Initial Posting Date:
03/21/2025Application Deadline:
04/13/2025Agency:
Parks and Recreation DepartmentSalary Range:
$6,240 - $9,674Position Type:
EmployeePosition Title:
Planning & Design Lead (NRS4)Job Description:
Near Salem, Oregon
Welcome Statement
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is proud to care for Oregon’s extraordinary landscapes and rich cultural history. The department serves its visitors and all Oregonians through its properties and programs, and recognizes that the state’s resilience and beauty are strengthened by its diverse population. Oregon State Parks are public spaces where all are welcome. We value and serve everyone, and we are committed to providing safe and equitable access to state parks and agency programs. The department will not tolerate racism, harassment, discrimination or intimidation in any form.
Your New Role
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.
For a complete review of the position and responsibilities please click here.
Note: This position has the potential for hybrid-remote work; however, travel expenses to Salem for required in-person duties are not reimbursed, and out-of-state remote work may be approved on a case-by-case basis.
This position is located in the Field and Community Services Division, which is a division of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD). This division includes the Park Resource Program, Park Improvement Program, Planning & Design & Real Estate Services, Safety & Risk, Grants, and State Historic Preservation Office. The division is responsible for statewide administration and coordination of these operational programs and policies.
The Planning & Design and Real Estate Services team provides leadership and coordination of programs including: Park Planning and Design, Statewide Recreation Trails planning, Property Management, Property Acquisition and Disposition. These programs affect visitors to parks, historic, cultural and scenic areas; park accessibility; planning and design for park facilities; other federal, state, tribal and municipal agencies.
The Planning and Design Program within the group is responsible for a broad range of department planning processes and products including state park master planning, schematic design as well as landscape architectural site design and construction drawings. The program is also the agency lead for incorporating climate resiliency into agency policies and practices as well as identifying emerging policies and best practices to meet changing needs. Planning services also covers regional coordination; assisting counties, cities and stakeholders on regional plans for parks, trails, stewardship and outdoor recreation. Programs and special projects are also part of planning services including a statewide natural play area program, resource assessments, recreation demand analysis, and working with other divisions to set design standards for the agency. This includes work on analyzing the agencies climate vulnerabilities and effects on the agency due to climate change.
What's in it for you:
An exciting opportunity to help millions of visitors connect with the top state parks across America; working alongside a dedicated, skilled, and passionate team of professionals. Additional benefits include:
Work/life balance, 11 paid holidays a year, and a competitive benefits package.
Advancement and learning opportunities that will help grow your career with the State of Oregon.
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.
Special Requirements:
To be hired, a criminal record and driving record check must be completed that meets OPRD Criteria at the time of hire, and throughout employment while also maintaining a valid driver’s license.
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).
How to Apply:
Applications will be reviewed for minimum qualifications and desired attributes listed above, consistency of information, and professional communication.
Use the "My Experience" section in your Workday candidate profile to provide a detailed overview of your work history, experience, and skills, demonstrating how you meet the minimum qualifications and any of the desired attributes listed above. What You Need to Know to Get the Job
The information in your application will be used to complete a pay equity assessment to determine salary placement upon hire. Please see the link here to our Pay Equity Project.
External Applicants: Click on the “Apply” link and submit your application. View this video or this knowledge article for assistance.
Internal Applicants (Current State of Oregon employees): Apply via your employee Workday account. View this knowledge article for help.
Veterans: We value the dedication of Veterans! Take advantage of Veterans’ Preference by submitting the required documentation at time of application. The requirements can be found on the Veterans' Resources page under “Qualifying for Veterans’ Preference”.
After applying, log in to your Workday account (application site) to see if you have any pending tasks or actions that need to be completed before the announcement closes. Save a copy of this job announcement for your reference.
Additional Information:
This position is represented by Association of Engineering Employees of Oregon (AEE).
This announcement may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur.
Oregon Parks & Recreation Department does not offer visa sponsorships. Within three days of hire, all applicants will be required to complete the US Department of Justice Form I-9, confirming authorization to work in the United States. Oregon Parks and Recreation Department uses E-Verify to confirm that applicants are authorized to work in the United States.
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.