Senior Park Planner

Position is responsible for serving in the Planning Section of the Department of Parks and Recreation; core activities are to develop long-term comprehensive park master plans for facility development and resource management of city park properties. Coordinates initial planning for new and/or potential city park properties; and ensures that the parks' natural and historic resources and man-made facilities are planned and developed consistent with the philosophy and goals of the Department of Parks and Recreation.

Coordinates and assists in the completion of department-wide planning projects.

Conducts feasibility studies and prepares the initial planning for new city parks and/or developments.

Review other environmental information concerning existing and proposed city park properties.

Conducts fieldwork to gain knowledge of park sites and to aid in determining facility, natural resource and management needs for master plans.

Conducts research and analyzes data for master plans and other projects.

Develops plan concepts, final design recommendations and cost estimates for park master plans.

Assists in developing and preparing the department's annual budget.

Prepares a variety of reports and presentations concerning city park planning and development.

Composes and formats master plan documentation, including text and graphic and coordinates printing production.

Illustrates and/or draft all maps for master plans and other planning projects.

Coordinates and promotes public participation in the planning process which involves: news releases, mailing public meeting notices and visitor surveys.

Develops multimedia presentations concerning city parks for meetings.

Review construction plans and specification.

Visit construction job sites, review work for conformance to plans and specifications.

Respond to and resolve most questions and issues, referring only the most complex to the next level.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities that management may deem necessary from time to time.

Baccalaureate degree in landscape architecture or a related field is the minimum academic requirement and two (2) years professional planning experience in park and open space planning or a Master's Degree in landscape architecture alone may substitute for a Baccalaureate degree. Course emphasis should be on environmental land use planning, principles and practices in design development and leisure recreation. Considerable knowledge of and ability to apply the theories, principles and practices involved in landscape architecture and recreation, master and land use planning, and cultural and natural resource management. Considerable knowledge of and ability to apply laws and standards regarding recreation facility design and environmental impacts to natural resources. Working knowledge of and ability to apply computer technology to department planning need, including all Microsoft Office products, desktop publishing, ArcView and AutoCad. Ability to conduct studies, analyze results and make recommendations for solutions to park use and resource management problems. Ability to read and interpret engineering plans and develop, prepare and draft park plans. Ability to develop and prepare a variety or reports regarding park planning, feasibility studies, legislation and other related issues. Ability to understand recreation trends and apply that knowledge to long-range planning of city park properties and facilities. Ability to illustrate and draft maps for master plans and other projects. Ability to coordinate public meetings and develop multimedia presentations and related materials. Ability to obtain certification as Landscape Architect in the State of Indiana preferred. Considerable knowledge of the natural resources of Indiana (plants, animals, soils, water, geology) and their relationship within natural communities and ecosystems.

Position requires the knowledge of established policies and procedures, laws, regulation standards and guidelines that range from clear to ambiguous. The theories, principles, practices and techniques of landscape architecture, park and recreation planning and natural resources management must be applied when solving planning problems which are often complex in nature and involve many different entities and when preparing the comprehensive long-range master plans. The Planner must utilize considerable judgment to balance the needs of park users with the least environmental impact on park natural resources. The position requires strong communication skills and ability to gain cooperation and/or support for sometimes controversial projects, issues and policies and when making recommendations that require considerable funding allocations and/or change significantly the facilities, resources and/or management of a city park.