Park Planner Senior

Posting Date03/27/26Application DeadlineOpen Until FilledPay Range$75,000 - $116,500 annuallySalary offers are based on the candidate's equivalent experience and internal equity with other employees within the same job classification. The position is not eligible for overtime compensation.Job TypeUnclassifiedDepartmentParks and RecreationAbout the PositionThe Park Planner Senior is responsible for leading and managing complex planning and development projects for parks, trails, open space, and recreational facilities. This position plays a key role in long-range planning, master planning, capital project development, grant acquisition, and public engagement. The Park Planner Senior provides expert guidance and coordination with internal departments, external agencies, and community stakeholders to ensure park projects align with strategic goals, community needs, and environmental best practices. In addition, the Park Planner Senior will supervise the growing Natural/Cultural Resource Division.About UsWelcome to the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department! Maricopa County parks offer visitors the best of the Sonoran Desert, from hiking on a barrier-free trail to horseback riding along a creek to testing your mountain biking skills and abilities on a competitive track.At approximately 120,042 acres of parkland and 325 miles of trails, Maricopa County is home to one of the largest regional park systems in the nation. Currently, there are twelve parks in Maricopa County's regional park system. Each is unique and offers its visitors a wide variety of recreational opportunities.In addition to the parkland, the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department oversees the Maricopa Trail, a 325-mile trail system that encircles the valley and links all regional parks. The department is staffed by a team of passionate employees, park hosts, and volunteers who provide park visitors with the best possible customer experience. Join us today!Proud to OfferWork with a greater purposeTuition reimbursementExceptional work-life balance, with a hybrid work schedule optionOpportunities for growth and development within Maricopa CountyLow-cost, high-value healthcare for you and your qualifying dependentsChild care benefits, including access to our on-site center, Maricopa County Kids Club, dedicated to serving Maricopa County familiesPaid vacation, sick time, and parental leaveExtensive wellness program, including an incentiveEnrollment in the Arizona State Retirement System, a defined retirement benefit requiring a 12% monthly contribution rate that includes a 100% employer match on Day 1Want to learn more about the County's Qualifying and Compensation Philosophy? Follow this link to learn more! Work With Us | Maricopa County, AZWe RequireThree years of progressively responsible professional experience in park or open space planning, including at least one year in a supervisory roleBachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Landscape Architecture, Parks and Recreation Management, Environmental Design, or related fieldPost-secondary education in a related field may substitute for up to two years of required experienceOther RequirementsSuccessful candidates must currently possess, or have the ability to obtain, a valid Arizona driver's license by the time of hireWe Also ValueCertified as an American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)Supervisory experience in a public agency or multidisciplinary team settingExperience managing staff performance, mentoring planners, or leading project teamsStrong project management skills, including budgeting, scheduling, and coordinationProficient in GIS, AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, or related planning/design softwareStrong written and verbal communication skills, including public presentations and report writingAbility to manage multiple projects with competing deadlinesKnowledge of environmental regulations, ADA compliance, and sustainable design principlesExperience in interagency collaboration or working in a public-sector environmentJob ContributionsLead and manage park planning projects, including master plans, feasibility studies, resource management, site analysis, and development plans, including cost estimates and capital improvement phasingCoordinate the development of long-range strategic plans, trail connectivity studies, and open space preservation effortsMonitor planning trends, best practices, and regulations related to parks, recreation, land use, and environmental sustainabilityCollaborate with internal and county staff to align planning with implementationFacilitate public engagement processes, including community meetings, stakeholder interviews, and surveysDraft and review technical documents such as RFPs, RFQs, and scopes of work for consultants and contractorsManage resource staff, consultant contracts, project timelines, and deliverablesOversee grant applications and compliance for federal, state, and local funding programsPresent plans, proposals, and updates to boards, commissions, and elected officialsOther job duties as assignedWorking ConditionsThis position is eligible for hybrid flexibility after a brief training periodExerting 20 - 25 pounds occasionally, 10 - 25 pounds frequently, or up to 10 pounds constantlyPosition is typically office or administrative work and is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditionsIncumbent may be subjected to extreme temperatures, wetness/humidity, respiratory hazards, and noise and vibrationIncumbent may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, vibrations, fumes, odors, dusts, poor ventilation, chemicals, oils, extreme temperatures, inadequate lighting, workspace restrictions, intense noises, and travelMachines, Tools, Equipment, Software, and HardwareMicrosoft Suite, GPS, ArcGIS, and AdobeSelection ProcedureConsideration will only be given to candidates who submit online applicationsCandidates will be contacted primarily through email and their Workday online application profileMust pass a pre-employment background and/or fingerprint investigation as required by statute or policy, including drug and alcohol testing requirements for positions designated as safety-sensitiveMaricopa County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process or to perform the essential functions of the position under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please contact MHRFeedback@maricopa.gov to initiate the interactive process.Apply Now!