Parks Planning and Program Manager

Main Duties And Responsibilities

Leads and manages the planning functions of the department.

Establishes divisional/departmental work plans and monitors progress toward goals and objectives that align with the department’s mission, vision and master plan.

Plans, designs, bids and oversees park, trail, cemetery and golf infrastructure projects.

Prepares and administers the department’s annual capital budget and five-year capital improvement program, monitors progress of capital budget projects.

Led the preparation of requests for proposals, contract management for long-range comprehensive planning documents and individual park master plans.

Operationalizes the Parks Master Plan and ensures alignment with the city’s strategic plan.

Develops and updates park plans; evaluates and analyzes issues and recommends solutions with site analysis, project design and technical plans for parks, trails, open spaces and recreation facility projects.

Establishes policy, long-range plans, programs, identifies funding sources, and allocates funding for park, trail, cemetery and golf improvements to ensure intentional asset management.

Oversees and administers the department’s land acquisition program.

Collaborates with multiple agencies and departments for project and program administration; represents the department on park projects and community initiatives.

Develops community engagement strategies with staff including oversight of engagement efforts for facilitating community meetings, dialogue, and procedures.

Oversees and administers state, federal and private grant funds for park acquisition and development include supervising grant preparation and adherence to compliance regulations.

Oversees the department’s Equity-Centered Capital Investment Plan program.

Supervises the work of professional and administrative staff; participates in hiring, training and disciplinary actions; delegates work assignments; conducts performance evaluations.

Represents the Department on various committees in Citywide meetings and at other Department community meetings.

Responds to City Commission, Executive Office, Director, other Public Agency and Public (resident and business) inquiries, questions and issues via phone, email and at public meetings.

Minimum Training And Experience

Minimum Education and Expertise:

• Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, architecture, landscape architecture or a related field
• 5 years of experience in civil engineering including responsibility for managing capital infrastructure projects

Other Information:

• We Offer Medical, Dental, and Vision starting on Day 1
• 16% employee 401a contribution with employer matching (6% or 7% based on bargaining unit)
• Employee & Employer contributions to Retiree Health Savings Account
• Voluntary benefits such as term life insurance, flexible spending accounts, accidental insurance, disability insurance, and deferred compensation plan options
• Twelve Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation and Sick Time
• Paid Parking (if applicable)
• Employee Home Ownership Incentive
• Tuition Reimbursement and professional development opportunities
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program with free mental health counseling
• Comprehensive Wellness program with a health and wellness incentive
• Employee Discounts and Perks

The City of Grand Rapids does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy or gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.