Parks Project Specialist

City of Hillsboro•Or 97124, OR

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The City of Hillsboro Parks & Recreation Department is seeking an organized and collaborative project professional to support the planning and development of parks, trails, and recreation amenities throughout the community. This full-time position supports capital projects, strategic initiatives, long-range planning, and adopted system-plan priorities. The work brings together land use review, trail development, grants, consultant contracts, community engagement, accessibility, technical documentation, and field-based project support. This position reports to the Parks Planning & Development Manager and works within a seven-FTE team that includes Project Specialists, Project Managers, and a Watershed Restoration Coordinator. This position combines project coordination, technical review, community collaboration, and field-based work to help advance Parks & Recreation priorities. You will support capital projects, strategic initiatives, long-range planning, and work identified in adopted strategic and system plans. At the beginning, much of the work will be completed in a support capacity while you learn the department, division, City processes, and partner relationships. As you build knowledge and experience, you will take greater ownership of smaller projects and complete assignments with less day-to-day support or oversight. The role balances detailed technical and administrative work with regular communication and problem-solving. On any given project, you may review plans and maps, coordinate consultant deliverables, prepare grant documentation, organize community input, maintain project records, or visit a park, trail, or construction site.

Requirements

The ability to read and interpret plans, maps, specifications, design documents, and other technical materials.
Experience coordinating projects or assignments with multiple deadlines, stakeholders, and deliverables.
Strong organization and prioritization skills, including the ability to adjust when project needs or timelines change.
Clear written communication skills and the ability to prepare concise emails, reports, summaries, and presentation materials.
An approachable, conversational communication style and confidence presenting information to community members, technical professionals, project partners, and decision-makers.
The ability to build productive working relationships across City departments and with consultants, public agencies, developers, property owners, community organizations, and residents.
Experience supporting inclusive community engagement and working respectfully with people from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives.
The ability to respond professionally when community members are frustrated or raise concerns outside the position’s immediate area of responsibility.
Sound judgment, attention to detail, and a practical approach to identifying problems and developing workable solutions.
Curiosity, initiative, and a willingness to learn, grow, and connect project work with the value parks and trails bring to the community.
Associate’s degree in a closely related field; and three years of related experience in the area of assignment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.
Valid, current driver’s license and safe driving record.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in planning, landscape architecture, parks and recreation, environmental science, geography, public administration, community development, or a closely related field.
Park, trail, land use, or community planning.
Grant writing or grant administration.
Contract administration or budget tracking.
ArcGIS or comparable geographic information system tools.
AutoCAD or comparable design tools.
Inclusive community engagement.
Experience with City-specific municipal codes, development-review processes, and Adobe Creative Suite is not required; these skills can be learned in the role.
Experience developed through work in parks and recreation, urban or regional planning, landscape architecture, community development, public administration, project coordination, grant administration, engineering support, or another closely related setting.

Responsibilities

Support and coordinate the Parks & Recreation Department’s review of land use applications and development proposals, including reviewing design documents and evaluating potential impacts on parks, trails, easements, partnerships, and community connections.
Support capital projects, strategic initiatives, long-range planning, and adopted system-plan priorities that help move department work forward.
Support larger projects led by Project Managers and progressively coordinate smaller assigned projects, including schedules, milestones, consultant activities, documentation, communication, and deliverables.
Support the planning, design, and construction of parks, trails, and recreation amenities by reviewing project materials, visiting sites, and documenting construction progress through notes and photographs.
Research and evaluate potential trail easements, property connections, and partnership opportunities that support the planned trail network.
Prepare grant applications and administer awarded funding in coordination with City staff and external partners, including tracking requirements, completing reports, and preparing reimbursement requests.
Assist with consultant selection, contract administration, budget tracking, and review of project deliverables.
Coordinate inclusive community and partner engagement activities, including presentations, public meetings, stakeholder communication, materials, and logistics.
Prepare maps, presentations, reports, summaries, and other project materials for community members, advisory groups, City departments, partners, and management.
Maintain accurate project records, reference materials, easement information, technical documentation, and supporting data while keeping communication open with supervisors, coworkers, and project partners.

Benefits

Competitive pay with City contributions to PERS retirement
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
Paid time off for vacation, sick leave, holidays, and more
Deferred compensation match and HRA VEBA contributions to boost your future savings
City-paid life, AD&D, and long-term disability insurance
Bilingual pay incentives
Wellness reimbursements
Free TriMet annual Hop pass
SHARC recreation access for you and your family
Paid time off to volunteer in the community through Hillsboro Helps
Ongoing professional development and training opportunities
A supportive workplace that values work/life balance and employee wellness