Parks Planning & Development Specialist-160167

Under general supervision, this position performs advanced professional project management support related to the planning, funding, design, construction, and implementation of capital improvement projects and strategic initiatives within the County's parks, open space, and trail system. The position provides technical coordination and support for multiple concurrent projects and assignments of varying scope and complexity and serves as the County's representative in facilitating project planning activities with consultants, contractors, governmental agencies, community stakeholders, and internal departments. Responsibilities include project planning, budget development, grant research, acquisition, and compliance; countywide development review, regulatory coordination, and supporting the planning, design, and construction initiatives of various capital projects and other infrastructure improvements within the County’s parks, trails, and open space system.

This position will be responsible for:

• Current and long-range park planning duties designing and developing plans for parks, open space, and trails including researching locations, analyzing community needs, creating layouts for park features, considering environmental factors, and help implement new park projects within Adams County. 
• Sourcing grant funding and the preparation of various local, state, and federal grant applications and the writing, applying, implementation, managing, reporting, and tracking guidelines and deadlines in the process for grants related to capital projects and open space acquisitions. 
• Public-sector stakeholder coordination.
• Exercising independent judgment under general supervision.

The anticipated hiring range for this role is $87,672.13 - $100,822.95. The full salary range for the role is $87,672.13 - $127,124.59.

• Develop project scopes, budgets, schedules, funding strategies, and implementation plans for a variety of projects, including park development, park renovations, trail construction, bridges, infrastructure improvements, and open space enhancements.
• Source, prepare, submit, administer, and monitor local, state, and federal grant applications and agreements; ensure compliance with funding requirements, reporting obligations, reimbursement requests, and grant closeout procedures.
• Review and evaluate plans, specifications, technical reports, environmental documents, permit applications, and development proposals to ensure compliance with project requirements, regulatory standards, and departmental objectives.
• Support implementation of departmental master plans, capital improvement programs, asset management initiatives, and long-range planning efforts related to parks, open space, and trails.
• Participate in development review processes and interagency coordination efforts to identify opportunities for park, trail, open space, conservation easement, and connectivity improvements.
• Support land acquisition, easement, conservation, and property management initiatives associated with capital projects and strategic departmental priorities.
• Respond to inquiries from residents, elected officials, partner agencies, and other stakeholders regarding project planning, implementation, funding, and departmental programs.

• Knowledge of planning, design, development, and maintenance principles related to parks, open space, trails, recreation facilities, and public infrastructure.
• Knowledge of grant funding programs, grant administration, and funding strategies applicable to parks, open space, and trail projects.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while balancing competing priorities, deadlines, budgets, and stakeholder expectations.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, permitting requirements, and industry standards related to public projects.

• Knowledge of sustainable practices like water conservation, native plant selection and habitat restoration.
• Understanding principles of landscape architecture, site planning and plant selection

• Ability to analyze complex issues, evaluate alternatives, identify risks, and develop practical solutions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, residents, consultants, contractors, partner agencies, and County staff.
• Strong written, verbal, presentation, and public engagement skills.
• Ability to prepare technical reports, project documentation, funding requests, and executive-level presentations.
• Knowledge of project management software, Microsoft Office applications, GIS, and other technology tools used to support planning, design, and project delivery.
• Ability to interpret technical plans, specifications, construction documents, and project-related data.
• Demonstrated commitment to customer service, collaboration, equity, and the County's values and cultural competencies.

Experience: 

• Five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience coordinating and administering park planning initiatives or capital improvement, infrastructure, construction, land development, or public-sector planning projects.
• Experience must include demonstrable responsibility for project planning and coordination, budget tracking, schedule management, consultant and contractor coordination, and engagement with internal and external stakeholders.

 
Education and Training: 

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Urban Planning, Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Public Administration, Civil Engineering, Natural Resource Management, Construction or Project Management, or a related field.
• A master’s degree is preferred and may substitute 2 years required professional experience.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the bachelor's degree. Without a degree, applicant must possess a minimum of 9 years’ relevant experience. 
   

Licenses and Certifications: 

• A professional license/certification in a related field is preferred but not required.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid driver's license.
   

Background Check: Must pass a criminal background check.

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

• None