Senior Park Planner

City of Olympia•Cocoa, FL

46d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation Department is looking for a motivated, knowledgeable professional to join the Parks Planning & Design section as a Senior Park Planner. The successful candidate will join our team of park planners and park engineers to deliver high quality park capital development projects to the community. Key responsibilities of the Senior Park Planner position are to lead the development of the Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation Plan update every six years, serve as project manager for Park Master Plans, and utilize effective public engagement techniques to plan Olympia’s parks and recreation facilities. This is an exciting opportunity for planners who enjoy being involved in all phases of park project development. A flexible and hybrid schedule is available.

Requirements

Thorough knowledge of municipal government policies, procedures, structure, operations and objectives.
Thorough knowledge of applicable local, state and federal laws, codes, regulations and ordinances and land use statues related to urban planning.
Knowledge of current literature, trends, and developments in the park planning field.
Knowledge of planning information sources including demographic and economic data, environmental factors, land development trends, park development trends, and legal requirements.
Knowledge of engineering, architecture and cartographic illustration.
Knowledge of general principles and practices of governmental budgeting, accounting and purchasing.
Skill in the use of geographic information systems (GIS).
Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products (Word, Outlook and Excel) and applicable department and organization specific software and ability to learn and become proficient in the use of other specialized software as may be required.
Ability to compile, organize, analyze and evaluate technical and statistical data related to research projects.
Ability to read, interpret, apply and explain codes, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
Ability to advise and present reports to the public, as well as appointed and elected officials.
Ability to organize and oversee work programs including monitoring budgets, work schedules, grant requirements, and progress reports.
Skill in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions and approaches to problems.
Skill in adapting to a changing work environment, competing demands and ability to deal with frequent changes, delays or unexpected events.
Ability to draw and interpret charts and graphs.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those interacted with during work regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, disability, political affiliation, military service or diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
High school diploma or GED and nine (9) years of increasingly responsible experience in the planning field;
OR associate degree in a related field and seven (7) years of experience as listed above;
OR bachelor’s degree in urban planning, landscape architecture, public administration or a related field and five (5) years of experience as listed above;
OR master’s degree in urban planning, landscape architecture, public administration or a related field and three (3) years of experience as listed above;
OR a combination of experience, certification, education and training that demonstrates expertise in the related areas.
A valid Washington State driver’s license may be required.

Nice To Haves

Experience leading multi-faceted, complex planning processes, such as Comprehensive Plans, Regional Plans and/or Master Plans.
Understanding of land acquisition, park development, and municipal planning.
Experience with successful implementation of various public engagement techniques and commitment to equity and inclusion.
Knowledge in municipal budgeting, both capital and operating, and ability to develop scopes, budgets, grants and schedules for planning processes.
Experience and knowledge of local, state, and federal funding opportunities for parks acquisition and park development.
Ability to clearly communicate complex topics to the public, advisory committees and elected officials.
American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification or Landscape Architecture license is preferred.

Responsibilities

Leads comprehensive park and recreation system plan updates and plan implementation.
Develops policies and regulations related to parks and recreation matters.
Coordinate, develop and review park development plans and applications to ensure compliance with state laws and applicable rules, and local regulations and codes.
Acts as project manager on park development or planning projects; monitors and tracks the progress and status of assigned projects.
Develop Park master plans that include comprehensive and equitable public engagement.
Leads, facilitates and maintains park plans and plan updates; develops scope of work in collaboration with leadership, other departments, and elected officials.
Plans, implements and completes complex projects, assignments, programs and analysis within the scope of the division's responsibilities.
Reviews permit plans and applies for park development permits and approvals.
Develops and issues Request for Proposals (RFPs); manages and coordinates RFP evaluations and works with the City's legal department and successful proposer to finalize contracts; reviews contracts annually for performance.
Negotiates, administers and maintains grants, agreements and contracts with public agencies, funding agencies and private organizations.
Pursues and prepares park and recreation grant proposals by conducting research, gathering internal and external data to support grant requests, writing drafts, and obtaining approvals.
Collects and analyzes data for trends and performance measurement; coordinates with staff and other agencies on special data requests.
Provides technical and administrative assistance to Advisory Boards and Commissions, Council Committees, and City Council on park planning-related issues or special studies.
Stays current on legislation related to parks and recreation; participates in policy development committees; provides reports, and recommendations to leadership; coordinates the City’s position on proposed legislation to the City legislative liaison and contract lobbyist.
Responds to public inquiries with information on park planning projects, processes and policies.
Prepares and presents reports to hearing bodies, committees, community groups and private organizations to explain the impact of park projects and developments, including acting as the staff liaison to the Olympia Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee.
Prepares information for public meetings and staff reports; makes recommendations for hearing examiners, boards, commissions, councils or elected officials.
Presents and explains complex and controversial parks and recreation-related issues to community groups, appointed officials, elected officials, boards and commissions.
Conducts or directs complex studies related to parks and recreation.
Manages or conducts investigations on park planning issues, policies and their application; analyzes and prepares related documents and reports.
Leads and facilitates staff teams from multiple City departments in completing major projects and programs to serve the City’s community members.
Organizes, directs, and controls the preparation of a variety of ordinances, guidelines, studies, investigative reports, and numerical data related to parks planning, development and infrastructure impacts.
May schedule and motivate personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; make recommendations regarding disciplinary action.
Identify and analyze potential park land acquisition properties and coordinate with landowners, grantors, consultants, legal staff, and elected officials to pursue acquisition when desired.
Coordinate with parks engineers, consultants, permitting agencies and elected officials as needed to deliver Parks capital projects.
May coordinate Geographic Information System (GIS) technology with other divisions and departments.
Punctual, regular and reliable attendance and ability to meet deadlines is essential for successful job performance.