Parks Development Specialist

Parks Development Specialist $69,238.00 - $79,129.00 Salary/year Under general supervision, our organization is seeking a dedicated individual to join our team as a Parks Development Specialist for Parks and Recreation. We are committed to enhancing our community through the development and maintenance of parks, trails, and recreational facilities. This position plays a crucial role in overseeing every aspect of projects from analysis and design through implementation, completion, and evaluation. Key Responsibilities: Serve as project manager for planned parks and recreation development projects, managing all aspects from inception to completion. Coordinate with construction staff, consultants, contractors, and vendors to ensure project timelines and goals are met. Conduct public interest meetings and solicit community feedback to inform project design and development. Maintain comprehensive project files, correspondence, and documents, providing progress and summary reports as needed. Prepare master plans for individual parks/facilities and assist in seeking alternative funding sources. Align departmental mission and core values with neighboring agencies, community-based nonprofits, and external partners. Implement the City's Park, Recreation, and Open Space Plan and the Bike and Pedestrian Plan. The City of Wentzville is committed to being an employer of choice, offering prosperous and meaningful career opportunities and flexibility. The City offers excellent benefits, including health, vision, dental, employer-paid life insurance, long-term disability, a retirement pension, 13 paid holidays, 2 floating holidays, vacation time, sick time, tuition reimbursement, an employee assistance program, a discounted recreation center membership and much more. This job posting will remain open until a sufficient number of qualified applicants are received Qualifications Job Qualifications – Education, experience, and training that are required or desirable in order to effectively perform the job at the time of hire. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered. Additional requirements and/or substitutions may be requested and require the approval of HR. Bachelor’s Degree in Park Management, Landscape Architecture, Horticulture, Planning, or a closely related field. Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in park development, planning, horticulture, landscaping, or park facilities construction, renovation, and maintenance. Must be proficient in use of basic business software (word processing, spreadsheets, email, presentations), AutoCAD Civil 3D, ArcGIS, Photoshop, and have experience with other relevant graphic software. Valid driver’s license required. Possession of a valid design license or certificate of registration as a civil engineer and/or landscape architect preferred. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities – May be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those knowledge, skills, and abilities commonly associated with this position. Knowledge of: Principles, practices, methods, and trends of park planning and design. Principles and practices of project and contract administration, including budget management and basic accounting. Principles and practices of project assessment and implementation. GIS software applications, GPS data collection and analysis and CAD. The theory and practice of park management. Methods and materials used in light construction work; knowledge of parks design and cost estimating, including construction documents. Long-range project planning practices and knowledge of laws and regulations related to planning, zoning and environmental protection pertaining to park projects. Knowledge of spreadsheet and word processing software. Ability to: Organize, implement and direct assigned project activities. On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job; intermittently analyze work papers, reports and special projects; identify and interpret technical and numerical information; interpret drawings and plans; observe and problem solve operational and technical policy and procedures. Analyze social and physical problems of parks and to formulate effective solutions. Bring planning assignments to completion through the formulation of creative planning solutions. Strategize, coordinate and implement short- and long-range goals for park construction and improvement. Evaluate existing facilities and make sound recommendations for improvements. Plan, design, layout, and prepare specifications for complex park projects. Speak effectively to large and small groups concerning park projects and communicate effectively and professionally with supervisors, co-workers, and customers by telephone, in writing and in person. Utilize high-level interpersonal skills in order to understand, select, develop and motivate people at any level within or outside the organization. Understand and influence the behavior of others within the organization, customers, or the public in order to achieve job objectives and cause action or understanding. Work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations. read and understand blueprints and construction plans. provide exceptional service to internal and external customers. use good judgment and think rationally in difficult or stressful situations. effectively organize and prioritize routine and robust tasks to meet deadlines. concentrate on multiple tasks simultaneously. work independently under moderate supervision and make responsible decisions. work under established processes and solve problems within defined parameters. work collaboratively in a team environment. understand and carry out written and oral instructions. safely drive vehicles used to transport materials, tools, and equipment. Regular attendance is a necessary and essential job duty. Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable. Apply online at www.wentzvillemo.gov/careers or click APPLY NOW. The City of Wentzville is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify.