Planner

Bend Park and Recreation•Bend, OR

10d•$85,262 - $105,730

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, agencies, and citizen groups. It may serve as a technical expert in areas such as land use, transportation, energy management, or economic development. The Planner manages projects and programs, including consultant coordination, budgets, scope, and deliverables; researches specialized topics; evaluates complex data and potential impacts on District properties and facilities; and makes recommendations to support future planning. The role coordinates with developers and government agencies on land-use applications and development plans, assists with comprehensive plans, communicates research to District and community audiences, responds to inquiries, and may prepare grant applications and administer grant funds. The position also serves as a Mandatory Reporter for incidents of child abuse or neglect. This is a full-time exempt, benefitted position. The schedule varies according to workload and needs; weekday evening work and occasional weekends are expected. Work is primarily in an office, with travel to sites in, around, or outside the greater Bend area and periodic outdoor work in varied weather and uneven terrain. The Planner works under the supervision of a Principal Planner and may guide consultants, contractors, staff, or volunteers on assigned projects.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required; Planning, Park Resource Management, or a related field preferred, and five years of progressive work experience in planning, or a satisfactory combination of education, experience, and training.
Possess, or be able to obtain within 30 days, a valid Oregon driver’s license with an acceptable driving history if driving for District business is required. Lack of a license or an unacceptable driving history does not disqualify the applicant from the position, but does prevent driving a vehicle for District business.
Knowledge of comprehensive park, trail, and urban planning principles and practices and contract administration.
Knowledge of project management and grant writing.
Substantial 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.
Knowledge of budgeting principles, public and community outreach, meeting facilitation, public meeting laws, and customer service principles.
Knowledge of 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.
Ability to facilitate meetings and input processes involving the public, organizations, and volunteer groups.
Ability to communicate effectively and persuasively in writing and verbally, including public speaking.
Ability to exercise good judgment and initiative, meet deadlines, make sound decisions, and solve problems creatively and resolve conflicts.
Strong planning, organization, interpersonal, and collaboration skills; ability to work cooperatively with departments, community groups, and regional and state organizations.
Proficiency with computers and relevant word-processing, presentation, and spreadsheet software.
Ability to evaluate services and make necessary adjustments, work effectively in a collaborative team environment, and maintain constructive, respectful relationships with staff and the public.
Ability to work in an office environment with moderate noise, frequent interruptions, and sustained concentration on computer screens; use keyboards and standard office equipment.
Ability to travel to locations in, around, or outside the greater Bend area.
Ability to remain stationary for extended periods, move around the office, walk across uneven terrain, and lift and carry up to 30 pounds unassisted; perform pushing, pulling, grasping, reaching, bending, crouching, and kneeling for site inspections.
Availability to work varied hours, including some long hours, weekday evening meetings, and occasional weekend events.

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 park and recreation issues.
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, government agencies, or committees.
Assist in preparing comprehensive plans for District programs or projects to support 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, as needed.
Act as a Mandatory Reporter and report incidents of child abuse or neglect.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
Travel to sites and conduct inspections, including periodic outdoor work in varied weather and uneven terrain.
Provide direction and guidance to consultants and contractors and, as assigned, District staff or volunteers.