lieu of a completed City application. Please note, that the City now notifies all applicants by e‑mail.

Applicants that indicate a paper notification preference, will still receive paper notices; however, the information contained in those notices will likely be delayed. During the recruitment process, we encourage applicants to check their e‑mail account frequently.

All applications will be screened and those candidates who present the most relevant qualifications and possess the required licenses and certificates for the position will be invited to continue in the selection process. The selection process may include testing and oral interviews. A Background Investigation, including a criminal record check may be required. All appointments are subject to the successful completion of a post‑offer medical exam (including a drug and alcohol screen).

Should a qualified individual with disabilities need reasonable accommodations in order to participate in the examination process, the City of La Palma must be notified no later than five working days…