Parks Planning & Development Specialist

Responsibilities

• Develop project scopes, budgets, schedules, funding strategies, and implementation plans for a variety of projects, including park development, park renovations, trail construction, bridges, infrastructure improvements, and open space enhancements.
• Sources, prepares, submits, administers, and monitors local, state, and federal grant applications and agreements; ensures compliance with funding requirements, reporting obligations, reimbursement requests, and grant closeout procedures.
• Reviews and evaluates plans, specifications, technical reports, environmental documents, permit applications, and development proposals to ensure compliance with project requirements, regulatory standards, and departmental objectives.
• Supports implementation of departmental master plans, capital improvement programs, asset management initiatives, and long-range planning efforts related to parks, open space, and trails.
• Participates in development review processes and interagency coordination efforts to identify opportunities for park, trail, open space, conservation easement, and connectivity improvements.
• Supports land acquisition, easement, conservation, and property management initiatives associated with capital projects and strategic departmental priorities.
• Responds to inquiries from residents, elected officials, partner agencies, and other stakeholders regarding project planning, implementation, funding, and departmental programs.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of planning, design, development, and maintenance principles related to parks, open space, trails, recreation facilities, and public infrastructure.
• Knowledge of grant funding programs, grant administration, and funding strategies applicable to parks, open space, and trail projects.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while balancing competing priorities, deadlines, budgets, and stakeholder expectations.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, permitting requirements, and industry standards related to public projects.
• Understanding principles of landscape architecture, site planning and plant selection.
• Ability to analyze complex issues, evaluate alternatives, identify risks, and develop practical solutions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, residents, consultants, contractors, partner agencies, and County staff.
• Strong written, verbal, presentation, and public engagement skills.
• Knowledge of project management software, Microsoft Office applications, GIS, and other technology tools used to support planning, design, and project delivery.
• Ability to interpret technical plans, specifications, construction documents, and project-related data.
• Demonstrated commitment to customer service, collaboration, equity, and the County's values and cultural competencies.

More Qualifications for Success

• Five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience coordinating and administering park planning initiatives or capital improvement, infrastructure, construction, land development, or public-sector planning projects.
• Experience must include demonstrable responsibility for project planning and coordination, budget tracking, schedule management, consultant and contractor coordination, and engagement with internal and external stakeholders.
• A bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Urban Planning, Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Public Administration, Civil Engineering, Natural Resource Management, Construction or Project Management, or a related field.
• A master’s degree is preferred and may substitute 2 years required professional experience.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the bachelor's degree.
• Without a degree, applicant must possess a minimum of 9 years’ relevant experience.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid driver's license.
• Background Check: Must pass a criminal background check.