Position Summary:

The Parks Planner is responsible for planning, coordinating, and managing the development of parks, trails, open spaces, and recreational facilities; obtain and manage services of design consultants; provide construction project administration and management; manage projects through staff technical review and final approval of designs; assist the Department Director and Parks Superintendent with project management as needed.

Essential Job Functions:

Essential Job Functions represents 20%-50% of working time on a regular basis, subject to the varying demand of specific functions. All functions listed below are considered essential and are expected to be completed regularly and efficiently by any incumbent. Regular, punctual and on-site attendance is essential for all functions listed below:
 

1. Responsible for the park planning and design management functions for parks projects.
   • Develop, review, and evaluate near and long-term park plans.
   • Evaluate and analyze existing facilities and recommend projects to correct deficiencies or enhance facilities.
   • Develop and coordinate site analysis and project design for park, trail, facility repair and improvement and open space projects.
   • Coordinate consultant selection and conduct contract negotiations for planning and design services.
   • Manage design consultants and develop budgetary cost estimates.
   • Recommend priorities and project phasing.
   • Compile and manage project, statistical and technical data and justification.

1. Coordinates the construction and contract management functions for parks projects, to include but not limited to:
   • Prepare bidding and contract documents, and act as the primary contact for contract administration. Prepare contract change orders.
   • Select best method of acquisition for construction services in accordance with applicable guidelines, laws and ordinances. Ensure bonding and insurance requirements are met.
   • Make recommendations to  Management and City Council for approval of contract award and change orders as appropriate. Assist staff and consultants in project planning, design, and construction.
   • Prepare and process contractor pay estimates.
   • Ensure construction is inspected and manage project to budget.
   • Provide construction project updates to the Parks Superintendent and Department Director. Recommend project acceptance.
   • Assist development and review of the planning efforts for parks and recreation, other Departments, and other public and private entities as appropriate.

1. Coordinates the cross-agency and public interface functions of the parks planning processes, to include but not limited to:
   • Work with other Parks and Recreation Staff, City Departments, and regional and state development agencies to coordinate project timing and integrate strategies.
   • Manage technical services contracts as required.
   • Ensure trail connectivity with the Regional and County trail systems.
   • Seek opportunities for grant funding.
   • Evaluate programs, services, and activities to assure the needs of the public are met.
   • Confer with the public, and other public and private sector representatives on park planning issues including project design and coordination.
   • Develop cooperative and professional relationships with local community agencies and citizen groups.
   • Participate in formal and informal public meetings with governmental agencies and public groups to review project plans, solicit input and develop consensus.

Other Job Functions :
Other Job Functions are essential but represent less than 20% of working time on a regular basis. These are performed with less regularity but are considered essential. All functions listed below are considered essential and are expected to be completed regularly and efficiently by any incumbent.
 

• Prepare special and recurring reports. Collect and analyze data and coordinate special reporting.
• Review operational analysis of programs and services.
• Assist with budget planning.
• Administer grant programs as required.
• Prepare presentation graphics: including line rendered drawings, computer graphics and Power Point presentations.
• Stay abreast of construction management industry best practices ensuring that functional use, maintenance aesthetics and safety considerations in all projects are met.  

Create and manage files, compile data, and operate and utilize various software which could include AutoCAD, MS Office, and GIS products. 

Education and Experience:

1. Bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture, civil engineering, project planning, construction management and or related field, or equivalent work experience.
2. Five years of work experience in landscape architecture involving the planning, design, and/or construction of major or private projects.
3. An equivalent combination of the above experience and education to satisfy the minimum requirements of the position.
4. Possession of an active license as an Engineer or Architect is required and not subject to equivalent experience.
5. A valid Texas Driver License, Class C.

Candidates offered a position must successfully complete the following:

• A comprehensive criminal background check, drug/alcohol test and a motor vehicle review.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Methods, materials, and equipment used in park project construction.
• Designing public park projects.
• Analyzing park planning details and making recommendations.
• Principles and techniques of surveying and GPS equipment.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes and regulations including laws underlying park general plans, zoning, land divisions and applicable environmental laws and regulations.
• Research and report preparation techniques related to a wide variety of park planning programs and projects.
• Evaluate working technical drawings, specifications, and cost estimates for assigned projects using AutoCAD, GIS, and MS Office.
• Evaluate designs using City standards for functional use, aesthetics, and safety.
• Methods and techniques in the field of park project planning.
• AutoCAD drawing and file management.
• Advanced skill in interpersonal communication and conflict resolution.
• Skill in the de-escalation of sensitive or aggressive customer/vendor/citizen issues.
• Skill in analyzing data, identifying trends and creating actionable data strategies.
• Strong project management skills and experience with project management methodologies.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
• Ability to simultaneously coordinate multiple tasks and priorities and support multiple individuals, teams, and work groups.
• Ability to establish and maintain project schedules and balance responsibilities for multiple projects.
• Ability to continually demonstrate practical knowledge, analytical judgements and informed decision-making.
• Ability to provide technical, practical or functional knowledge related to job functions.
• Ability to effectively inform, educate, persuade or influence others related to job functions and necessary outcomes.
• Ability to communicate effectively on technical, interpersonal and professional levels to diverse audiences, communities and interest groups.

About City of Farmers Branch

The City of Farmers Branch has earned its reputation for excellence. It's an oasis of small-town life in the heart of big-city bustle. World-class arts, shopping and great schools, plus a big-business boom and lower business tax rates are just a few of the features that make Farmers Branch the ideal place to live, work, and play.

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