BARGAINING UNIT / LEVEL: Professional Bargaining Unit – Level 06/08/10
SALARY RANGE: $68,569 - $ 106,565 annually DOQ

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: Under the supervision of the Chief of Planning & Development, this position is responsible for applying regional planning principles to the planning, design, development, and maintenance of park facilities, trails, and natural resources.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the general direction of the Chief of Planning & Development and is expected to work independently and exercise sound judgment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES: The list below is intended to describe the general nature of duties only. Employees shall perform other duties as assigned.

• Conduct detailed research and analysis of local and regional demographic, socioeconomic, and recreation trends and projections
• Develop and maintain an inventory of local and regional planning data; analyze projects with potential impact to the Metroparks system
• Facilitate public outreach and engagement activities related to the development of park master plans and other department initiatives
• Plan and design land and water resource development and conservation for parks, trails, and recreational areas
• Develop, interpret, and implement park master plans and other long-range planning initiatives
• Utilize Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to create maps, graphics, and other tools for performing spatial analysis planning initiatives
• Collaborate and coordinate with consultants, contractors, and stakeholders throughout design and construction phases for complex projects and studies
• Prepare documentation, maps, and conceptual plans for grant projects, permits and studies as requested

• Bachelor’s degree in urban/regional planning, landscape architecture, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred. Applicants with 8 or more years of related experience will be given credit toward meeting the minimum educational requirements and will be considered for the position.
• Demonstrated commitment to planning, conservation, and environmental stewardship.
• Flexibility to adjust schedule to meet organizational needs, including special events, evenings, weekends & holidays
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position

• Meets all minimum qualifications for System Planner, Level 06
• Two (2) years of planning experience required. A master’s degree in planning may be substituted for one (1) year of planning experience.

• Meets all minimum qualifications for System Planner, Level 08
• Five (5) years of planning experience required, including at least two (2) years of full-time experience with the Metroparks.

• Master’s degree in urban/regional planning, landscape architecture, or a related field.
• Experience in trail planning and development
• Certification through the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) or ability to obtain certification

TOOLS & EQUIPMENT USED: Personal computer utilizing standard office, database, and data management software; general office equipment, including copier/scanner; telephone and radio communications equipment; and automobile.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.   Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit, talk and hear.   The employee is frequently required to use hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.   Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Employees generally perform work within an office environment.  The noise level is usually quiet.   Occasionally, the employee will be required to work in outdoor environments and will be subject to weather conditions to include heat, rain, and snow.