Planner

Bend Metro and Park Recreation District•Bend, OR

10d

About The Position

The Planner conducts research, analysis, and presentation of highly complex data concerning the District’s physical, environmental, or economic conditions. The position advises planning commissions and committees and coordinates planning activities with local governments, other agencies, developers, and citizen groups. It manages planning projects and programs, including consultant work, budgets, scopes, and schedules; conducts specialized research; evaluates impacts on District properties and facilities; and makes recommendations to support District planning goals. The Planner may also assist with comprehensive plans, grant applications and administration, public outreach, and written responses to public and agency inquiries. The position acts as a Mandatory Reporter and reports incidents of child abuse or neglect. This exempt position works under the supervision of a Principal Planner. It does not normally supervise others, but provides direction and guidance to consultants, contractors, and sometimes District staff or volunteers. Work is primarily office-based, with travel to sites in, around, or outside the greater Bend area. Duties may also take place outdoors in varied weather and on uneven terrain. The schedule varies according to workload and operational needs; weekday evening work and occasional weekend work are expected.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required; a degree in Planning, Park Resource Management, or a related field is preferred.
Five years of progressive work experience in planning, or a satisfactory combination of education, experience, and training.
Knowledge of comprehensive park, trail, and urban planning principles and practices, contract administration, project management, and grant writing.
Knowledge of applicable city and county codes, state and federal laws, and relevant land-use and development regulations.
Knowledge of park and facility development, maintenance, construction, and asset management; budgeting; public and community outreach; meeting facilitation and public meeting laws; customer service; basic math; English grammar and composition; technical writing; public speaking; and web management concepts, tools, and software.
Ability to independently manage and coordinate planning projects, studies, and activities; facilitate meetings and input processes; and communicate effectively and persuasively in writing and verbally, including public speaking.
Ability to exercise sound judgment and initiative, make decisions, meet deadlines, solve problems creatively, resolve conflicts, and plan and organize work.
Ability to operate computers and relevant word-processing, presentation, and spreadsheet software.
Ability to work collaboratively with departments, community groups, regional and state organizations, and others to accomplish goals and address park and planning needs.
Ability to evaluate services and make adjustments, work effectively in a team-oriented environment, and maintain constructive, respectful relationships with staff and the public.
Possess or be able to obtain a valid Oregon driver’s license within 30 days, with an acceptable driving history, if driving a vehicle for District business. A license or acceptable driving history is not required to qualify for the position, but is required to drive a vehicle for District business.
Ability to travel to work sites in, around, or outside the greater Bend area; additional sites may be visited throughout the workday using a motor vehicle or other transportation.
Ability to remain stationary for extended periods, move around the office, maintain concentration on computer screens, use keyboards and standard office equipment, and perform site-inspection activities involving walking, uneven terrain, lifting and carrying up to 30 pounds unassisted, pushing, pulling, grasping, reaching, bending, crouching, and kneeling.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Park Resource Management, or a related field.
Experience or training that provides a satisfactory combination of education, experience, and training in place of the stated degree and experience requirements.

Responsibilities

Manage projects or programs, including coordinating and overseeing consultants, developing and managing budgets, and ensuring work meets scope and budget specifications.
Conduct research on specialized topics such as growth management, environmental sustainability, and parks and recreation.
Analyze complex data to evaluate potential impacts on current and future District properties and facilities, and recommend future planning approaches.
Coordinate with developers and government agencies on pending land-use applications and development plans to address District interests and goals.
Serve as a technical expert in one or more planning areas, and present research and reports to the District, community groups, agencies, and committees.
Assist with comprehensive plans for District programs or projects to promote efficient resource use and compliance with long-range goals.
Coordinate with agencies and citizen groups to present research and gather information; prepare written responses to public and agency inquiries.
Participate in preparing grant applications and administering grant funds.
Act as a Mandatory Reporter and report incidents of child abuse or neglect.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.