Are you a talented, team-oriented, creative problem-solver who is passionate about parks?
If so, the Montgomery County Department of Parks is the place for you! We are currently seeking up to three Park Planners in our Park Planning and Stewardship Division. Reporting directly to the Park Planning Supervisor, the Park Planner will help the Montgomery County Department of Parks develop plans for existing and future parks.
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is a six-time National Recreational and Parks Association Gold Medal Award Winner. Behind the vast and diverse Montgomery County Department of Parks system is a career staff complement of nearly 800 employees, 421 parks, and almost 37,000 acres of parkland that serves a diverse population of more than one million residents in the Washington, DC area. The Department of Parks strives to plan, develop, and maintain parks that support physical activity, social connections, and environmental stewardship in our diverse urban, suburban, and rural areas.
The Park Planning Section of the Park Planning and Stewardship Division plans facilities and amenities on parkland, performs data analysis, makes maps, and works closely with planners at the Montgomery County Planning Department on the park and open space recommendations in sector and master plans. We are looking for candidates with general planning skills as well as expertise in one of more of the following areas: Park Design, Quantitative Analysis, Athletic Field Planning, or Development Review. The positions may be filled as a Planner II or Planner III, depending on the experience level of the successful candidate.
Planner II Salary Range $56,769.00 - $100,538.00
Planner III Salary Range $65,328.00 - $117,831.00
Please Note: The salary range listed above represents the earning potential for this position. Salary is commensurate with experience.
- What the job will involve: This Park Planner position will lead and coordinate complex plans and planning studies. The position will make recommendations for specific parks as well as conduct systemwide strategic planning for parks through the analysis of geospatial and demographic data and applying appropriate planning methodologies. The role will involve negotiating with other departments, presenting and defending park recommendations to the Montgomery County Planning Board and County Council, and soliciting input from the public in formal and informal settings.
- Examples of Important Duties
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- Develops park master plans, programs of requirements, concept plans, and operational plans for new and existing parks.
- Leads or assists in the development of land use studies and master plans
- Analyzes data and conducts statistical analyses to produce needs assessments, trend forecasts, CIP prioritizations, and plan recommendations.
- Prepares feasibility studies in a 2-3D graphic format (Adobe Creative Suite and SketchUp, etc.) for park and recreational facilities based on understanding size requirement, slope, drainage, and natural vegetation, etc.
- Presents park planning recommendations to the Planning Board and County Council.
- Reviews and analyzes development plans (Mandatory Referrals, Preliminary Plans, Site Plans, etc.) applications to ensure that park needs are met while minimizing park impacts.
- Negotiates complex and often controversial situations through data-based rationales and justifications.
- Reviews or analyzes studies of national significance and innovative recreation facilities across the U.S.
- Creates clear and attractive maps in GIS.
Important Skills and Characteristics
- Proficiency in the visual communication of information and design using Illustrator, InDesign, GIS, SketchUp, or CAD tools.
- Strong project management skills and the ability to coordinate teams and deliver work product on deadline.
- Experience creating Programs of Requirements, creating and analyzing data, creating maps, and making recommendations.
- Ability to adapt and learn new ways of thinking, processes, and technologies.
- Public engagement experience.
- Ability to read technical design plans (e.g. construction drawings).
- Experience with quantitative analysis.
- Persuasive writing skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master's Degree in Planning, Public Administration, Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Engineering, Geography, Parks and Recreation, Environmental Science, or related fields to job functions.
- One of the following certifications: Certified Planner (AICP/APA), Professional Landscape Architect (PLA/ASLA).
- Proficiency using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in the current version of ArcView, online survey and public input software, and Microsoft Productivity software including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Teams. Familiarity using and updating databases is also preferred.
- Ability to communicate in another language is a plus!
- One or more of the following: Experience in planning or designing parks or other outdoor facilities, such as athletic fields, Experience in reviewing development applications, Experience with quantitative analysis
- Minimum Qualifications
Planner III
- Bachelor’s Degree in Planning, Geography, Architecture, Parks and Recreation, Transportation, Urban Design, Engineering, Environmental Science, Public Policy, Economics or any related field.
- Two (2) years of progressively responsible professional level planning experience or specific area of assignment such as transportation planning, environmental planning or urban planning.
- An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total six (6) years.
- Valid driver's license (depending on area of assignment) in accordance with both State and Commission rules and regulations. Driver’s license must be unencumbered by restrictions, revocations, suspensions, or points that could limit the employee’s ability to drive Commission vehicles or perform driving duties required by the position of assignment.
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- Bachelor’s Degree in Planning, Geography, Architecture, Parks and Recreation, Transportation, Urban Design, Engineering, Environmental Science, Public Policy, Economics or any related field.
- Four (4) years of progressively responsible professional level planning experience related to specific area of assignment such as transportation planning, environmental planning or urban planning.
- An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total eight (8) years.
- Valid driver’s license (depending on area of assignment) in accordance with both State and Commission rules and regulations. Driver’s license must be unencumbered by restrictions, revocations, suspensions, or points that could limit the employee’s ability to drive Commission vehicles or perform driving duties required by the position of assignment.