Parks Planner I

About the position The importance of parks and recreation to the residents of Seattle cannot be overstated. The city has one of the world's best parks systems and recreational programming services. This is because the community has worked to protect existing resources and always seek opportunities to expand offerings. The staff at Seattle Parks and Recreation understand the responsibility they carry as stewards of these invaluable assets. We pride ourselves in our ability to meet the high expectations of our residents in a work environment that is friendly, professional, and compassionate. About Planning and Capital Development Branch (PCD) The Planning and Capital Development Branch (PCD) of Seattle Parks and Recreation acquires, plans, designs, and develops new park facilities, and makes improvements to existing park facilities to benefit the public. This effort includes providing engineering and other technical services to solve maintenance and operational problems. PCD also preserves open spaces through a combination of direct purchases, transfers, and consolidation of City-owned lands and resolution of property encroachment issues. Planning Unit Team The Planning Unit with PCD is responsible for asset management, long-term capital planning, and bringing all capital projects from initiation to concept development. This work is informed by continuous data analysis, prioritizing equitable investment, and aiming to avoid interruption of service to our communities as much as possible. We are a diverse team of project managers, designers, environmental scientists, geospatial specialists, funding strategists, and cutting-edge community planners. This role within the Planning Unit of Seattle Parks and Recreation will help us deliver long-term planning services that move SPR to a pro-active stance on climate change, equity, and asset management through high-quality and timely public service. Specifically, SPR is looking for someone with a passion for building strong relationships with community groups, effectively managing public assets, and efficiently steward public resources.

Responsibilities

• Supporting the development, management, and implementation of park's planning projects and asset renewal.
• Developing goals, objectives, and criteria for projects/programs.
• Evaluating and monitoring performance of projects/programs.
• Preparing RFPs and consultant contracts to support projects/programs
• Coordinating and monitoring the work of consultants.
• Serving as a liaison with other City departments and agencies, business interests, and community groups to coordinate planning activities, including public involvement process.
• Providing reports and maps to inform plans/policies and emergent requests.
• Planning events and other means to engage the public and stakeholders.
• Bringing projects through SPR and other required review processes to create schematic designs for capital improvement work.
• Managing condition assessments, feasibility studies, and other preliminary and pre-design processes to inform capital improvement planning.
• Developing scopes of work and coordinating with maintenance and operations staff for planned projects.
• Assisting higher level staff in presenting recommendations to elected officials and advisory boards.
• Preparing and delivering presentations that include charts, graphs, and other visual aids.
• Representing the Department at various meetings, hearings, and planning committees.

Requirements

• Requires two years of experience in planning and research related to land use, urban economics, human services, environmental issues, conservation; or other work directly related to City planning and development work; and a baccalaureate degree in planning, urban design, environmental studies, public administration, or related field (or a combination of education and/or training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class).

Nice-to-haves

• Three years of experience in planning and research related to open space development and preservation, land use, urban economics, environmental issues, conservation, or other work directly related to City planning and development work including at least two years of engaging with a diverse public, managing multiple projects concurrently, and a passion for public space creation/improvement.

Benefits

• The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package, including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.
• More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans

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