Description
The Columbia Parks and Recreation Department is seeking the next Parks Planner! This highly skilled position plays a pivotal role in the Park Services team, and is responsible for park planning, project implementation, and capital project management. Columbia Parks and Recreation is a thriving and forward thinking agency with numerous capital and improvement project underway. The Park Planner is a professional dedicated to successfully implementing department strategic goals and meeting the high expectations Columbia residents have come to expect from our versatile department. Strong planning, engineering, project management, and construction knowledge are essential for collaboration with staff, community partners, and stakeholders. Salary range of $65,166 to $80,184 (minimum-midpoint), commensurate with experience, and requires availability Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, with varying evenings and weekends.
The purpose of this job is to perform project management for current and long-range development projects and improvements to park and trail amenities. Coordinates planning and implementation of various outreach, education, and awareness programs and special projects.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities - The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description
Develops planning documents for development, construction, and/or improvements to parks and trails. Participates on planning team to support and assist in development of routine to complex planning initiatives and capital projects. Oversees Memorial Heritage Bench Program.
Oversees community awareness and dissemination of information related to Columbia’s park and trail system. Designs content for department’s social media sites, responds to questions and concerns initiated by park and trail users, reviews and revises department’s web pages, presents to civic groups or organizations, and responds to media interviews as needed.
Assists with planning, writing, and compiling information for inclusion in Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan. Initiates engagement with stakeholders, staff, and public. Identifies relevant trends and updates facility standards.
Provides ongoing administration of programs, activities, and special projects.
Performs grant research and writing to assist with alternative funding from private, state, or federal agencies. Assists with post-award management.
Serves as Columbia Parks and Recreation liaison to assigned committees, boards, and commissions to assist in project development efforts. Participates in meetings, reviews and analyzes reports, and shares pertinent information with Parks and Recreation staff.
Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.
Performs other duties as assigned.
No supervisory authority. Work may require providing guidance and training to others.
Requirements
Bachelor’s Degree in Landscape Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or related field
3 to 5 years’ experience in park design and development, engineering, construction management, or related field.
Licenses or Certifications:
Valid driver’s license.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Construction management and standards, landscape and architectural design, and Best Management Practices (BMP).
Public meetings, record keeping, and communication according to Missouri Sunshine Law
Principles and practices of park planning.
Common business software applications such as Microsoft Office.
Budget control methods, policies, and procedures.
Skill in:
Communicating verbally and in writing to meet the needs of the audience.
Applying active listening and asking questions for understanding.
Utilizing graphic design software, word processing, spreadsheets, city maps, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Collecting, organizing, and analyzing complex and/or technical data.
Prioritizing project workflow to meet assigned deadlines.
Interpreting maps, deeds, plats, and plans.
Ability to:
Initiate media coverage and use interview techniques to promote awareness of planned projects.
Conduct research and create cost estimates for capital improvement projects, park/trail amenities, and projects.
Adhere to city purchasing procedures including preparation of bid specification documents and vendor agreements.
Organize and coordinate a broad range of special projects and parks development programs.
Write and present reports.
Apply logic and reasoning to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Provide effective customer service.
Regularly use a computer, software, phone and related office equipment.
