Job opening! Planning & Design Lead - NRS4 - Application deadline is April 13, 2025 at 11:59pm.

As a permanent full-time Natural Resource Specialist 4 - Lead Planner, you will coordinate, lead and oversee agency Planning and Design functions. Complete state park master and comprehensive plans in a timely, effective and measurable way that improves resource condition, recreation opportunities, visitor experience and park facilities.  This position also mainstreams climate resiliency into existing agency policies and practices and identifies emerging policies and best practices to meet changing needs. The lead park planner works on regional planning coordination, schematic design, construction drawings, permitting, construction oversight, resource assessments, recreation analysis, emerging programs and special projects.  Additional duties for this position include recommending program priorities, creating inter-divisional teams and representing the agency regionally, statewide, and nationally on matters pertaining to planning and design. The position will require evaluation of planning policy, design standards, processes and methods with recommendations for innovative and improved approaches. Extensive knowledge of the theory, practices, and principles of park master planning and comprehensive planning is needed. Experience working to develop and implement agency climate resiliency plans is also a must.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Four (4) years of experience in Planning or Landscape Architecture work with a specific focus on parks planning and design. At least One (1) year of the experience must be at a technical or professional level performing activities in the parks planning fields from resources inventory, through opportunities analysis to schematic design and for the design field from concept through construction; AND A Bachelor's degree in Landscape Architecture, Civil Engineering, Recreation Planning, or a closely related field.

OR

• Three (3) years of experience in Planning or Landscape Architecture work with a specific focus on parks planning and design. At least One (1) year of the experience must be at a technical or professional level performing activities in the parks planning fields from resources inventory, through opportunities analysis to schematic design and for the design field from concept through construction; AND A Master's degree in Landscape Architecture, Civil Engineering, Recreation Planning, or a closely related field.

OR

• Seven (7) years of experience in Planning or Landscape Architecture work with a specific focus on parks planning and design. At least One (1) year of the experience must be at a technical or professional level performing activities in the parks planning fields from resources inventory, through opportunities analysis to schematic design and for the design field from concept through construction.

Desired Attributes:

• Experience communicating verbally and in writing with a variety of people or organizations to answer questions and explain information, policies, regulations, decisions, or actions. As well as experience presenting information at public hearings, meetings, or conferences to gain cooperation and develop partnerships for the agency or program.
• Experience coordinating complex Planning and Design programs and projects and working with climate change/adaptation topics.
• Experience representing the agency on or serving as an agency lead person for project, advisory, or technical committees with respect to Planning and Design topics and climate change/adaptation topics.
• Knowledge of the laws, procedures, principles, and regulations governing park planning, landscape architecture and design as well as experience applying and advising staff about such.
• Experience leading a team of Planning and Design professionals and reviewing the work of the team.
• Familiarity with trends, developments and technological advancements along with general knowledge of program administration and project management methods, principles and practices.
• Preference may be given to candidates who have a Professional Landscape Architect Licensure (or provide evidence of working towards attaining license within 6 months of hire).

Contact Information:

For questions about this position, contact hiring supervisor: Alan Freudenthal Alan.FREUDENTHAL@oprd.oregon.gov or by phone: 971-446-1944.

For questions on application process, email: OPRD.Recruiting@oprd.oregon.gov.

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Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, committed to diversity.