Parks Planner

J  o  b    D  e  s  c  r  i  p  t  i  o  n

JOB INFORMATION

Approved Date:

8/31/2026 12:54:14 PM

Working Title:

Parks Planner

Job Family:

Planner

Classification:

Planner 2

ORGANIZATION

Department:

Parks

Cost Center/Program:

9507 - Parks - Planning Program

Exemption Status:

Exempt

Union:

Not Represented

JOB SUMMARY

The responsibilities of this classification include responsibilities for professional planning activities for comprehensive land use, environment and/or community planning, and Washington Growth Management Act.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Planner position is the second level of a three-level professional Planning series, distinguished by the advanced responsibilities associated with planning activities for comprehensive land use, environment and/or community planning, and Washington Growth Management Act, policy analysis and project management. 

Work assignments are received most often require advanced professional planning experience of high complexity and variety and exercise greater independence and judgment, receiving general supervision from senior management to provide resolution of complex or unique problems within the framework of department policies and procedures.  Work is reviewed by supervisor for effectiveness and timeliness in completing projects and evaluated through conferences, reports and results obtained.

Under general supervision and direction from the Parks Director, performs professional and administrative work in the planning, coordination and facilitation of projects and other department efforts such as park and recreation facility planning, capital project planning, property evaluation, community engagement, and carrying out other planning efforts as needed.  Performs analytical work covering a broad range of tasks related to the planning, acquisition, and development of parks and open space lands.   

JOB FUNCTIONS

Program Administration

 • Manages, monitors, directs, and reports on the department’s Planning program.

 • Develops and manages the department’s land acquisition program.

 • Works to implement PROS and other departmental goals and strategies.

 • Reviews and recommends properties for potential acquisition, park development, and divestment.

 • Develops and manages standards for park infrastructure including trails, interpretive signs, sign features, and other items.

 • Researches grants and other funding sources and prepares and assists in the administration of grant programs.

 • Recommends funding opportunities to acquire, develop, and steward parks and open space lands and facilities. 

 • Reviews other County contracts and permit applications for potential impacts to the Parks Department.

20%

Planning

 • Leads the research, updating, and development of the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) and other Parks department plans.

 • Develops long-range plans to align department growth and evolution with community needs.

 • Prepares Park planning and acquisition studies including land use and master plans for parks and open space.

 • Develop and update park master plans.

 • Performs site visits and assesses acquisition and park development opportunities for potential recreational use, cultural protection, and/or preservation suitability.

 • Provides technical review of park and open space related projects.

 • Recommends park and open space facility improvements.

50%

Public Outreach and Communication

 • Develops and facilitates public meetings and other outreach processes to solicit community input during the development and implementation of plans.

 • Conducts public needs assessments, public meetings, and workshops. 

 • Prepares and delivers oral and written materials for presentations.

 • Represents the department at public meetings and serves as a liaison with other County departments and outside agencies.

 • Presents to the Board of County Commissioners, Parks Advisory Board, and other community groups as needed.

10%

Project Management

 • Provides contract supervision and ensures timely preparation of contract documents for the planning and development of park and open space lands.

 • Drafts RFP, RFQ, and scopes of work for contracts

 • Administers contracts and contractors on projects such as park master planning

 • Tracks progress, compiles reports, and communicates status updates

20%

•

Performs other duties as assigned

•

Complies with all policies and standards

This Job is Essential

☐

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree

in Planning or related field.

Required

Bachelor's Degree in planning, parks and recreation, natural resource management, public administration, landscape architecture, or related field

4 years

experience in policy analysis, planning or related field.

Required

4 years

of experience in park planning, land use planning, or natural resource planning

Preferred

Previous experience with partnerships between public and private agencies

Preferred

Experience with resource conservation practices in park design

Preferred

Knowledge and use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and ArcGIS software

Preferred

experience working for a government agency, in the public sector, or in a parks and recreation department

Preferred

DL NUMBER - Driver License, Valid and in State

Upon Hire

Required

and

Defensive Driving Training Certificate

within 6 Months

Required

American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Certification

Preferred

Park and Recreation System Master Planning Certification

Preferred

Any equivalent combination and experience of education that provides the applicant with the desired knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the work.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Appear for scheduled work and complete assigned tasks within a reasonable period of time.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others using tact, courtesy and good judgment.

Maintain confidentiality and adhere to policy and procedures of the county and department.

Communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Utilize various computer applications specific to the department including databases, word processing, document imaging, spreadsheets, and web-based systems for entering, retrieving and researching data and records.

Physically perform assigned duties and essential functions of the position.

Knowledge of principles and practices of open space, park planning, and preservation

Knowledge of landscape architecture and construction techniques, standards, specifications, and procedures.

Knowledge of environmental issues and land use entitlements.

Knowledge of park development and landscape design concepts

Knowledge of contract administration, grant writing and administration practices and principles.

Knowledge of policies, laws, codes, ordinances and other regulations and guidelines applicable to area of assignment.

Knowledge of use and care of computers, peripherals and software used for park and open space planning.

Skills to effectively plan, prioritize, organize and complete tasks within prescribed timeframes.

Skills to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others using tact, courtesy and good judgment.

Skills to communicate effectively with excellent written and oral communication and strong presentation and facilitation skills.

Skills to work independently without regular direction and troubleshoot problems in assigned area of responsibility.

Skills to work successfully within the context of a team as a team player.

Skills to work with volunteer groups.

Skills to maintain a professional demeanor under heavy workload and stressful situations.

Skills to effectively respond to and reconcile competing interests of governmental entities, community organizations, contractors and the public.

Skills to focus on customer needs and provide exceptional service to both internal and external stakeholders.

Skills to effectively problem-solve and create innovative solutions.

Ability to interpret and apply applicable ordinances, regulations, and standard operating procedures.

Ability to prepare preliminary site designs.

Ability to read and interpret construction plans and specifications.

Ability to develop and strengthen collaborative community partnerships focused on parks issues.

Ability to facilitate and promote public input and community education by organizing and coordinating public meetings and forums.

Ability to prepare graphic design layouts for presentations and department marketing materials.

Ability to prepare and make effective presentations to groups.

Ability to write concise reports and establish and maintain accurate records.

Ability to coordinate activities with landscape architects, architects, engineers, staff, volunteer groups, and private contractors.

Ability to coordinate with various government agencies to obtain required permits.

Ability to prepare applications for grants and other funding proposals and provide feedback on program planning and effectiveness.

Ability to monitor budgets and funding, work schedules and grant requirements.

Time Management

Uses their time effectively and efficiently; values time; concentrates their efforts on the more important priorities; gets more done in less time than others; can attend to a broader range of activities.

Drive for Results

Can be counted on to exceed goals successfully; is constantly and consistently one of the top performers; very bottom-line oriented; steadfastly pushes self and others for results.

Customer Focus

Is dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers; gets first-hand customer information and uses it for improvements in products and services; acts with customers in mind; establishes and maintains effective relationships with customers and gains their trust and respect.

Remote Employment

Remote Employment Type:

Remote Optional – Based on business operational needs

Remote Employment Text:

Limited remote work allowed based on workload requirements

Weight Bearing (Standing & Walking)

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Weight Bearing Standing

Never: 0% - Does not occur ever, or may not ever occur for some incumbent.

Weight Bearing - Walking

Never: 0% - Does not occur ever, or may not ever occur for some incumbent.

Walking on Uneven Terrain

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Running

Never: 0% - Does not occur ever, or may not ever occur for some incumbent.

Jumping

Never: 0% - Does not occur ever, or may not ever occur for some incumbent.

Climbing

Ladder, stairs, stools

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Balancing

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Bending at the waist

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Twisting at the waist

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Stooping

Slight bend at knees

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Squatting

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Sitting

Continuously: 67%+ - Occurs more than 5.6 hours per shift.

Kneeling

One or both knees

Never: 0% - Does not occur ever, or may not ever occur for some incumbent.

Crawling

On hands and knees

Never: 0% - Does not occur ever, or may not ever occur for some incumbent.

Lying Down

Never: 0% - Does not occur ever, or may not ever occur for some incumbent.

Back, side or stomach

Never: 0% - Does not occur ever, or may not ever occur for some incumbent.

Lifting/Carry/Push/Pull

Lifting

   0-10 lbs

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Lifting

  11-20 lbs

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Lifting

  21-35 lbs

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Lifting

  36-50 lbs

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Lifting

  50 + lbs

Never: 0% - Does not occur ever, or may not ever occur for some incumbent.

Carry

   0-10 lbs

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Carry

  11-20 lbs

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Carry

  21-35 lbs

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Carry

  36-50 lbs

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Pushing

   0-10 lbs

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Pushing

  11-20 lbs

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Pushing

  21-35 lbs

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Pushing

  36-50 lbs

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Pulling

   0-10 lbs

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Pulling

  11-20 lbs

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Pulling

  21-35 lbs

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Pulling

  36-50 lbs

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Reaching Above shoulder level

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Reaching at shoulder level

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Reaching below shoulder level

Occasionally: 11-33% - Occurs 31 minutes to 2.5 hours per shift.

Occasionally: 11-33% - Occurs 31 minutes to 2.5 hours per shift.

Steering Equipment, Vehicles

Occasionally: 11-33% - Occurs 31 minutes to 2.5 hours per shift.

Occasionally: 11-33% - Occurs 31 minutes to 2.5 hours per shift.

Extension of neck looking forward

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Flexion of neck looking downward

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Twisting of neck side to side

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Fine Manipulation

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Keyboarding/Typing

Frequently: 34-66% - Occurs 2.6 to 5.5 hours per shift.

Frequently: 34-66% - Occurs 2.6 to 5.5 hours per shift.

Simple Grasp

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Up & Down Flexion of Wrist

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Side to Side Motion of Wrist

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Turning/Rotation of wrist/hand

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Gross Manipulation

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Powerful Grasp/Tight Grasp

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Hand Controls

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Repetitive Motion

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Seldom/Infrequent: 1-10% - May occur, but not on a daily basis or less than 30 minutes per shift.

Sight: Distinguish objects, depth perception, field of vision, color identification, near and far acuity necessary to operate equipment, machinery, etc.

Hearing: Comprehend oral language and sounds and react appropriately. Follow oral directions.

Speaking: Orally communicate information and ideas with comprehension

Reading: Comprehend and retain the written word.

Writing: Composing communications in writing

Math: Compute a series of numeric variables, measurements

Uneven Ground

Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens

Work Outside

Customer/Public Contact

Work Inside

High Elevations

Moving Objects

Slippery Surface

Wetness

Temp.Humid/ Extremes

Temp. Cold Temp

Confined Spaces

Special Clothing

Vibration

Use of Solvents

Use of Detergent

Chemical Contact

Chemical Vapors

Dust or Particles

Toxic Substances

Explosives

Radiation

Electricity

Noise intensity

Understand & follow directions – with little or no direction

Memory – Ability to remember and recall procedures, processes and activities routine in nature.

Regular and reliable attendance

Ability to problem Solve

Ability to perform complex & varied tasks

Ability to develop & maintain positive work environments

Ability to supervise/lead and influence others

Foot Controls

Mechanical/Electrical parts

Driving – Regular Vehicle

Driving DOT/CDL Vehicle

Operate Heavy Equipment

Operate Heavy Machinery

Small hand tools

Operate power equipment such as drill/saws

Equipment, Machines, Vehicles Operated:      

Tools, Implements Used:     

Special Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:     

Respirator Use Required (other than nuisance dust mask).   Describe: