Parks and Trails Planner III - Public Works

Job Summary

If you are passionate about parks, trails and open space planning, development and stewardship, this is a great professional opportunity. You will be working on projects throughout the county in a park system that is truly unique. Clark County Parks provide diverse recreation opportunities for residents and visitors alike. The park system includes urban parks, regional recreation‑focused facilities, and more traditional natural resource–based parks in natural areas and along shorelines.

This position is located within the Public Works Department, Parks and Nature Division. Planner III’s perform highly skilled professional planning and development work in areas such as long‑range park and trail system planning, park master planning, trail master planning, resource management planning, and park development management. Planner III’s are assigned to challenging projects that involve major developments, controversial projects, and complex recreation system implications.

Employees may act in a lead capacity within area(s) of expertise and may direct the work of others within the Department. The Parks and Trails Planner III works under the supervision of the Planning and Development Manager.

Clark County provides regional parks, special facilities, regional trails, greenways, natural areas, and community parks and sports fields in the Vancouver urban growth area.

Additional information about the division can be found at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

• Plans, develops and executes work programs, objectives, strategies and budgets for assigned programs and or projects where success or failure can affect general County activities, public concern, or the work of other Park and Trail Planners within and outside the Department.
• Interprets, applies, and thoroughly understands planning principles and practices, County code and state laws, and the public outreach process. Utilizes this knowledge within area(s) of expertise and provides highly technical advice and assistance to subordinates, other sections, County officials and staff.
• Possesses, applies, and thoroughly understands design skills within park and trail planning and development to provide highly technical advice and assistance to subordinates, team members, project partners, County officials and staff.
• Manages major project(s) with broad public impact or highly controversial with the public/outside agencies or manages multiple projects that require a high level of proficiency within park and trail planning and development. Projects managed may or may not require management of grants.
• Recommends Department policy within area(s) of expertise.
• Communicates both verbally and in writing highly complex planning issues in a professional and concise manner that is easily understood by all interested parties, i.e. peers, Board of County Commissioners, neighborhood associations, general public, etc. Able to maintain this level of communication and maintain composure i.e. not take criticism personally, in a variety of controversial and emotionally charged situations.
• Develops and maintains effective relations with the public. Represents Parks and Lands on various committees; at neighborhood organization and community meetings; public hearings; before governmental bodies and in legal process.
• Prepares complex technical planning and administrative reports, special studies; conducts assessments; prepares inventories and statistical information necessary for future park and trail planning; develops critical correspondence an comprehensive reports in support of planning projects and decisions.
• Prepares graphic presentations and comprehensive reports on community characteristics relative to zoning, environmental and development challenges.
• Participates in securing Federal and State grants.
• Prepares recommendations relative to departmental policy; assists supervisor in reviewing planning and design studies completed by other staff members and provides guidance and assistance to less experienced staff members.
• Prepares and completes reports in response to local, State and Federal requirements.
• Plans special projects;…