Park Planner Senior
About The Position
The Park Planner Senior is responsible for leading and managing complex planning and development projects for parks, trails, open space, and recreational facilities. This position plays a key role in long-range planning, master planning, capital project development, grant acquisition, and public engagement. The Park Planner Senior provides expert guidance and coordination with internal departments, external agencies, and community stakeholders to ensure park projects align with strategic goals, community needs, and environmental best practices. Additionally, the Park Planner Senior will supervise the growing Natural/Cultural Resource Division.
Requirements
- Three years of progressively responsible professional experience in park or open space planning, including at least one year in a supervisory role
- Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Landscape Architecture, Parks and Recreation Management, Environmental Design, or a related field
- Master's degree or higher in a related field may substitute for up to two years of the experience requirement
Nice To Haves
- American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification
- Supervisory experience in a public agency or multidisciplinary team setting
- Experience managing staff performance, mentoring planners, or leading project teams
- Strong project management skills, including budgeting, scheduling, and coordination
- Proficient in GIS, AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, or related planning/design software
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including public presentations and report writing
- Ability to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines
- Knowledge of environmental regulations, ADA compliance, and sustainable design principles
- Experience in interagency collaboration or working in a public-sector environment
Responsibilities
- Lead and manage park planning projects, including master plans, feasibility studies, resource management, site analysis, and development plans, including cost estimates and capital improvement phasing
- Coordinate the development of long-range strategic plans, trail connectivity studies, and open space preservation efforts
- Monitor planning trends, best practices, and regulations related to parks, recreation, land use, and environmental sustainability
- Collaborate with internal and county staff to align planning with implementation
- Facilitate public engagement processes, including community meetings, stakeholder interviews, and surveys
- Draft and review technical documents such as RFPs, RFQs, and scopes of work for consultants and contractors
- Manage resource staff, consultant contracts, project timelines, and deliverables
- Oversee grant applications and compliance for federal, state, and local funding programs
- Present plans, proposals, and updates to boards, commissions, and elected officials
- Other job duties as assigned
Benefits
- Work with a greater purpose
- Tuition reimbursement
- Exceptional work-life balance, with a hybrid work schedule option
- Opportunities for growth and development within Maricopa County
- Low-cost, high-value healthcare for you and your qualifying dependents
- Child care benefits, including access to our on-site center, Maricopa County Kids Club, dedicated to serving Maricopa County families exclusively
- Paid vacation, sick time, and parental leave
- Extensive wellness program, including healthcare premium discounts
- Maricopa County participates in the Arizona State Retirement System. This defined retirement benefit requires a 12% monthly contribution rate and includes a 100% employer match on Day 1
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
