Associate Parks Project Planner (Associate Project Planner)

Associate Parks Project Planner

The City of Anaheim, Parks Division, seeks an experienced Associate Parks Project Planner to plan and implement park improvement projects. The Parks Project Planner will lead the planning and design of park improvement and renovation projects; develop, implement, and monitor project budgets, grants, and contracts; and assist in construction administration and project close-out. This individual will also be responsible for coordinating and leading community meetings and collaborating with city departments and private and non-profit partners.

The ideal candidate:

• Has experience managing public works construction projects
• Has strong project management skills related to budgets, schedules, grants, and contracts
• Has strong written and verbal communication skills
• Possess prior public-agency experience

• Reads and understands all aspects of Construction Documents and Specifications

• Works collaboratively with coworkers, other city departments, stakeholders, and partnering agencies

This position requires a flexible work schedule which may include working evenings and weekends.

Distinguishing characteristics:

This position is distinguished from the Planner classification in that the emphasis of the Associate Project Planner is on providing journey level professional support to the Department's Capital Improvement Project section including responsibility for monitoring the professional services of consultants and contractors, ensuring compliance with contract requirements and specifications, managing all other aspects of projects during design phase, presenting to various audiences, and conducting contract administration. The Associate Project Planner is distinguished from the Principal Project Planner in that the Principal has full responsibility for managing and overseeing the Community Services Department, Parks Division's, Capital Improvement Projects section.

Essential functions:

• Assist in the coordination of capital project planning and development for the Community Services Department; implement and administer specific projects with all interested parties including the general public, architects, engineers, landscape architects, and other consultants.
• Coordinate the development of plans and designs for site development proposals for assigned capital improvement projects; identify specific projects, scope of work, and estimate costs; prepare and manage project budgets; prepare written project construction and maintenance specifications; prepare permit applications and obtain project approvals from appropriate entities.
• Prepare Request for Proposals for consultants; participate in the selection of architectural / engineering / design consultants; manage contracts and monitor the professional services of consultants.
• Read and understand all aspects of construction documents and specifications.
• Be familiar with California friendly and native plant material and trees.
• Assist with construction administration for capital improvement projects; facilitate advertisements for bids and assists with recommendations for bid selection; ensure compliance with project plans, specifications, and other applicable requirements; monitor projects and agreements to ensure compliance with federal, state and local laws, regulations, and guidelines.
• Approve and record all consultant and capital billings; maintain and store accurate records; recommend project change orders and extra work order approvals; maintain and monitor assigned accounts; determine appropriate expense allocations; resolve billing payment and reporting discrepancies.
• Prepare administrative studies and research projects as required; prepare statistical data and graphs; assist in the coordination and implementation of approved studies and projects.
• Assist other departments and developers as necessary when encroaching onto parks, easements, and right-of-way as well as other issues; comment on and recommend solutions for right-of-way screening concerns throughout the City; review developer/cell site projects to comply with park standards as well as City screening and other miscellaneous standards.
• Assist with facilitating public input meetings; present project plans to internal / external partners, commission(s), and other entities; respond to public inquiries; assist with coordinating volunteer efforts related to City parks and landscape.
• Prepare, assist, and/or manage the preparation of environmental documents as required by CEQA / NEPA.
• Participate in the development and monitoring of the Capital Improvement Project budget.
• Apply for and administer grants.
• Supervise and train assigned staff.
• Perform related duties as required.

Qualifications:

Experience and Education: Three (3) years of professional planning and project management experience, including experience performing analytical and administrative staff work in park and recreation planning, design, and construction, supplemented by a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in landscape architecture, parks planning, urban planning, public administration, project management, or a related field. An equivalent combination of experience and education sufficient to perform the essential job functions and provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

Knowledge of: Planning and development as applied to the preparation and/or review of designs, plans, and specifications; landscape architectural design and construction processes and techniques; contract administration techniques; complex principles and practices of landscape architecture, planning, survey, and design as they relate to park and facilities planning; grounds maintenance practices; project budgeting principles and techniques; methods and techniques of effective technical report preparation and presentation; principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation; principles and procedures of record keeping; principles of business letter writing and report preparation; modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers; computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and statistical databases; pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.

Ability to: Interpret and apply landscape architectural principles; analyze site design, terrain constraints, and land use compatibility; research, analyze, and recommend modifications to existing plans; understand, interpret, apply, and ensure project compliance with general and specific administrative and departmental policies and procedures as well as applicable federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations; administer contracts of outside consultants; monitor capital project expenditures; analyze and compile technical and statistical information; supervise, organize, and review the work of professional and technical personnel; train and evaluate staff; respond tactfully, clearly, concisely, and appropriately to inquiries from the public, staff, or other agencies on sensitive issues in area of responsibility; prepare clear and concise reports; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

License/Certification Required: Possession of an appropriate, valid driver's license.

Environmental Conditions: Work is performed primarily in a standard office setting with some travel to different sites; incumbents may be required to work extended hours including evenings and weekends.

Physical Conditions: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; and to verbally communicate to exchange information.

Important application information and instruction:

Applications will be accepted until Monday, June 8, 2026, at 5:00PM. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. Applications will not be accepted after this deadline. The selection process will consist of a minimum of skills examination and oral interview. The eligibility list established from this recruitment may also be used to fill the current and/or additional vacancies throughout the City. Candidates must be specific and complete in describing their qualifications for this position. Failure to state all pertinent information may lead to elimination from consideration. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application. The successful candidate will be required to undergo a reference / background check (to include a conviction record) and pass a post-offer pre-employment medical examination (which will include a drug/alcohol screening). The City of Anaheim utilizes E-Verify and new employees must provide documentation to establish both identity and work authorization. Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process as you will not receive communications by any other method. Equal Opportunity Employer.