Cleveland Metroparks
September 17, 2013
Professional Area:
Architecture
Landscape Architecture
Parks and Recreation Planning
Urban Design
Experience:
More than 10 years
Phone:
216-635-3200
Fax:
216-635-3269
Email:
resumes@clevelandmetroparks.com
Location:
Cleveland, OH
The Senior Strategic Park Planner facilitates long-term and strategic planning to implement key directions of the Cleveland Metroparks strategic plan and regional initiatives. The incumbent works with other Cleveland Metroparks departments to coordinate planning, development, funding and implementing strategic initiatives, including park and regional trails, park facilities and improvements, open space preservation and other strategic initiatives. The incumbent is engaged in multiple projects that will invoke working with stakeholders from local counties, cities, regional agencies, community groups and conservation organizations to implement the vision, engage the community in support of the project and achieve the goals of Park District plans.
Essential Functions
- Identifies and evaluates strategic and long-term opportunities, consistent with the Cleveland Metroparks mission and strategic plan, to cooperatively provide trails, outdoor recreation and conserve open spaces referenced in the park district strategic plan and regional open space plans.
- Develop and prepare master plans, comprehensive plans, area studies, economic benefits, regional population analysis, benchmark and community assessments, park trends analysis, and other special studies as assigned. Work with park district staff on site and implementation. Administers consulting contracts as related to planning, as needed.
- Develops and supports partnerships as an integral element of an implementation strategy for appropriate strategic initiatives.
- Develops and maintains effective communications with Cleveland Metroparks staff, public agencies, municipalities and the general public.
- Secures financial support for open space and recreational enhancement projects by working with grant specialists to identify appropriate grant sources; preparing grant requests and applications; and managing the project as assigned.
- Assists with property acquisition negotiations, with a focus on trail and greenway initiatives.
- Represents Cleveland Metroparks on community and regional committees charged with conservation, open space, park/recreation and trail objectives.
- Prepares and makes presentations to the Board of Park Commissioners, partners, local government agencies and communities.
- Assists with special projects assigned by the Chief Executive Officer and/or Director of Strategic Initiatives
- Presents and coordinates support from public agencies and municipalities, seeking project understanding, memorandums of understanding, approval, and/or cooperation, as needed.
- Represents Cleveland Metroparks on assigned public agency committees, watershed councils, city council meetings, planning commission meetings, and community/regional work groups.
- Reviews, evaluates, and responds to city and variance requests.
- Conducts research, prepares maps, and creates reports and presentations, as required.
- Keeps the Director of Strategic Initiatives promptly informed of key/significant issues or concerns.
- Carries out duties and responsibilities in a safe and efficient manner to maintain a safe work environment and surrounding area for oneself, co-workers and public. Responds to hazardous situations and/or potentially unsafe conditions by taking corrective action as capable and promptly notifying supervisory personnel.
- Performs related duties as apparent or assigned.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s preferred, from an accredited college or university in landscape architecture, park and recreation administration, urban or regional planning, or related field. Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience working as a professional planner or related position.
- Must have a good driving record (less than six (6) active points on driving records at the application stage of the hiring process) and possess a valid Ohio driver’s license.
- Working knowledge of common graphic computer-assisted planning programs and mapping aids, including Geographic Information Systems (“GIS”), Arcmap, Quantum GIS, or similar software.
- Project management skills and strong business acumen, including problem solving, vision, ability to manage multiple programs and meet deadlines, collaboration, leadership, decision making and ability to analyze diverse facts and develop clear and concise reports and recommendations.
- Experienced user of Microsoft Office programs including Excel, Word, Access, and Powerpoint.
- Strong communication and relationship building skills with experience in initiating, developing and maintaining relationships with staff, public agencies, municipalities and the general public.
- Experience in grant writing and grant management and experience in researching grant opportunities.
- Experience with zoning and variance requests; knowledge of state and local zoning and real estate laws, regulations and policies.
- Ability to speak and write clearly, concisely and persuasively using correct grammar, spelling and punctuation with ability to communicate one-on-one or in group settings.
- Ability to perform work with a high degree of accuracy and organization.
- Ability to perform with considerable independence and initiative.
- Able to work evenings as needed to attend meetings.
- Must be non-smoker/tobacco user.
DATE POSTED: 9/16/2013
FILING DEADLINE: 9/30/2013
FULL SALARY RANGE: $55,236- $82,854/Annually. Typical Hiring Salary: $55,236 - $69,045/Annually
TO APPLY: Your cover letter must clearly explain how your skills and experience align with the above job qualifications
E-mail résumé referencing job #13164 to:
Cleveland Metroparks is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse and talented workforce.