Posted: Aug 21, 2026

Chief of Planning

Full-time

Salary: $48.72 - $73.08 Hourly

Application Deadline: Oct 20, 2026

SUMMARY
This position provides senior leadership and direction to subordinate staff with responsibility for the agency’s planning and design for parks, trails, facilities, land planning and acquisition, management of construction and improvement projects, to support agency strategic planning efforts, and performs other special projects assigned by the CEO.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Serve as a member of the executive leadership team. Provides leadership and direction to assigned areas of responsibility. Provides staff direction and works with affiliated organizations to execute Five Rivers MetroParks (FRMP) comprehensive and other agency plans, and capital improvements that support the agency’s vision, mission, and strategic direction.
Plan, direct, and integrate comprehensive planning and projects for the agency.
Manage and administer park, trail and land planning and acquisition, construction and improvement projects, and capital improvement planning
Analyze complex planning and project issues and challenges, evaluate alternative solutions, and develop sound conclusions, recommendations, and courses of action.
Evaluate planning and project management practices and adopt effective courses of action; develop clear, concise, and comprehensive technical reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
Inform and advise the CEO on local and regional community development, land, environmental and infrastructure planning issues.
Working in conjunction with the CEO supports the development of agency strategic plans. Ensures alignment of strategic plans with agency purpose, mission, vision, values, and community priorities.
Lead the development of internal strategic action plans.
Work with partners in the community to further strategic planning efforts.
Coach and mentor staff to empower them in the development and execution of the strategic plan(s).
Facilitate the communication of strategic plans and their implementation to staff, agency partners, and the public.
Monitor local, state-wide and national trends in planning, economic and community development matters; evaluate their impact on agency and provide recommendations to the CEO.
Ensure timely preparation of complete and accurate functional area work for presentation to executive leadership, the Board of Park Commissioners, citizen committees, and other organizational or community groups; perform research and analysis for presentations on special projects and planning.
Present proposals and recommendations clearly and logically in public meetings. Provides opportunities for public participation in the development of plans and designs.
Understand, interpret, explain, and apply local, state, and federal law and regulations governing land use planning, construction, and community development.
Exercise sound judgment within general policy guidelines; establishes and maintains effective working relationships with staff, community partners and other commissions and boards, officials, external organizations, and developers.
Coordinate and manage the agency’s land use agreements with other external agencies.
Review, analyze and monitor assigned budgets and recommend appropriate management actions.
Review, edit, and approve contracts, plans, policies, proposals, and other reports and documents. Interprets and ensures agency compliance with federal, state, and local laws pertaining to the agency’s planning and project management.
Lead special strategic projects, as assigned by the CEO.
Serve as an active member on state and national professional boards and committees to enhance the connections, networking, and information sharing to ensure the agency is current with industry’s best practices.
Work assigned schedule, exhibits regular and punctual attendance, and works outside of normal schedule as required.
Maintain confidentiality of sensitive records and information.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide service to the public, responding to questions, helping, and providing information.
Collaborate within and across organizational boundaries to provide information and service for the effective operation of the agency and all staff.
Facilitate the periodic review of agency rules and regulations and works with staff and executive leadership to update them as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. A suitable combination of education, training, coursework, and experience may be accepted as evidence of an applicant’s ability to demonstrate the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. An example of an acceptable qualification is:

Bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture, Planning, Public Administration, Natural Resources, or closely related fields.
Seven years of progressively responsible experience in public administration or business administration, including experience in a senior level management capacity, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Certified Parks and Recreation Professional or Certified Park and Recreation Executive, or Licensed Landscape Architect
Valid Driver’s License which meets FRMP insurance carrier guidelines.

Additional Information:

Candidates must successfully complete a criminal background check and drug screening test prior to employment.