The purpose of the position is to direct the planning, design and delivery of Parks and Recreation Department projects including parks and trails, cemetery, golf course facilities, and site improvements. The position provides leadership for the department’s planning division. This position leads land use planning, land acquisition, capital planning and capital budget oversight, project management, and individual park and system master plans. The position conducts various plans and studies that provide direction for the department’s ability to meet community needs for park and recreation services. The position manages the public input processes related to planning and capital development. A high degree of interaction and collaboration with engineers, landscape architects, contractors, consultants, community members, other city departments and local governmental entities is needed for success.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.
Leads and manages the planning functions of the department.
Establishes divisional/departmental work plans and monitors progress toward goals and objectives that align with the department’s mission, vision and master plan.
Plans, designs, bids and oversees park, trail, cemetery and golf infrastructure projects.
Prepares and administers the department’s annual capital budget and five-year capital improvement program, monitors progress of capital budget projects.
Leads the preparation of requests for proposals, contract management for long-range comprehensive planning documents and individual park master plans.
Operationalizes the Parks Master Plan and ensures alignment with the city’s strategic plan.
Develops and updates park plans; evaluates and analyzes issues and recommends solutions with site analysis, project design and technical plans for parks, trails, open spaces and recreation facility projects.
Establishes policy, long-range plans, programs, identifies funding sources, and allocates funding for park, trail, cemetery and golf improvements to ensure intentional asset management.
Oversees and administers the department’s land acquisition program.
Coordinates with multiple agencies and departments for project and program administration; represents the department on park projects and community initiatives.
Develop community engagement strategies with staff including oversight of engagement efforts for facilitating community meetings, dialogue, and procedures.
Oversee and administers state, federal and private grant funds for park acquisition and development include supervising grant preparation and adherence to compliance regulations.
Oversees the department’s Equity-Centered Capital Investment Plan program.
Supervises the work of professional and administrative staff; participates in hiring, training and disciplinary actions; delegates work assignments; conducts performance evaluations.
Represents the Department on various committees in Citywide meetings and at other Department community meetings.
Responds to City Commission, Executive Office, Director, other Public Agency and Public (resident and business) inquiries, questions and issues via phone, email and at public meetings.
Performs other duties, as assigned.
Minimum Education and Expertise
Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, architecture, landscape architecture or a related fiel
-AND-
5 years of experience in civil engineering including responsibility for planning, directing, and supervising capital infrastructure project
-OR-
Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provided the required skills, knowledge and abilitie
Required Licenses
Driver’s licens
- e
Professional Architect, Engineer, or Landscape Architect licens- e
We Offer:
Medical, Dental, and Vision starting on Day
- 1
6% employee 401a contribution with employer matching (6% or 7% based on bargaining unit- )
Employee & Employer contributions to Retiree Health Savings Accoun- t
Voluntary benefits such as term life insurance, flexible spending accounts, accidental insurance, disability insurance, and deferred compensation plan option- s
Twelve Paid Holiday- s
Paid Vacation and Sick Tim- e
Paid Parking (if applicable- )
Employee Home Ownership Incentiv- e
Tuition Reimbursement and professional development opportunitie- s
Paid Parental Leav- e
Employee Assistance Program with free mental health counselin- g
Comprehensive Wellness program with a health and wellness incentiv- e
Employee Discounts and Perk- s
Should an applicant need any disability related accommodation or other consideration in the application or selection process, please notify the human resources department upon submittal of application
The City of Grand Rapids does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy or gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.
Please Note:
This position is subject to the provisions of the applicable collective bargaining agreement and all relevant civil service rules. For additional information, links to union agreement and Civil Service Rules are provided below.
Collective Bargaining Agreements
Civil Service Rules
