Parks Planning and Development Manager

City of Kirkland, WA; Kirkland, Washington, City of Troy (WA, District of Columbia, NY); On-site; USD 115,000 - 151,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a vibrant community in a leadership role that shapes the future of parks and recreation. This position offers the opportunity to manage park planning and development, ensuring sustainable growth and community engagement. Collaborate with various departments to implement innovative projects that enhance public spaces. Enjoy competitive wages and unmatched benefits in a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusion. If you’re passionate about creating beautiful and functional parks, this is the perfect role for you!

Benefits

Childcare Programs

Training and Career Development

Competitive Wages

Awesome Benefits

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in park design and development.
• Strong project management skills with supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Manage park planning activities and coordinate master planning process.
• Oversee park development programs and budget preparation.

Skills

Project Management

Public Relations

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Landscape Architecture

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management

Bachelor's degree in Parks and Recreation

Tools

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Project Management Software

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Employer

City of Kirkland

Salary

$115,160.37 - $150,258.16 Annually

Location

Kirkland, WA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

202100562

Location

Parks & Community Services - Admin. Director

Opening Date

03/26/2025

Closing Date

Continuous

FLSA

Exempt

Bargaining Unit

MAC

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Parks Superintendent, provides leadership and manages, supervises, and administers the activities of Park Planning and Development including, capital project planning and development, division and capital budget preparation, comprehensive park and policy planning, park acquisition, park master planning, park design and construction, indoor/outdoor recreation facility planning and construction, contract administration, and grant/funding assistance preparation.

Distinguishing Characteristics: The Parks Planning and Development Manager manages the planning and development functions of the City's parks system. This position is a part of the Parks & Community Services Leadership Team and collaborates with the Planning & Building Department and Capital Projects Division of Public Works to effectively plan for and implement projects.

Essential Functions: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Manages the Park Planning activities of the department and the City by coordinating the park master planning process and reviewing and evaluating City land use policies affecting public parks and open spaces. Serves as the liaison to City Planning for updates to various City master plans, neighborhood plans and the Comprehensive Plan.
• Manages and oversees the Park Development program of the department by preparing and coordinating the park element of the Capital Facilities Plan.
• Manage and oversee the development and preparation of planning, vision and strategic planning documents that direct the department's efforts in the acquisition, development and programming of parks, facilities, trails, and open space.
• Acts as Project Manager for parks development projects, including City/School joint development projects, playground replacements, and selecting and retaining contractors for major repairs, replacement, and renovations.
• Develops specifications, administers bid selection, negotiates, manages contracts, and approves payment for park and site planning, long range planning, and professional design services for the Department. Obtains necessary permits, oversees work inspection, and approves project close out for contracts that replace, maintain, or redevelop park amenities.
• Effectively partners with the Capital Improvement Team on architectural design and construction projects. Serves as the Owners Representative in these partnerships.
• Manages Land Acquisition, appraisals, and easement activities of the department by identifying strategic needs and opportunities for parks, open space, and natural areas. Negotiates property acquisitions and prepares purchase and sale agreements for identified properties.
• Prepares and administers the park planning and development budget, coordinates the Parks element of the Capital Improvement Program budget, and ensures adherence to budgetary guidelines. Recommends Division staff, service levels, and resource requirements. Approves expenditures and budgetary adjustments as appropriate.
• Hires, trains, distributes workload, evaluates, and disciplines various staff including temporary employees, volunteers, and interns.
• Assists with the preparation of the Park Board annual work program and agenda by consulting with the Park Board Chair and the Director.
• Assists the Director in developing strategic plans related to organizational goals and objectives, and priorities, including preparation of the City's Comprehensive Park, Open Space and Recreation Plan, and the Natural Resources Management Plan. Manages the implementation of the Departmental goals consistent with City policies and procedures and City Council Goals.
• Coordinates the department's Natural Resource Management efforts, provides monitoring of department's resources inventories, and prepares strategic goals and developing policies and practices for preservation, protecting and stewardship of park related natural resources.
• Prepares and monitors the park element of the City Comprehensive Plan Capital Facilities element in compliance with the state Growth Management Act. Assists with the preparation and implementation of the City's Non-Motorized Transportation Plan in cooperation with the Public Works and Planning Department.
• Meets deadlines and requirements established for grant applications by establishing ongoing communications with various agencies providing funding for parks and recreation related projects.
• Provides assistance in departmental recommendations and advice to City Council, Council Committees Park Board, Planning Commission and the City's Hearing Examiner consistent with City policy and professional park practice.
• Provides policy and technical guidance to staff, other City departments, appointed and elected officials and the public on Department parks planning policies, regulations and development, acquisition and renovation projects.
• Provides guidance for professional training and development of staff to maintain knowledge of current practices and techniques.
• Fosters a positive and supportive work environment; promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace, contributing to an environment of respectful living and working in a multicultural society.

Peripheral Duties:

• Develops and maintains positive working relationships with City staff across departments.
• Develops and manages division budgets, including making recommendations to the Superintendent or Director, and managing funds as apportioned.
• Represents the Department on interdepartmental teams as assigned. May serve as group leader/facilitator in interdepartmental task forces.
• Provides public information to the media, neighborhood associations, Chamber of Commerce, and other groups or individuals requesting information regarding the Department's activities.
• Evaluates and determines consultant requirements; negotiates and administers professional and consulting services contracts and work programs; oversees consultant performance; and authorizes expenditures and tasks.
• Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive inquiries, conflicts, and complaints.
• Participates in countywide, regional, or state task forces or committees.
• May act as Parks Superintendent in the incumbent's absence.
• Supports Director and Deputy Director in department-wide projects and events.
• Performs functions as assigned in the City's emergency response plan in the event of an emergency.
• Responsible for developing measurable implementation plans that achieve the City's initiatives in the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Roadmap.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Why Kirkland?

Ranked as one of the most livable cities in America, Kirkland is an attractive and inviting place to live, work, and visit. We have big city vision while maintaining a small-town, community feel. If you are a candidate with the desire to join an organization looking to innovate into the future, the City of Kirkland is the place for you!

If you ask our employees why they love where they work, they will tell you about the great people, work environment, supportive leadership and City Council, and fearless innovation.

We also invest in you!

Competitive Wages: We strive to maintain competitive compensation packages and work to provide wages that meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities of our employees.

Awesome benefits: The City offers benefits that are unmatched by most other employers. Please click on the benefits tab above to view more details.

Childcare Programs: To help address the challenge of finding reliable childcare, the City of Kirkland has reserved spots for City employees at local and regional providers, available at a discount. New employees gain access to Kirkland's reserved spots as soon as they start employment. Learn more!

Training and Career Development: The City of Kirkland believes in developing it's employees. You will have access to training opportunities designed for career development and advancement based on your position, skills, and interests.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Working knowledge of state and local laws affecting public works construction projects, zoning code and property development regulations, current park and recreation policy issues and trends, available grants for park and facility acquisition, development and renovation, grant writing and preparation guidelines, current practices for wetland and urban wildlife habitat management, current City standards for park and facility development, municipal code related to park rules and regulations, moorage, boat launch, and tour dock regulations.
• Working knowledge of project management and multiple disciplines related to capital project implementation, such as architecture, landscape architecture and environmental regulations.
• Advanced analytical, public relations and communication skills (both verbal and written) to comprehend, interpret, and explain rules, regulations, legal requirements, and policies to a diverse audience.
• Knowledge of practices and philosophies related to municipal finance and budget preparation.
• Advanced interpersonal skills to build and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of internal and external customers and contacts.
• Ability to remain flexible to changing priorities.
• Ability to exercise considerable discretion and independent judgment in choosing approaches, methods, and resources to solve problems and achieve results within the framework established by the Director.
• Ability to analyze complex and controversial park and recreation planning issues and provide recommendations and advice to the public and appointed and elected officials.
• Ability to conduct site visits which may involve walking in rugged terrain and/or exposure to outside weather conditions.
• Ability to exercise professional judgment and make timely decisions in a complex political environment.
• PC proficiency including word processing, geographic information systems spreadsheet and project management software.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university in landscape architecture, construction management or parks and recreation.
• Experience: Minimum 5 years related experience with park design, development, project management, and planning, including 5 years increasingly responsible supervisory experience
• Or: In place of the above requirements, the incumbent may possess any combination of relevant education and experience which would demonstrate the individual's knowledge, skill, and ability to proficiently perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above.

Licenses and Other Requirements:

• Must have a valid Washington State Driver's license and ability to remain insurable under the City's insurance to operate motor vehicles.

Other

Physical Demands and Working Environment:
Work is primarily performed in a typical office environment. Incumbent may be required to sit for extended periods of time while performing keyboard operations. Requires occasional site visits to building sites, construction sites, vacant properties, or environmentally sensitive areas, which may involve walking in rugged terrain and/or exposure to outside weather conditions. Incumbent is required to attend meetings or public hearings in City Hall or off site, which may take place outside of regular office hours.

Position requires a resume and cover letter for consideration of application. Please note how you meet minimum qualifications within the cover letter. Applicants who are selected for next steps in the hiring process will be invited by phone or e-mail. Candidates are encouraged to apply at the earliest possible date as screening, interviewing, and hiring decisions will be made through the recruitment period, until such time as the vacancy is filled. Review of applicants will be made on April 9, 2025.

The City of Kirkland is a welcoming community where every person can thrive and grow. We value diversity, inclusion, belonging, and work together to support our community. We do this by solving problems, focusing on the customer, and respecting all people who come into the City whether to visit, live, or work. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to creating a workforce that does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. We encourage qualified applicants of all backgrounds and identities to apply to our job postings. Persons with a disability who need reasonable accommodations in the application or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call 425-587-3210 or Telecommunications Device for the Deaf711.