Park Design and Development Manager

About the role

The City of Bellingham Parks & Recreation Department is seeking an inspiring leader to direct the planning, design, construction and repair of parks, trails and facilities in our community’s outdoor spaces. This role is part of the department’s management team and participates in strategic planning, budgeting, and organizational collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Plans and oversees the development, administration and implementation of Parks capital plans for the City to ensure effective completion of projects in compliance with budgetary, regulatory and schedule guidelines.
• Oversees the development and administration of the Parks, Recreation and Open Space element of the Comprehensive Plan, six-year capital improvement plan, Greenway Levy Program, Park Impact Fee Program, and other programs.
• Plans, organizes, coordinates, assigns and evaluates the work of professional and technical staff in the Park Development Section.
• Provides technical assistance, guidance and training as needed.
• Effectively recommends employees for hire, establishes performance standards, conducts performance appraisals and recommends disciplinary action as necessary.
• May recruit and train volunteers.
• Solves problems between developers, contractors, consultants and City staff.
• Oversees and coordinates public work capital projects.
• Prepares project budgets, and reviews bids for award of contracts.
• Negotiates contracts, schedules work and monitors for compliance with specifications and completeness.
• Approves design changes, progress payments and change orders.
• Addresses inquiries and complaints.
• Reviews feasibility studies, participates in public meetings, and assesses environmental impacts.
• Provides information and assistance as needed and expedites decisions on critical issues.
• Prepares or oversees preparation of requests for proposals, contract documents and plans, specifications, cost estimates, and environmental impact statements; reviews and approves final design estimates; negotiates and/or recommends award of contracts and oversees consultant/contractor agreements.
• Reviews the work of civil engineers, architects, landscape architects and other professionals to assure that all phases of work meet acceptable standards.
• Resolves difficult disputes, claims, and inspection problems referred by subordinates.
• Ensures projects meet building codes, ADA and environmental standards; oversees application for conditional use permits.
• Makes presentations on projects to the City's Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, City Council, community groups, and other decision-making bodies; leads public input processes.
• Develops policies and procedures.
• Collects and analyzes information related to the parks, recreation, trails and open space needs of the City and develops recommendations for modifications or revisions to the Comprehensive Plan and related City ordinances.
• Reviews public and private development proposals to assure compliance with recommendations, goals, policies and standards of the park, recreation and open space element of the Comprehensive Plan.
• Reviews and researches management plans that address landscape enhancement, landscape restoration and wildlife habitat.
• Affasses natural functions and values of development and conservation sites related to public projects.
• Collaborates with key staff within the Parks and Recreation Department and with city planning and other personnel; provides input on relevant issues of administrative policy and practice.
• Oversees, negotiates and monitors property acquisitions and leases with property management staff.
• Makes recommendations on park dedications and donations.
• Prepares budgets, manages and tracks expenditures to ensure projects are completed within funding and time limits.
• Forecasts funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitors and approves expenditures; recommends adjustments as necessary.
• Oversees capital grant funding utilizing both State and Federal funding sources.
• Includes researching funding opportunities, writing grant applications, delivering presentations and managing awarded grants by monitoring expenditures and ensuring compliance with all reporting requirements, rules and regulations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture, architecture, engineering, planning or a related field.
• Five years of experience in planning, design and capital project management.
• Two years of supervisory experience.
• Experience in public work capital project management preferred.

Qualifications

An equivalent combination of education experience sufficient to provide the applicant with the knowledge, skill and ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the job will be considered.

Skills

Knowledge of park planning and development principles and practices.

Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Benefits

The City of Bellingham offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• 13.33 hours of vacation leave per month, with increased accrual over time
• 12 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday per year
• 40 hours of sick leave upon hire + 8 hours accrued monthly
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families
• Life insurance and long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts and medical insurance opt-out program
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Washington State Retirement plan (DRS) for retirement security
• Optional 457 deferred compensation savings plan and 401(a) Retirement Savings Plan with employer match

Pay

The current full salary range for this position is $10,565/month - $12,842/month.

Schedule

This is a position with minimal to moderate physical exertion requirements. Physical ability to perform the essential functions of the job, including: Frequently operate a computer and other office machinery such as a keyboard, mouse, phone, and fax machine; Frequently communicate accurate information and ideas with others; Occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions; Occasionally traverse uneven terrain; Remain stationary for long periods of time; Transport objects weighing up to 35 pounds.