Park Planner I

Park Planner I

Do you have a passion for improving and using parks in Sonoma County? Join Regional Parks as a Park Planner I! Starting salary $40.77/hour! Regional Parks is currently recruiting for Park Planner positions at either the I or II levels. If you are interested in being considered at the different levels of this opportunity, you must apply to the separate concurrent recruitments being conducted for each level.

Working in the office and the field, Park Planners perform work to assist with conducting park planning studies to design and expand parks, park facilities, structures, and trails in unincorporated Sonoma County. As a Park Planner I, you will work with existing staff in planning, establishing, and expanding park space in Sonoma County. Your responsibilities will include:

• Learning to coordinate the land acquisition process with landowners, title companies, appraisers, and related agencies
• Assisting in conducting preliminary field investigations of proposed parks and recreation sites to assess suitability and potential usage
• Gathering information and evaluating public demand and usage needs, potential fiscal resources, and environmental requirements
• Preparing plan graphics, sketches, and color renderings
• Performing public bidding, construction, and consultant contracting
• Assisting in determining size, configuration, access mode, and basic design of proposed parks

As the ideal candidate, you will possess:

• Experience assisting with budgeting and estimating costs for park projects
• Excellent communication skills, both in writing and when presenting to the public
• Project management experience
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, as well as attention to detail
• Knowledge of site planning and facility design
• Intermediate Microsoft Office skills
• Experience with AutoCAD and Adobe
• The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse groups and individuals

Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing you're working to better our communities. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits including:

• Salary Advancement - A salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
• Career Advancement - With time and good performance, the opportunity for advancement to Park Planner II ($50.68 - $61.59/hour)
• Paid Time Off - Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year
• County Paid Health Premium Contributions - 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options
• Post-Retirement Health Reimbursement Arrangement - County contributions to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits
• Retirement - A pension fully integrated with Social Security
• Paid Parental Leave - May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employment
• Additional Benefits - Excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, employee assistance program, professional development, and more
• Student Loan Debt Relief - County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education

*Salary is negotiable within the established range. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found in the Service Employees International Union Local 1021 Memorandum Of Understanding (SEIU MOU) and our Employee Benefits Directory.

The Regional Parks Department is currently recruiting to fill two full-time Park Planner positions at either the I or II levels. This Park Planner I employment list may also be used to fill future full-time, part-time, or extra-help (temporary) positions as they occur during the active status of the list. Qualified County employees who wish to be considered for future positions should consider applying to this recruitment.

Application submissions require the Supplemental Questionnaire to be completed.