CITY OF OLYMPIA
DATE PREPARED JOB CODE
1/85 1400 064 EXEMPT 8/92
CLASS SPECIFICATION PARKS PLANNING MANAGER
SALARY RANGE FLSA STATUS REVISED
POSITION DESCRIPTION Function: Under general administrative direction, direct and manage planning, design, and coordination of park, recreation, and open space development projects. Essential Functions: The information contained in this classification specification is a representative sample of essential and other functions performed in this classification. Specific essential functions are identified for position recruitment or other administrative procedures. Examples of Duties: Responsible for recreational resource planning and programming for current and future parks and recreation facilities. Prepare master plans for park development. Prepare specifications for recreational and open space development projects. Prepare and maintain critical parks and open space lands inventory. Develop and administer revenue sources and alternatives for recreational funding. Prepare specifications for park development projects. Write Requests for Proposals (RFP's) for consultant services. Coordinate consultant selection processes. Coordinate park development projects with neighborhood groups, City staff, consultants, contractors, etc. Monitor consultant and/or contractor compliance with contracts. Design small projects to be constructed by departmental staff and supervise construction. Prepare cost estimates and orders materials and supplies for project construction. Locate and analyze potential project sites. Evaluate availability, topography, development restrictions, legal restraints etc., of potential projects sites. Conduct price negotiations and prepare purchase agreements for project sites. Work with neighborhood associations and advisory boards in planning for park development. Evaluate and draft project proposals. Advocate for Park projects before the management team and the City Council to obtain funding for projects. Prepare media releases, presentations and departmental communications concerning park projects. Review, research and evaluate future park development prospects. Prepare project related reports and recommendations as requested. Act in the capacity of lead staff support to the Parks Advisory Committee. Contacts: The Parks Planning Manager is in contact with all groups and individuals involved in park development. Skill in soliciting support and coordinating the activities of a variety of individuals and groups (such as neighborhood organizations, contractors, consultants, the City Management Team, advisory committees, and task forces, City staff members, the City Council, etc.) is critical to success on the job. Supervision: May supervise the work of assigned staff, temporary employees, or interns. May monitor the work of consultants, contractors, or outside vendors. Accountability: The Parks Planning Manager is accountable for planning and designing current/future recreation resources and parks in the City; and effective management of a variety of recreational/park development projects. Working Conditions: The Parks Planning Manager works from an office located in The Olympia Center in downtown Olympia. A great deal of mobility is required to coordinate projects under construction, and meet with the variety of groups and individuals involved in park development. Some hazards are associated with work in and around major construction sites. Stress associated with competing priorities and strict timelines is an element of the job which must be successfully managed. Mobility within the community and flexibility of working hours is required.
PARKS PLANNING MANAGER Page 2 QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES Knowledge’s/Skills/Abilities: Knowledge of the principles, practices, materials and techniques used in park planning and design, and construction management. Knowledge of research methodology and common sources of information in the field of park planning and/or design, and construction management. Knowledge of effective public relations techniques. Skill in computer operations. Ability to maintain records and prepare narrative, statistical, and financial reports on project feasibility and status. Ability to be creative in eliminating barriers to successful park development. Ability to conduct critical analysis of proposed park construction projects and make effective recommendations. Ability to prepare effective reports of analysis results and recommendations. Ability to establish priorities for projects and ensure projects are realistically scheduled. Ability to successfully advocate park development projects to gain funding commitments. Ability to develop project budgets and recommend funding strategies. Ability to prepare Request for Proposals (RFP's), establish consultant selection criteria, and make appropriate consultant selection decisions. Ability to monitor contract compliance with consultants and contractors. Ability to design basic construction projects. Ability to maintain attention to numerous individuals or detailed information for prolonged periods of time. Ability to interpret information or concepts to effectively resolve problems and make appropriate decisions. Ability to communicate with co-workers, staff, managers and the general public in a clear, concise manner. Ability to compose material in a manner that effectively informs, instructs, diagrams, trains and/or solicits information. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, officials of various commissions and boards, the administrative team of the Parks and Recreation Department, and other City employees. Ability to work effectively as a member of a service-oriented team.
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Experience/Education: Graduation from a four year college or university with a degree in Park Planning, Landscape Architecture, Recreation/Parks or Public Works Administration, Public Administration, or a closely related field and three year experience in park planning and design, and/or management of public works construction projects required. Additional professional level work experience may be substituted for the college degree with one year of experience equivalent to one year of education. Special Requirements: Must be able to obtain valid Washington State Driver's License.