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Are you skilled in applying landscape design principles and experienced with park and recreation facilities and amenities, including planting, irrigation, and hardscape design? Our Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources department needs a Parks Planner III, engaged in functions related to the design and construction of park improvement projects. Responsibilities include site analysis, concept plan development, construction cost estimating, design plan development (planting, irrigation, and hardscape), permitting assistance, bid process facilitation, and construction administration. The position will be based out of our Twin Lakes Park in Sunny Sarasota, FL.

This position starts out paying between $67,246.40 - $80,017.60, benefits begin within 60 days of hire, and there are numerous opportunities for advancement. Apply today and take the next step in a lasting career, known for its impact on the community!

About the Position

This is advanced professional work overseeing the design and construction of park site capital improvement projects; designing and coordinating in-house construction projects; and developing park site and facility standards. In addition, you will assist with park planning, community outreach, and park-related policy initiatives. Work often requires the development of recommendations and independent action consistent with policies, general directives, and broad regulations.

Park Planning and Design:

• Prepare conceptual park/preserve site plans and related facility designs based on public input, staff recommendations, analysis of existing conditions, and applicable policies and regulatory parameters.
• Create construction drawings and specifications and obtain permits for small projects.
• Facilitate the procurement of professional design services for the development of construction drawings, permits, and other design/development-related activities for larger projects.

Project Management:

• Oversee the design, permitting, budgeting, and construction process in-house, or through assigned teams, to ensure projects are completed per the approved scope of work, within budget, on time, and per standard construction methods.
• Coordinate efforts with other project managers, park staff, design professionals, permitting agencies, procurement officials, public information officers, and contractors.
• Participate in inter-department and inter-agency teams to ensure the park projects align with the desires of the community and will function appropriately from a Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources (PRNR) operational and maintenance perspective.

Long Range/Strategic Planning:

• Assist with efforts related to strategic, long-range, regional planning and associated needs related to PRNR. Examples include efforts related to updates on the Sarasota County Parks, Preserves, and Recreation Strategic Master Plan, data collection and analysis, public meeting facilitation, development of park master concept plans, and related activities.
• Help to coordinate and develop policies, guidelines, standard operating procedures, and ordinance/code revisions related to parks.

Budget Process:

• Support the department’s annual Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget process.  
• Facilitate the collection of proposed park development ideas, refine proposed projects' scopes of work, develop project budgets, and identify potential funding sources.
• Develop concept plans and budgets for proposed park projects.

Special Projects/Initiatives:

• Provide support documentation and help facilitate presentations to community stakeholders, including neighborhood groups, Friends of Sarasota County Parks, Advisory Boards (Parks Advisory and Recreation Council and Environmentally Sensitive Lands Oversight Committee), and the County Commission.
• Perform grant research, writing, management, and reporting for existing and future park projects.
• Assist other departments (e.g., Planning and Development Services) with park-related projects.

About the Schedule

Work Hours:

• Full-Time, 40 hours per week in person.

• Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (No weekends!)

About You

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Landscape Architecture, Park Planning, Architecture, or a related field -and- Six (6) years of related professional experience with demonstrated leadership experience in a large and complex construction project management.

• -OR- Master's degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for One (1) year of required professional experience.

• -OR- Professional experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.

• Valid Florida driver's license by date of hire.

The ideal candidate has the following: 
Please note that these are not requirements but "bonuses" for your consideration.

• Prior professional experience as a Landscape Architect, Certified Park and Recreation Professional, Construction Project Manager, and/or design experience applying the Americans with Disabilities Act to the built environment.

• The following certifications: Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP), American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, Adobe PhotoShop, Adobe Illustrator, and/or Adobe InDesign.

• Proficiency in AutoCAD or Land F/X; familiarity with GIS principles, products, and mapping.

Physical Demands: Employees in this position must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 lbs.

About Everything Else

Starting Pay Range: $67,246.40 - $80,017.60