Senior Parks Planner

Location: Portland, Oregon

Closing Date: Open until filled. Resume review will begin on June 14, 2013.

Salary Range: $65,784.26 - $88,010.46 Annually

AGENCY DESCRIPTION: www.OregonMetro.gov

POSITION DESCRIPTION:
This position is a limited duration position funded by an operating levy. Minimum duration of this position funding is five years. Limited duration positions are eligible for full benefits.

We are seeking an exceptional professional to join our team of landscape architects and planners. Within our division, we work on a variety of projects, from site-specific master planning and development, to regional trail planning and implementation, to strategic planning for the agency. Our park planning work revolves around the relationship of people to nature, and how that relationship informs regional planning for population growth, and the associated development of town centers and transportation systems. In addition to collaborating with land use planning, we are leaders in the development of an outstanding, interconnected regional system of parks, trails and natural areas.

During the last 20 years, a vast constellation of public land has quietly taken shape across the Portland metropolitan area. Metro has evolved into a major landowner and manager. Twice, the region’s voters have directed Metro to acquire additional natural areas for the benefit of the public to protect water quality, wildlife habitat and opportunities for people to connect with nature. Metro’s portfolio has grown to nearly 16,000 acres, and that number may reach 17,000 by the time the proceeds of the most recent bond measure have been fully invested.

As a result of Metro’s bond programs, the region’s publicly owned natural areas and parkland have grown by some 40 percent to a grand total of roughly 44,000 acres. Today, Metro has the great responsibility of caring for more than a third of all those lands. Many of Metro’s natural area acquisitions also offer opportunities for people to enjoy the land they’ve helped protect and connect with nature.

With the evolution of these properties as the key opportunity, the Senior Parks Planner performs complex regional planning and intergovernmental relations activities including research and analysis. The person in this position will develop, organize and coordinate design, planning and construction projects and will frequently serve as project leader.

This position requires a seasoned project manager with a great deal of independent thought, creativity, and good judgment. Some experience in working with natural resource systems and scientists is a distinct advantage.

Please include a resume and cover letter with your application materials.

QUALIFICATIONS:
A Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, landscape architecture, or related field and three years experience in land use planning, landscape architecture, project management or public policy development; or any combination of experience and education which provides the applicant with the desired knowledge, skills and ability required to perform the job.

TO APPLY:
Visit www.oregonmetro.gov/jobs for the complete job announcement and a link to our online hiring center. Please include a resume and a cover letter describing your experience as it relates to the duties of this position.

Metro is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.