Planning and Development Specialist II na City of Seattle, WA

About the Department

About Seattle Parks & Recreation
The importance of parks and recreation to the residents of Seattle cannot be overstated. The city has one of the world’s best parks systems and recreational programming services. This is because the community has worked to protect existing resources and always seek opportunities to expand offerings. The staff at Seattle Parks and Recreation understand the responsibility they carry as stewards of these invaluable assets. We pride ourselves in our ability to meet the high expectations of our residents in a work environment that is friendly, professional, and compassionate.

About Planning and Capital Development Branch (PCD):
The Planning and Capital Development Branch (PCD) of Seattle Parks and Recreation acquires, plans, designs, and develops new park facilities, and makes improvements to existing park facilities to benefit the public. This effort includes providing engineering and other technical services to solve maintenance and operational problems. PCD also preserves open spaces through a combination of direct purchases, transfers, and consolidation of City-owned lands and resolution of property encroachment issues. 

Planning Unit Team:
The Planning Unit with PCD is responsible for asset management, long-term capital planning, and bringing all capital projects from initiation to concept development. This work is informed by continuous data analysis, prioritizing equitable investment, and aiming to avoid interruption of service to our communities as much as possible. We are a diverse team of project managers, designers, environmental scientists, geospatial specialists, funding strategists, and cutting-edge community planners.

Position Duties

This role within the Planning Unit of Seattle Parks and Recreation will help us deliver long-term planning services that move SPR to a pro-active stance on climate change, equity, and asset management through high-quality and timely public service. Specifically, SPR is looking for someone with a background in capital project delivery, interagency coordination, and extensive public engagement experience.

For this position, the candidate will support SPR’s work by:

• Leading the development, management and implementation of parks planning projects to secure professional services, engage the public, create schematic designs, and manage assets to support the Departments Capital Improvement Program work.
• Developing goals, objectives, and criteria for projects and programs and evaluates/monitors programs and process. 

• Preparing RFPs, consultant contracts, coordinates, and monitors the work of consultants and may participate in selection of consultant. 

• Serving as a liaison with other City departments and agencies, business interests, and community groups to coordinate planning activities, including public involvement process.
• Providing reports and maps to inform plans, policy, and in response to emergent requests.
• Planning events and other means to engage the public and stakeholders.
• Bringing projects through SPR and other required review processes to create schematic designs that support the Department’s CIP work.   
• Managing condition assessments, feasibility studies and other preliminary and pre-design processes to inform SPR’s Asset Management Plan and Capital Improvement Program. 
• Developing scopes of work and coordinating with maintenance and operations staff for planned projects.
• Assisting higher level staff in presenting recommendations to elected officials and advisory boards. 
• Preparing and delivering presentations that include charts, graphs, and other visual aids.
• Representing the Department at various meetings, hearings and on planning committees.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Requires two years of experience in planning and research related to land use, urban economics, human services, environmental issues, conservation; or other work directly related to City planning and development work; and a baccalaureate degree in planning, urban design, environmental studies, public administration, or related field (or a combination of education and/or training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class).

Preferred Qualifications

• Three years of experience in planning and research related to open space development and preservation, land use, urban economics, environmental issues, conservation, or other work directly related to City planning and development work; 

• A baccalaureate and master’s degree in planning, urban design, environmental studies, public administration, or related field (or a combination of education, training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class). 

• Experiencing engaging with a diverse public, managing multiple projects concurrently, and a passion for public space creation/improvement. 

• Experience managing staff to complete work and meet deadlines.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

While this is a hybrid job, work is performed in an office environment. Personnel are required, at minimum, to be in the office (300 Elliot Ave W) three (3) days a week.

License, Certification and Other Requirements

None

Other Qualifications

The full salary range for this position is $47.54 - $55.32 hourly.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: "Most" Employees Plans - Human Resources | seattle.gov

Application Process

Please submit the following with your online application:

• A cover letter in which you clearly describe how your knowledge, experience, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job announcement
• A current resume of your educational and professional work experience.

Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications.  Seattle Parks and Recreation values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Seattle Parks and Recreation encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.

Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process, including the completion of a background check. The background check will involve a criminal history check, which includes conviction and arrest records in compliance with the Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17and the City of Seattle Personnel Rule 10.3. A driving history review may be conducted in compliance with SMC 4.79.020.Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans.

Want to know more about Parks and Recreation? Check out our web page: Seattle Parks and Recreation - Parks | seattle.gov

SPR’s Core Competencies are:
 
Accountability & Action: Holding yourself accountable for achieving goals, completing tasks, and delivering quality work. Demonstrating thoughtful initiative in actions and decision-making and promoting high quality standards.
 
Equity and Inclusion: Supporting the goals of the Race and Social Justice Initiative and the City's commitment to workforce equity.
 
Communication: Sharing and exchanging information and ideas with people in a variety of ways to help them understand and remember the information.
 
Service: An ongoing commitment to base decisions and actions on the needs and priorities of the City.

Teamwork: Participating as an engaged member of a team to achieve group goals. Effectively working with internal and external people to complete tasks and achieve work group goals.