Parks Development Project Manager

City of Lakewood•Lakewood City Hall, WA

About The Position

Under the direction of the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services (PRCS) Director, the Parks Development Project Manager manages PRCS capital improvement projects from initial vision and public outreach through construction and closeout. The role ensures projects comply with plans, permits, contract specifications, grant requirements, budgets, and applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies. Work includes park and open-space planning, land acquisition, community outreach, grant administration, consultant selection and management, and construction project management and closeout. This is an AFSCME-represented, non-exempt position eligible for overtime. The recruitment is open until filled, and the ideal start date is January 2, 2027.

Requirements

A typical qualification is a bachelor’s degree emphasizing parks and recreation, landscape architecture, planning, civil engineering, business, public administration, or a related field, combined with three years of contract management experience, including construction contract management and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations; equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
A valid driver’s license with a driving record meeting an acceptable safety standard at hire and throughout employment.
Must be at least 18 years old.
Knowledge of park planning and civil, structural, landscape, and architectural design; construction project scheduling and management; applicable laws, codes, regulations, permits, policies, and procedures, including critical-area and ADA design standards; Pacific Northwest plant palettes; public open-space maintenance and operational standards; governmental accounting; negotiation; recordkeeping; interpersonal skills; and modern office practices and equipment.
Ability to plan, prioritize, and organize multiple projects and meet deadlines with minimal supervision; prepare, negotiate, and monitor contracts; analyze complex information and implement corrective action; ensure regulatory compliance; develop and manage budgets; maintain detailed records; prepare and present clear reports; interpret construction specifications and drawings; communicate effectively orally and in writing; establish cooperative working relationships; operate office equipment and accounting software; and safely operate a motor vehicle.
Ability to work in the field, inspect property and construction sites in all weather conditions and over rough terrain; travel to work sites and meetings; and meet the stated physical demands, including lifting or carrying boxes up to 20 pounds.
Three years of contract management experience is specified; the posting describes the typical education-and-experience combination as a relevant combination of seven years.

Nice To Haves

Experience with federal or state grant funding, public works, and/or community development.

Responsibilities

Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.
Prepare cost estimates and analyses; manage project expenses within approved budgets and contracts; review invoices, resolve issues, ensure timely payments, track expenses, seek funding reimbursements, and update project budgets and fiscal reports.
Communicate with departments, consultants, and stakeholders to support project completion within budget and timelines; respond to citizen questions and concerns; and keep relevant parties informed of project status and issues.
Serve as staff liaison or participant at project-related meetings and develop materials for community outreach and project development.
Monitor construction sites for contract compliance and recommend corrective action; review, coordinate, draft, or respond to submittals, change orders, and pay applications; and oversee project closeout.
Solicit project design through requests for proposals or qualifications; develop scopes of work and evaluation processes; coordinate consultant selection; and communicate with applicants.
Draft, review, negotiate, and execute contracts for purchasing, design, permitting, construction, and grants; monitor contracts, expenditures, and performance.
Assist with land acquisition, including parcel identification and negotiations, and coordinate with property owners, city attorneys, title companies, consultants, permitting agencies, and grant agencies.
Review architectural and engineering plans and drawings for compliance with ordinances and policies; identify deficiencies and work with designers and engineers to revise plans.
Prepare, submit, track, and support federal, state, and local permits related to land use, construction, acquisition, tree removal, cultural resource surveys, utilities, and zoning.
Create and maintain project files and reports to meet applicable rules and policies; respond to public records requests by locating and submitting records and tracking time as required.
Research, prepare, and present financial, narrative, and other project information to grant agencies, City Council, boards and commissions, and community stakeholder groups; submit progress reports and other required grant or contract documentation.
Promote workplace safety through everyday actions and leadership and ensure contract documents include appropriate safety protocols.