Planner

Bend Park and Recreation District; Bend (OR); On-site; USD 85,000 - 106,000; Full time

Job summary

Bend Park and Recreation District is seeking a Planner to conduct research, analyze data, and present findings on the environmental and economic conditions affecting the District. You will advise planning commissions, coordinate with local governments, and engage citizen groups to advance park and recreation planning.

The role requires strong knowledge of planning principles, project management, grant writing, and public outreach. Evening meetings and site visits are part of the duties.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required, preferred in Planning, Park Resource Management, or related field; AND
• Five (5) years progressive work experience in planning; OR
• Any satisfactory combination of education, experience and training.

Responsibilities

• Manages projects or programs, coordinating consultants, budgets and scope.
• Analyzes complex data to evaluate impacts on parks, trails, and facilities.
• Coordinates with developers and government agencies on land use applications.
• Presents research and reports to District or community groups.

Skills

Planning project management

Public meeting facilitation

Written and oral communication

Budgeting principles

Web management concepts

Customer service

Public speaking

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Planning or related field

Five years progressive planning experience

Tools

Web management tools

Job description

Description

Benefit type:

Full time exempt, benefitted

Benefits available:

For a full description of our benefits, please click here.

OPEN UNTIL FILLED:

first review of candidates will be Thursday November 26, 2026

Hiring Range:

$85,262.48 - $105,730.47/yearly

Salary Range:

$85,262.48 - $118,252.55/yearly

About the job:

The Planner position is responsible for conducting research, analysis, and presentation of highly complex data that may concern the physical, environmental, or economic conditions of the District. This classification advises planning commissions and committees and coordinates planning activities with local governments, other agencies, and citizen groups.

A day in the life:

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Manages projects or programs, including coordinating and overseeing the work of consultants; developing and managing a budget and ensuring projects or programs meet the scope and budget specifications; conducts research on specialized topics such as growth management, environmental sustainability, and park and recreation issues.
• Analyzes a variety of complex data to evaluate potential impacts on current and future properties, including parks, trails and recreation facilities, and makes recommendations concerning future planning to promote quality and maximize value to the District.
• Coordinates with developers and government agencies on pending land use applications and development plans to assure District interests and goals are addressed.
• Serves as technical expert in or more functional planning areas, such as land use, transportation, energy management, or economic development; presents research and reports to the District and/or community groups, government agencies, or committees.
• Assists in the preparation of comprehensive plans for selected District programs or project to ensure the efficient use of resources and compliance with long-range District goals.
• May coordinate with other agencies and citizen groups to present research and gather information; prepares various written correspondence in response to public and agency inquiries.
• May participate in preparing grant applications and administering grant funds;
• Acts as a Mandatory Reporter; reports incidents of child abuse/neglect.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Schedule and Hours:

• Exempt position, schedule is varied based on work load and schedule needs
• Weekday evenings and occasional weekends work are to be expected.

Requirements

What you’ll need for success:

Strong Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of comprehensive park, trail and urban planning and contract administration;
• Project management;
• Grant writing;
• Substantial knowledge and understanding of applicable city and county codes, state and federal laws and relevant land use and development regulations;
• Principles and practices used in park and facility development, maintenance, construction, and asset management;
• Budgeting principles;
• Principles of public and community outreach, meeting facilitation and public meeting laws; and
• Positive and effective customer service principles;
• Basic math, English grammar and composition, and technical writing, and techniques of public speaking; and
• Web management concepts, tools and software.

Skill and ability to:

• Independently manage and coordinate planning projects, studies and activities;
• Facilitate meetings and input processes from outside contributors, including the public, other organizations, and volunteer groups;
• Communicate effectively and persuasively in both verbal and written form, including public speaking;
• Exercise good judgment, demonstrate initiative, meet deadlines, and make good decisions;
• Excellent interpersonal, creative problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills;
• Excellent planning and organization skills;
• Proficiently operate computers and software relevant to word processing, presentations, and spreadsheet applications;
• Ability to plan, organize, and work with others to accomplish overall goals and objective to address the park and planning needs;
• Evaluate services and make necessary adjustments;
• Use independent judgment and initiative;
• Work cooperatively and successfully with other departments, community groups, and regional and state organizations;
• Work effectively in a collaborative, team-oriented environment; and
• Create and maintain a positive, constructive, and respectful relationship with staff and the general public.

What we’re looking for:

Minimum Required Education, Experience, and Training:

1. Bachelor’s Degree required, preferred in Planning, Park Resource Management, or related field; AND
2. Five (5) years progressive work experience in planning; OR
3. Any satisfactory combination of education, experience and training.

License and certifications:

1. Possession of, or ability to obtain valid Oregon driver’s license within 30 days with an acceptable driving history as defined by district driving policy.

Position Specific Requirement

This position may require reporting to additional sites throughout the workday, typically achieved in a motor vehicle OR other modes of transportation. If choosing a personal vehicle, possession of, or ability to obtain valid Oregon driver’s license within 30 days with an acceptable driving history as defined by district driving policy.

If you do not have a driver’s license or have an unacceptable driving history, it does not disqualify you from this position, only from driving a vehicle for district business.

Supervision Received:

Works under the supervision of a Principal Planner. Follows standards and procedures without supervision but confirms changes to standard practices and significant decisions in advance.

Supervision Exercised:

Supervision is not normally a responsibility of this classification; however, provides direction and guidance to consultants and contractors, and may provide direction and guidance to District staff or volunteers on assigned programs or projects.

Working Conditions:

• Work is primarily performed in an office environment and requires the ability to work and maintain focus in a work environment with moderate noise (i.e., working around others making periodic phone calls or having conversations) and with frequent interruptions.
• Must be able to travel to locations in, around, or outside the greater Bend area.
• Duties are periodically performed outdoors in varied weather conditions and uneven terrain.
• Requires working some long hours, including attending evening meetings and some positions may be required to