Parks Development Project Manager

City of Lakewood, Washington; Lakewood (WA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Lakewood, Washington is seeking a Project Manager to oversee capital improvement projects for the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services (PRCS) department from concept through construction and closeout.

The role requires managing budgets, permits, contracts, and federal/state/local requirements, plus community outreach, land acquisition, and grant administration. AFSCME represented position with regular interviews and a tentative start in early January 2027.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in parks and recreation, landscape architecture, planning, civil engineering, business, public administration or related field.
• Three (3) years of experience in contract management, including construction contract management and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. Seven (7) years as a relevant combination.

Responsibilities

• Attend and manage capital improvement projects from vision to closeout.
• Coordinate budgeting, invoicing, and grant reimbursements; track costs and budgets.

Skills

Project management

Budgeting

Public outreach

Contract management

Grant administration

Land acquisition

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Job description

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services (PRCS) Director, this position is responsible for managing capital improvement projects for the PRCS department from project vision and public outreach to construction and closeout; and ensuring adherence to plans, permits, contract specifications, grant requirements, budgets, and federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies. The position performs a broad range of professional and administrative functions, including park and open space planning, land acquisition, community outreach, grant administration, consultant selection and management, and construction project management and closeout.

AFSCME Represented Position

This is an AFSCME represented position.

Interviews are tentatively scheduled for the week of December 1, 2026. The ideal start date of the position would be January 2, 2027.

Essential Duties

Essential duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Attendance: Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.
• Budget and Funding: Prepare cost estimates and analysis; prepare and manage project expenses to approved budget and contract; review invoices for appropriateness and resolve issues; ensure timely payment; track and prepare documentation for expenses and seek outside funding reimbursements as appropriate; and update project budgets in coordination with allocated funds and fiscal (budget) reports.
• Communication: Communicate with other departments, consultants, and stakeholders to facilitate project completion within established budget and timelines; respond to citizen questions, concerns, and complaints; keep all relevant parties apprised of project status, concerns, and/or issues.
• Community Outreach: Serves as staff liaison and/or participant at meetings concerning projects or proposals; develop presentation materials to support community outreach and project development.
• Construction Management: Monitor progress at project sites to ensure contract compliance and recommend corrective action; review, coordinate, draft, or respond to submittals, change orders, and pay applications both in the field and via e-mail; oversee project closeout.
• Project Design, Contract Development and Administration: Solicit project design through the Request for Proposal/Qualification process; develop work scope and summary of qualifications; develop and implement review and evaluation process; communicate with applicants throughout the process; develop and coordinate consultant selection processes; draft, review, negotiate, and execute contracts for purchasing, design, permitting, and construction and grant needs and services; monitor contracts, expenditures, and performance.
• Land Acquisition: Assist in land acquisition, including identification of parcels for acquisition and acquisition negotiation, and coordination with property owners, city attorneys, title companies, consultants, permit agencies, and grant agencies.
• Plan Review and Permitting: Review complex architectural and engineering plans and drawings for park construction projects to ensure compliance with applicable ordinances and policies; indicate deficiencies and collaborate with designers and engineers to develop and/or revise project plans’ prepare, submit, track, and support required permits including federal, state, and local land use, construction, acquisition, tree removal, cultural resource survey, and utilities permits associated with park development and zoning independently or in coordination with other departments, agencies, contractors, or consultant staff.
• Record-keeping: Create and maintain detailed files and reports on projects and general work as required to comply with federal, state, and local rules, guidelines, regulations, and policies; respond to public records requests by locating and submitting physical, digital, or archived documents, and tracking time as required.
• Reporting and Presentations: Research, prepare, and present information, including financial, narrative, and other proposed development goals and impacts or reports for grant agencies, City Council, boards and commissions, and community stakeholder groups; prepare and submit progress reports and other documentation to meet grant or contract requirements and milestones.
• Safety: Actively champion a culture of and commitment to workplace safety through everyday actions and leadership; ensure contract documents include appropriate safety protocols.

Education, Experience, And Other Requirements

Any equivalent combination of education and experience that would likely provide the candidate with the knowledge and abilities to successfully perform the job will be considered. A typical combination is a Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in parks and recreation, landscape architecture, planning, civil engineering, business, public administration or related field, and three (3) years of experience in contract management, including construction contract management and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. This is a relevant combination of seven (7) years.

Experience with federal or state grant funding, public works and/or community development desired.

Licenses and/or Certifications

A valid driver’s license with a driving record that meets an acceptable standard for safety at the point of hire and throughout employment in this position.

Must be at least 18(eighteen) years of age.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Principles, practices, issues, concepts and policies of park planning and civil, structure, landscape, and architectural design.
• Interrelationship of structural and topographical elements, soil, water, vegetation, and human social and recreational needs.
• Principles and practices of construction project scheduling and management.
• Applicable laws, codes, regulations, permits, policies, and procedures, including regulatory and permit requirements such as critical areas and ADA design standards.
• Pacific Northwest plant palettes.
• Maintenance and operational standards for public open space.
• Principles and practices of governmental accounting methods and procedures.
• City organization, operations, policies, and objectives.
• Negotiating techniques.
• Financial and general recordkeeping techniques.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.
• Modern office practices, procedures, and equipment.

Ability To

• Plan, prioritize, and organize workload to handle a range of multiple projects simultaneously and meet required deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Prepare, negotiate, and monitor multiple contracts.
• Analyze and interpret complex data sets and other information quickly and accurately to determine appropriate course of action; implement corrective action and monitor for compliance.
• Ensure compliance with related federal, state, and local rules, regulations, and policies.
• Develop and manage project budget.
• Apply financial and basic record keeping principles to the maintenance program files.
• Maintain detailed records of activities and general work.
• Produce and present clear and comprehensive reports.
• Plan and organize work to meet schedules and timelines.
• Interpret construction specifications and drawings.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Write grammatically correct correspondences, reports, and documents.
• Speak using appropriate vocabulary and grammar to obtain and convey information.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
• Operate a variety of office machines including computer and related accounting software applications, calculator, fax, copiers, and telephone.
• Operate a motor vehicle in a safe manner.

Work Environment

Work is performed in a climate-controlled office environment, as well as in the field, including park land, undeveloped land parcels, and project construction development sites, in all weather conditions and over rough terrain with exposure to loud noises, nearby traffic, and/or heavy construction equipment zones. Travel to various work sites and meeting locations is required.

Physical Abilities

Constant use of sight, hearing, and speech abilities necessary to perform essential functions and communicate with others. Frequent fine finger manipulations and use of hands and arms in reaching/handling/fingering/grasping while operating office equipment and computers, preparing written documentation, handling paperwork, etc. Frequent sitting, may be extended at times, while doing desk activities. Frequent bending/twisting and waist/knees/neck while working at desk, worktable, or moving from sitting to standing position. Frequent standing in combination with walking (short distances) throughout work shift in office areas. Occasional pushing/pulling force up to 10 lbs. opening doors, drawers, and moving materials. Ability to lift/carry boxes up to 20 lbs. Requires mental acuity to ensure thorough mental analysis of situations in a fast-paced environment. Ability to operate a motor vehicle for transportation to work sites, meetings, and events. Must be able to work in the field gathering information and reviewing/inspecting property and project construction sites in all weather conditions and over rough terrain.

Hazards

Driving a motor vehicle in traffic, construction zones, and adverse weather conditions; physical exposure to adverse weather conditions, extremely loud noise levels, and potentially hazardous conditions in construction equipment zones and/or high traffic areas.

FLSA Designation

Non-exempt, eligible for overtime

Union Affiliation

AFSCME represented.

Equal Opportunity

The City of Lakewood is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer that encourages, supports, and celebrates respect, empowerment, diversity, and inclusion for all. We welcome your contributions!

Benefits Summary

for AFSCME MEMBERS This is a summary of benefits and is not meant to be all inclusive. Please refer to Local 1938, Washington State Council of County and City Employees of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees collective bargaining agreement, City policies and plan booklets for details.

Work Hours

The normal work week is five consecutive days of not more than eight hours per day, exclusive of lunch period. City Hall is open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Where appropriate, alternative work schedules may be established, providing that not more than forty hours are scheduled per work week.

Salary Increases

Step increases are granted annually upon successful completion of a performance evaluation until the maximum of the salary range is reached.

Holidays

• New Year's Day
• M.L. King, Jr. Day
• Presidents' Day
• Memorial Day
• Juneteenth
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Veterans' Day
• Thanksgiving
• the day after Thanksgiving
• Christmas day

Employees accrue one floating holiday on their anniversary date, which must be used within the following 12 month period. Holiday pay is pro-rated for employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week.

Paid Time Off

Paid time off leave is a benefit granted to employees to continue normal compensation during approved absences. Leave may be accumulated for succeeding years; however, the maximum accrual may not exceed 1,100 hours at the end of the calendar year.

Accrual Rate

• During the 1st year 200 hours of leave per year
• After the 1st thru 2nd year 208 hours of leave per year
• After the 2nd thru 4th year 216 hours of leave per year
• After the 4th thru 9th year 232 hours of leave per year
• After the 9th thru 14th year 264 hours of leave per year
• After the 14th thru 20th year 296 hours of leave per year
• After the 20th thru 29th year 312 hours of leave per year
• After the 29th year 320 hours of leave per year

Paid time off leave accrual is pro-rated for employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week.

Shared Leave

If an employee exhausts all paid leave because of medical reasons, they may be eligible to receive donated paid time off leave from other employees.

Military Leave

Employees who are members of any federal military reserve unit or the Washington National Guard will receive up to twenty-one working days of paid leave during each year beginning October 1 and ending September 30, while engaged in active training duty or active duty. The City will maintain continuity of health benefits to employees' families when employees are ordered to involuntary active military duty. Military differential pay is available during active military duty of more than 30 days and for no longer than 24 months.

Jury Duty Leave

Employees will be paid their regular compensation while serving on jury duty provided they forfeit the juror's daily stipend to the City.

Retirement Plan

Employees and the City make contributions to the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) Plan 2 or Plan 3. Under Social Security's Government Pension Offset, any Social Security spouse's or widow's or widower's benefits you may be entitled to will be reduced based on any pension you receive from the City's retirement plan.

Social Security Replacement

In lieu of Social Security, the City provides an alternative plan through the ICMA Retirement Corporation. The employee contributes 6.20% and the City contributes 4.77% of the employee's salary. The employee's investment choices range from conservative (low risk) to aggressive (high risk) opportunities. Employees are immediately 100% vested in the plan. Under Social Security's Windfall Elimination Provision, any Social Security retirement or disability benefits you may be entitled to will be reduced based on any pension you receive from this replacement plan.

Voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation Plan

Participation in a 457 deferred compensation plan is available to employees through payroll deduction. This is an optional investment program. The City matches an employee's contribution up to 3% of the employee's base monthly pay rate.

Voluntary Flexible Spending Account

The Flexible Spending Account (IRS Section 125) is an optional tax savings program which is offered to employees annually. It allows employees to reduce taxable income by using part of their salary on a pretax basis to pay for out of pocket health care expenses and dependent care costs.

Medical Insurance

Three medical plans are offered to employees and dependents through the Association of Washington Cities (AWC): the Regence High Deductible Health Plan (with a health savings account), the Regence HealthFirst Plan ($250 deductible), and the Kaiser Permanente Plan ($200 deductible). Premiums are pro-rated based on FTE status for part-time employees. Employees may be eligible to opt out of medical insurance coverage to receive $3,600 annually (pro-rated each pay period). Part-time employees may be eligible to opt out to receive an equivalent pro-rated amount.

• The City pays the entire premium cost for full-time employees and their dependents. Premiums for part-time employees and their dependents are pro-rated based on the employee's FTE status.

Life & Long Term Disability Insurance

The City provides the following insurance coverage for employees through Standard Insurance (a copy of each plan certificate will be provided during orientation). The insurance is effective the first of the month following hire, unless an employee is hired on the first day of the month, in which case the coverage is effective immediately.

Survivor Income Life Insurance

A monthly survivor income benefit is paid to an employee's eligible spouse and children upon the employee's death. Prior to any reduction for Social Security survivor's benefits, a benefit amount equal to 30% of the employee's insured earnings is paid to the spouse or children, and 60% is paid if both spouse and children survive.

Basic Life Insurance/Accidental Death & Dismemberment

A benefit equal to the employee's annual salary rounded up to the next thousand.

Long Term Disability (LTD)

Effective after 90 days of continuous disability. The maximum amount of the LTD benefit is 60% of earnings or $5,000 per month, whichever is less.

Voluntary Supplemental Life Insurance

Employees may elect to apply for $30,000 to $300,000 in supplemental term life insurance coverage. Spouses may also be insured. Premiums are paid entirely by the employee.

Voluntary Short Term Disability (STD)

Short term disability insurance provides benefit payments to help replace lost income when an employee is disabled due to a non-occupational accident or illness. Pregnancy or its complications are covered provided enrollment in STD insurance is prior to conception. Benefits are payable for a maximum of 13 weeks. This benefit is offered to employees at the time of hire and annually thereafter.

Additional Voluntary Insurance Plans

Additional insurance plans are available to employees through AFLAC, such as accident/disability, cancer, dental and hospital intensive care.

01

You must include a cover letter that expressly details how you meet the requirements of a combination of 7 years of relevant education and experience. Have you attached the cover letter detailing your qualifications?

• Yes
• No

02

Describe your experience over the last 5 years as it relates to capital project management as an owner representative responsible for design, permitting and construction management. Include the size, type of projects and what role you had in project delivery.

03

In the last 5 years, how many projects have you done that required you to apply for and obtain 1) building permits, 2) site permits, 3) critical area permits, 4) shoreline permits?

04

Provide your experience working with local, state or federal grant programs. List the types of grants you've applied for, your success at receiving them and your experience managing them.

05

As a representative of a public agency, public engagement, community outreach, and stakeholder meetings are required for parks projects. Describe your experience managing these processes and using community input to guide design decisions.

• Required Question