Parks Planning and Program Manager

This listing closes on 7/17/2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time (US & Canada).

Employer

City of Grand Rapids

Salary

$108,413.00 - $138,301.00 Annually

Location

1500 Scribner Ave NW Grand Rapids, MI

Job Type

Permanent

Job Number

718-0626

Department

Parks and Recreation

Opening Date

06/17/2026

Closing Date

7/17/2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time (US & Canada)

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Nature of Work

The purpose of the position is to direct the planning, design and delivery of Parks and Recreation Department projects including parks and trails, cemetery, golf course facilities, and site improvements. The position provides leadership for the department's planning division. This position leads land use planning, land acquisition, capital planning and capital budget oversight, project management, and individual park and system master plans. The position conducts various plans and studies that provide direction for the department's ability to meet community needs for park and recreation services. The position manages the public input processes related to planning and capital development. A high degree of interaction and collaboration with engineers, landscape architects, contractors, consultants, community members, other city departments and local governmental entities is needed for success. Main Duties and Responsibilities The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Leads and manages the planning functions of the department.
• Establishes divisional/departmental work plans and monitors progress toward goals and objectives that align with the department's mission, vision and master plan.
• Plans, designs, bids and oversees park, trail, cemetery and golf infrastructure projects.
• Prepares and administers the department's annual capital budget and five-year capital improvement program, monitors progress of capital budget projects.
• Leads the preparation of requests for proposals, contract management for long-range comprehensive planning documents and individual park master plans.
• Operationalizes the Parks Master Plan and ensures alignment with the city's strategic plan.
• Develops and updates park plans; evaluates and analyzes issues and recommends solutions with site analysis, project design and technical plans for parks, trails, open spaces and recreation facility projects.
• Establishes policy, long-range plans, programs, identifies funding sources, and allocates funding for park, trail, cemetery and golf improvements to ensure intentional asset management.
• Oversees and administers the department's land acquisition program.
• Coordinates with multiple agencies and departments for project and program administration; represents the department on park projects and community initiatives.
• Develop community engagement strategies with staff including oversight of engagement efforts for facilitating community meetings, dialogue, and procedures.
• Oversee and administers state, federal and private grant funds for park acquisition and development include supervising grant preparation and adherence to compliance regulations.
• Oversees the department's Equity-Centered Capital Investment Plan program.
• Supervises the work of professional and administrative staff; participates in hiring, training and disciplinary actions; delegates work assignments; conducts performance evaluations.
• Represents the Department on various committees in Citywide meetings and at other Department community meetings.
• Responds to City Commission, Executive Office, Director, other Public Agency and Public (resident and business) inquiries, questions and issues via phone, email and at public meetings.
• Performs other duties, as assigned.

Minimum Training and Experience

Minimum Education and Expertise

• Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, architecture, landscape architecture or a related field

--AND--

• 5 years of experience in civil engineering including responsibility for planning, directing, and supervising capital infrastructure projects

--OR--

• Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provided the required skills, knowledge and abilities

Required Licenses

• Driver's license
• Professional Architect, Engineer, or Landscape Architect license

Other Information

We Offer:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision starting on Day 1
• 6% employee 401a contribution with employer matching (6% or 7% based on bargaining unit)
• Employee & Employer contributions to Retiree Health Savings Account
• Voluntary benefits such as term life insurance, flexible spending accounts, accidental insurance, disability insurance, and deferred compensation plan options
• Twelve Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation and Sick Time
• Paid Parking (if applicable)
• Employee Home Ownership Incentive
• Tuition Reimbursement and professional development opportunities
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program with free mental health counseling
• Comprehensive Wellness program with a health and wellness incentive
• Employee Discounts and Perks

Should an applicant need any disability related accommodation or other consideration in the application or selection process, please notify the human resources department upon submittal of application

The City of Grand Rapids does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy or gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

Please Note: This position is subject to the provisions of the applicable collective bargaining agreement and all relevant civil service rules. For additional information, links to union agreement and Civil Service Rules are provided below.

Collective Bargaining Agreements

Civil Service Rules (Download PDF reader)

City of Grand Rapids Employee Benefits Webpage

01 Do you possess a bachelor's degree in civil engineering, architecture, landscape architecture or a related field?

• Yes
• No

02 If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please identify the field of study of your bachelor's degree. If you answered "No", please write "N/A". 03 Do you possess 5 years of experience in cvil engineering including responsibility for planning, directing, and supervising capital infrastructure projects?

• Yes
• No

04 If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please describe your experience. If you answered "No", please write "N/A". 05 Do you possess a State of Michigan Driver's license, or a driver's license from another State, that can be transferred to Michigan upon employment?

• Yes
• No

06 Do you possess a Professional Architect, Engineer, or Landscape Architect license?

• Professional Architech license
• Professional Engineer's (P.E.) license
• Professional Landscape Architech license
• Not Applicable

* Required Question

Employer

City of Grand Rapids

Address

300 Monroe Ave, NW 8th Floor, Room 880 Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49503-2206

Phone

View phone number on talent.com

Website