Park Engineer

Great Parks; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Great Parks is seeking a licensed Professional Engineer to lead park development and infrastructure projects across Hamilton County. You will manage planning, design, and construction of trails, roadways, bridges, and facilities while ensuring environmental stewardship and regulatory compliance.

The role involves coordinating with planners, landscape architects, consultants, and government agencies, plus on-site oversight and asset management support. Office and field work are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in civil or environmental engineering is required.
• PE license in Ohio or ability to obtain/maintain licensure as required.
• 3–8 years of experience in project engineering, PM, or related roles.
• Strong knowledge of civil engineering principles, construction, permitting, and compliance.
• Experience with public infrastructure such as trails, roadways, bridges, utilities, and stormwater.
• Familiarity with consultant management, bidding, contracts, and construction observation.
• Knowledge of engineering design software and CAD (CADD).
• Valid driver's license as required by the organization.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a diverse portfolio of park development and infrastructure projects from planning through construction.
• Prepare, review, and approve construction plans, specs, cost estimates, and feasibility studies.
• Coordinate with consultants, surveyors, contractors, and public agencies to ensure project delivery.
• Oversee design and construction of roads, trails, bridges, parking, stormwater, utilities, dams, shelters, docks, and park facilities.
• Conduct on-site construction observation; monitor progress, resolve issues, and manage change orders within budget and schedule.
• Obtain and coordinate required permits from federal, state, and local authorities.
• Provide technical expertise on infrastructure planning, stream restoration, and asset management.

Skills

Project management

Civil engineering knowledge

Regulatory compliance

Contract administration

CADD software

GIS knowledge

Valid driver's license

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering

Professional Engineer (PE) license in Ohio

Tools

CADD applications

GIS

Job description

• Are you a licensed Professional Engineer who is passionate about creating lasting community assets while preserving natural environments?
• Do you enjoy managing diverse infrastructure projects from concept through construction, balancing technical excellence with environmental stewardship?
• Are you looking for a role where you can shape the future of one of the region's premier park systems while collaborating with talented planners, landscape architects, consultants, and government agencies?

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Great Parks is one of the region's premier park and conservation systems, managing more than 18,000 acres across 23 parks and conservation areas throughout Hamilton County. Serving millions of visitors annually, Great Parks is a recognized leader in trail development, conservation, recreation, and community enhancement. The Park Engineer plays a critical role in shaping the infrastructure that connects people to nature through trails, bridges, roadways, recreational facilities, and environmental improvement projects.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

• Lead and manage a diverse portfolio of park development and infrastructure improvement projects from planning through construction completion.
• Prepare, review, and approve construction plans, specifications, contract documents, cost estimates, feasibility studies, and technical reports.
• Coordinate with engineering consultants, surveyors, contractors, and public agencies to ensure successful project delivery.
• Oversee the design and construction of roads, trails, bridges, parking facilities, stormwater systems, utilities, dams, shelters, docks, and other park infrastructure.
• Conduct on-site construction observation to monitor progress, resolve technical issues, negotiate change orders, and ensure quality, budget, and schedule compliance.
• Obtain and coordinate required permits and approvals from federal, state, and local authorities.
• Provide technical expertise on infrastructure planning, stream restoration, green infrastructure, roadway design, and asset management initiatives.
• Support long‑term infrastructure planning through inspections, condition assessments, maintenance planning, and capital improvement recommendations.
• Manage project budgets, approve invoices, and ensure responsible stewardship of public resources.
• Collaborate closely with planners, landscape architects, operational teams, and leadership to advance the mission and strategic goals of Great Parks.

IDEAL CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering (or similar) required.
• Professional Engineer (PE) registration in the State of Ohio, or ability to obtain/maintain licensure as required.
• Approximately 3-8 years of experience as a Project Engineer, Project Manager, or similar role involving the design and/or construction management of municipal, public sector, or infrastructure projects.
• Strong knowledge of civil engineering principles, construction practices, project management, permitting, and regulatory compliance.
• Experience with public infrastructure such as trails, roadways, bridges, utilities, stormwater systems, or related facilities.
• Familiarity with consultant management, contract administration, bidding processes, and construction observation.
• Working knowledge of engineering design software and CADD applications.
• Valid driver's license meeting organizational requirements.
• Experience with GIS, traffic engineering, bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, or public-sector capital improvement projects is a plus.

KEY PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Passion for public service, conservation, and enhancing community spaces.
• Collaborative relationship‑builder who works effectively across disciplines and stakeholder groups.
• Strong technical problem solver with the ability to balance practical solutions and long‑term goals.
• Effective communicator able to translate complex engineering concepts for both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Organized, detail‑oriented project leader with strong budgeting and scheduling skills.
• Adaptable, resourceful professional who thrives in dynamic project environments.
• Committed to integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement.

THE PAYOFF

This is a unique opportunity to combine engineering expertise with a meaningful mission. As Park Engineer, you will directly influence the development, preservation, and enhancement of parks, trails, and recreational assets that serve thousands of community members each year. You'll enjoy broad project exposure, significant ownership of impactful initiatives, and the chance to leave a lasting legacy on the region's natural and recreational infrastructure.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

• Reports to the Director of Corridor & Trail Development.
• Based within the Planning Division.
• Requires a combination of office and field work, including regular visits to active project and construction sites.
• Opportunity to work on high‑visibility infrastructure projects that support recreation, conservation, and community engagement throughout the Great Parks system.