Job Details

Salary: $72,946.00 - $105,186.00 Annually
Location : Palm Desert, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2025-0021
Department: Development Services
Division: Development Services/Planning
Opening Date: 10/02/2025
Closing Date: 10/16/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Definition
The City of Palm Desert provides exemplary and sustainable services, amenities and programs for the benefit of the local and surrounding communities. When you interact with a City employee, you will find our collaborative, driven and efficient staff working together to provide strategic solutions for the community and each other. We are a city focused on external and internal customer service and try to find a way to say "yes," while not compromising the City's or our own integrity.
Our efforts are guided by our core values:

• Integrity
• Stewardship
• Service
• Community
• Innovation
• Teamwork

Our employees are passionate about innovation, collaboration and growth, which is supported by the City's Council and Executive Team. We are an environment that thrives on making changes, pivoting quickly, and is full of movers and shakers. We are constantly striving to improve processes and better our approach so that we can better support the needs of the City. If you have growth mindset and find change exciting, the City of Palm Desert may be your ideal working environment!
THE OPPORTUNITY

We're looking for a friendly and detail-oriented Management Aide to provide vital support to our Development Services Department. In this role, you'll assist staff with daily administrative and program-related tasks across multiple areas, including Building and Safety, Land Development Engineering, Planning, Housing, Homelessness and Supportive Services, Code Compliance, Permits, Short-Term Rental (STR) programs, business license processing, and cannabis-related city regulations. You'll serve as a key point of contact for the public and collaborate with other city departments to ensure smooth and efficient city operations. A strong passion for excellent customer service and teamwork is essential to succeed in this role. If you're eager to make a positive impact in your community and be part of a supportive, forward-thinking team, we encourage you to apply!
Under general supervision, performs a variety of routine professional administrative, analytical, technical, and programmatic duties in support of various administrative and programmatic operations and activities; provides administrative and analytical support to departments and divisions; coordinates assigned activities with other divisions, outside agencies, and the general public; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives supervision from assigned supervisory or management staff. Does not directly or indirectly supervise other professional staff but may supervise or provide work direction and training to employees.
Class Characteristics

Management Aide I: This is the entry-level classification in the Management Analyst series. Incumbents perform para-professional administrative and programmatic support and routine entry-level professional analysis duties while learning City policies, procedures, and specific techniques related to the area of assignment. Work progress is frequently reviewed, parameters of the work are well defined, and the methods and procedures necessary to complete the work are predetermined. As experience is gained, assignments gradually diversify, and incumbents work more independently. Job assignments are in specific departments and programs, where incumbents are expected to assist the department head, division manager, and higher-level analysts with program, operational, and administrative functions. This position is distinguished from Management Aide II in that this position usually exercises less independent discretion and judgment in work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while progressing and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.

Management Aide II: This is the journey-level classification in the Management Analyst series. Incumbents are responsible for supporting specialized studies, research and provide support on various projects. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of assigned projects and programs. Management Aide II is distinguished from Management Aide I by the level of responsibility assumed and the complexity of duties assigned.

Positions in the Management Aide I/II class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the Management Aide II level may be filled by advancement from the Management Aide I level; progression to the Management Aide II level is subject to management approval and is dependent on the incumbent (i) performing the full range of duties assigned to the II level, and (ii) acquiring the knowledge, skill, and experience necessary to meet the minimum qualifications for the II level of the series.

Management Aide II positions are distinguished from Management Analyst I/II and Senior Management Analyst in that the latter serves as a technical expert in multiple disciplinary and programmatic areas and/or manages the most complex, politically sensitive, and/or City-wide projects, programs, and initiatives that require advanced expertise to support management and City Council priorities and directives.
Examples of Typical Job Functions

• Performs a variety of routine professional administrative, analytical and technical duties requiring analysis and the application of specific program knowledge and administrative skills in support of a City department, division, program, or function; provides assistance in administrative and operating programs as assigned.
• Conducts research; collects and compiles information from various sources; analyzes data; prepares written and/or oral reports; assists in the preparation of grants; develops and revises forms and report formats.

• Assists in the preparation of the annual budget and monitors budget expenditures; prepares reviews (e.g., Requests for Proposals, Requests for Quotes, Scopes of Work, and Construction Specifications); manages bid processes and administers contracts and agreements; plans and recommends project budgets; prepares cost projections; monitors expenditures and ensures adherence to budgetary allowances; ensures compliance with City accounting and reporting requirements as well as applicable laws, regulations, and statutes.
• Participates in planning, coordinating, implementing, and promoting assigned programs, projects, and initiatives; participates in the development and implementation of program goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and priorities.
• Provides assistance in resolving operational and administration problems; identifies problem areas and issues and researches to find alternative solutions, makes recommendations, and assists in implementation of recommendations; conducts assessments of new and existing programs and special projects.
• Compile data and prepare reports in accordance with general guidelines.
• Participate in the preparation and revision of manuals and other administrative materials; provide administrative assistance in the implementation of new administrative procedures.
• Respond to inquiries and provide technical and administrative assistance to resolve complaints or refer to appropriate authority.
• Assists in monitoring and reporting on new and pending state and federal legislation and regulatory actions that may affect the City.
• Writes or assists in the preparation of comprehensive reports with detailed findings and recommendations; prepares written correspondence, including information materials, staff reports, and other regular or special reports.
• Plans and assists with public meetings and events.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends, technologies, and innovations in area(s) of assignment; research emerging products and enhancements and their applicability to City needs.
• Foster and maintain strong relationships with colleagues, residents, local businesses, community organizations, and stakeholders.
• May provide training, advisement, and instruction in assigned areas and projects.
• May represent the department and City to local businesses, the public, media, various regulatory agencies, community groups, and other agencies.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• Theories, principles, and practices of public and business administration as applied to assigned operations, programs, and projects.
• Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation, and evaluation, project management, budget development and administration, and contract administration.
• Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis, evaluation, development, and implementation of programs, policies, and procedures.
• Principles and techniques of conducting analytical studies, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting effective and technical reports.
• Public relations techniques.
• Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related to assigned programs, projects, and services.
• Basic principles and practices of employee leadership, including work planning, assignment, and monitoring, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Record keeping principles and procedures.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.

Ability to:

• Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Develop, implement, and manage assigned programs, projects, and activities in an independent and cooperative manner, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical and administrative reports.
• Assist in the development of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards.
• Coordinate and oversee departmental administrative, budgeting, and fiscal reporting activities.
• Plan and conduct effective management, administrative, and operational studies.
• Plan, organize, and carry out assignments from management staff with minimal direction.
• Analyze, interpret, summarize, and present administrative and technical information and data in an effective manner.
• Evaluate and develop improvements in operations, procedures, policies, or methods.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
• Plan, organize, schedule, assign, train, review, and evaluate the work of staff.
• Make accurate arithmetic and statistical computations.
• Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with the media, governmental agencies, community groups, and various businesses, professional, and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with individuals.
• Establish and maintain accurate databases, records, and files.
• Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Management Aide I/II: Equivalent to the completion of 60 semester (or equivalent quarter) units from an accredited college or university, with at least 15 units in business administration, accounting, public administration, or a related field. Bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration, or a related field and municipal experience is preferred.

Management Aide I: Two (2) years high level administrative, project, finance, or analytical experience. Prior professional management aide experience preferred.

Management Aide II: Four (4) years of Management Aide or equivalent experience. high level administrative, project, finance, or analytical experience. Prior professional management aide experience.

The City of Palm Desert offers a competitive benefits package to all employees. These benefits include:

• Competitive salary ()
• Medical, dental and vision coverage for employee and dependents (up to 100% paid by employer)
• 12 paid holidays annually
• 12 paid sick days annually
• Two weeks of annual paid vacation, additional vacation available for Management positions
• The City does not participate in the Social Security program, except for the mandatory 1.45% Medicare contribution.
• 2% @ 62 CalPERS retirement, 2% @ 55 for Classic Members
• IRC 125 Cafeteria Plan (flexible spending plans)
• Life insurance (equal to annual salary)
• Longterm Disability Plan
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment Coverage
• Retiree Health Savings Plan: 1% Employee Contribution, 1% Employer Match
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation Program
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Rideshare Incentive Program
• Qualified employer for PSLF Program eligibility

01

Instructions for completing the supplemental questionnaire: Responses to the questions below will be used to determine your eligibility to advance in the recruitment process. An attached resume is not an acceptable substitution for a completed application. Please do not type "see resume" or "see application" in your responses. Incomplete responses, false statements, or omissions may result in disqualification in the selection process. By continuing in the process, you are certifying that all information provided in the application and supplemental questionnaire is true to the best of your knowledge. Select "Yes" to reflect that you have read and understand this statement.

• Yes
• No

02

Please describe how you prioritize and manage multiple projects.
03

Describe your experience providing customer service at a public service counter in a Planning Department, including assisting customers with inquiries regarding property development and intake of planning applications.
04

Describe your experience with managing deadlines andon-going changes in priorities.
05

Please describe your experience in researching regulations, compiling data, and preparing written reports with recommendations. List examples of those reports.
06

APPLICANT'S ACKNOWLEDGMENT - NOTIFICATION VIA EMAIL: I understand that it is my responsibility to check my email, including junk mail or spam folders, for any communication from the City of Palm Desert. Communication will be sent via email to the email address I have provided on my application. Select "Yes" to reflect that you have read, understand, and agree to this statement.

• Yes
• No

Required Question