Parks Planner 2 - Open Until Filled

Kitsap County•Bremerton, WA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Kitsap County Parks is seeking a Park Planner to guide the long-term stewardship, development, and growth of its parks and open space system. This role involves planning, project management, public engagement, and parks development, aiming to make a lasting impact on the county's natural, recreational, and cultural landscape. The Park Planner performs professional and administrative work in planning, coordinating, and administering park and open space land acquisition, park development, natural resource stewardship planning, and other key planning initiatives. This position conducts analytical work across a broad range of tasks related to parks planning, acquisition, development, and community engagement.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in planning, parks and recreation, natural resource management, public administration, landscape architecture, or a related field; and four years of experience in park, land-use, or natural resource planning; OR Associate degree in a related field and six years of experience in park, land-use, or natural resource planning; OR Eight years of experience in park, land-use, or natural resource planning.
Relevant work experience demonstrating required knowledge, skills, and abilities may substitute for educational requirements.
Work experience is essential and cannot be replaced by additional education.
Submit official transcripts from an accredited college or university or business school, if education is being used to meet the minimum qualifications.
Pass all job-related examinations/tests necessary to demonstrate required knowledge, skills and abilities, as determined by the hiring authority at time of job posting.
Authorize and complete a criminal background check.
Submit a copy a current driving record/abstract (from state of residency) to review for eligibility to drive for Kitsap County prior to employment.
Obtain a valid Washington State Driver’s License prior to hire and maintain a satisfactory driving record as outlined in the Kitsap County Vehicle Use Policy.

Nice To Haves

Experience forming and managing partnerships with public or private agencies
Familiarity with resource conservation practices in park design
Knowledge and use of GIS and ArcGIS software
Experience working in government, the public sector, or a Parks and Recreation department
American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Certification
Parks and Recreation System Master Planning Certification

Responsibilities

Manage and report on the Parks Planning Program.
Lead land acquisition efforts, including identifying, evaluating, and recommending properties for acquisition, development, or divestment.
Implement departmental goals and PROS Plan strategies.
Establish and maintain standards for trails, signage, and park infrastructure.
Research and pursue grants; prepare applications and support grant administration.
Review County contracts and permit applications for potential impacts to Parks.
Develop and update departmental plans, including PROS and long-range system planning.
Prepare planning studies, land-use analyses, and park master plans.
Create conceptual and preliminary site designs for park development.
Conduct site visits to assess acquisition and development feasibility.
Provide technical review and recommend improvements for park projects.
Support contract oversight and ensure timely preparation of planning and development documents.
Plan and lead public meetings, workshops, and outreach efforts to gather community input.
Conduct needs assessments and prepare presentation materials.
Represent the department to County staff, partner agencies, and community groups.
Present to the Board of County Commissioners, Parks Advisory Board, and other stakeholders.