PARKS DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT MANAGERDocuSign Envelope ID: 1AF4D935-E183-4ADF-BD68-A253C6C4408A
WHATCOM COUNTY JOB DESCRIPTION
POSITION: Park Design & Development Manager RANGE: 11
DEPARTMENT: Parks & Recreation FLSA: E
REPORTS TO: Director EEO: 2
SUMMARY
Responsible for planning, organizing, staffing, coordinating and directing the efforts of staff to
accomplish the mission, goals and vision of the Department and the County in the areas of parks
planning and development, preservation, and environmental stewardship. Implements the
County's Comprehensive Parks Recreation Open Space Plan (CPROSP) recommendations for
parks and facilities through planning, budgeting, staffing, property acquisition, design,
construction management and development of all county parks, trails, greenways, conservation
areas, park buildings, and other areas. Responsible for maintaining continuity through the
planning, funding, and development phases and coordination with other agencies, programs and
departmental projects, and community. Represents Whatcom County by maintaining a
professional approach and demeanor in all activities. Ensures compliance with department/County
policies and procedures, collective bargaining agreements and legal requirements. Develops
relationships with staff, other departments and individuals outside County government that
encourage participation, teamwork, effective relationships and use of resources. Exercises
judgment and discretion in a team environment.
Depending upon assignment, the incumbent may perform some or all of the following duties,
which are a representative sample of the level of work appropriate to this position.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
Develops, plans, and oversees implementation of capital programs for the Department to ensure
effective completion of projects in compliance with budgetary, regulatory, and schedule
guidelines. Conducts feasibility studies and cost estimates, organizes and participates in public
meetings, assesses environmental impacts, and secures project permits. Prepares or oversees
preparation of various requests for proposals and environmental impacts statements, negotiates
contracts, schedules work and monitors work for compliance with specifications and
completeness.
Coordinates and oversees project plans and specifications. Analyzes bids for award of contracts,
negotiates, and administers construction contracts. Selects and manages consultants for capital
improvement and property acquisition projects.
Prepares division and other budgets and timetables for projects; manages and tracks expenditures
to ensure projects are properly allocated and are completed within funding and time limits.
Forecasts funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitors and approves
expenditures; recommends adjustments as necessary
Reviews the work of subordinate professionals to ensure all phases of work meet acceptable
standards. Resolves more difficult disputes, claims, and inspection problems referred by
subordinates.
Ensures projects meet building and other regulatory codes, ADA and environmental standards;
coordinates permitting and plan review.
Makes presentations on projects to the Whatcom County Parks & Recreation Commission,
community groups, and other decision-making bodies; leads legally required public input
processes.
Manages recreational and natural resource planning for current and future parks, natural areas,
trails, and recreation facilities. Prepares master plans and resource management plans for park
development. Prepares feasibility studies, design standards and specifications for park
development projects.
Reviews development proposals to assure compliance with recommendations, goals, policies and
standards of the Comprehensive Parks Recreation and Open Space Plan. Collects and analyzes
information related to the parks, recreation, trails, open space and conservation needs of the County
and develops recommendations for modifications and revisions to the CPROSP.
Researches, reviews, and drafts development and management plans to address landscape
enhancement, ecological restoration, environmental quality and habitat improvement, and be
responsive to the overall environmental stewardship goals of the county, including those related
to community resilience. Assesses and documents natural functions and values of development
and conservation sites relate to public projects.
Prepares and presents a variety of graphic materials and reports on projects, plans and designs.
Utilizes geographical information system software (e.g., ArcGIS), AutoCad, and graphic design
software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite) to plan, map and design major projects, as required.
Coordinates park planning activities with Department operations and administrative staff; provides
input on relevant issues of administrative policy and practice.
Prepares contracts, reviews property surveys, and coordinates with the appropriate County staff on
acquisition of park properties and easements.
Participates in the selection of new employees. Advises and provides initial orientation for staff.
Responsible for providing on-the-job training. Determines individual employee needs for training
to meet changing system or program demands. Assigns, supervises and evaluates work consistent
with assigned job classification. Ensures regular and consistent feedback to staff. Conducts
performance evaluations to guide the development of employees and provide a record of
performance. Interprets and applies labor agreements and personnel policies. Makes
recommendations regarding employment actions. Initiates, documents and implements
disciplinary actions as approved. Responds to grievances filed by employees, as assigned.
Oversees capital grant funding from a variety of sources and manages grant awards. Prepares and
presents grant applications. Maintains liaison with grant funding agencies and ensures projects
comply with grant conditions. Oversees and coordinates project development with grant
administration.
ADDITIONAL JOB DUTIES
At the direction of the Parks Director, acts as a liaison to community groups including
neighborhood associations, business associations, professional and trade associations.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1AF4D935-E183-4ADF-BD68-A253C6C4408A
Performs work on special projects that may be outside normal area of assignment, as directed.
QUALIFICATIONS
Requires a Bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture, architecture, engineering, planning, or a
related field AND four years of progressively responsible related experience in park planning,
design and capital project management, INCLUDING two years of project management
experience.
Current Washington CESCL certification (Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Lead) required.
Knowledge and proficiency with GIS and AutoCAD required.
Requires knowledge of:
The field of assignment sufficient to perform thoroughly and accurately the full scope of
responsibility as illustrated by example in this job description.
Park design and construction standards, practices, and methods including grading,
drainage, surveying, park structures, trail development, utilities, playgrounds, landscaping,
irrigation, road construction, boat landings, beaches and campgrounds.
Principles of environmental and natural systems management.
Principles and techniques to effectively engage and solicit input from diverse groups and
agencies within assigned areas.
Principles and practices of supervision, including planning, staffing, selection, training,
coaching, directing, coordinating, and evaluating.
Applicable local, state and federal laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures related
to the development of public parks.
Contract preparation and management for contractors and consultants. Evaluating, hiring,
and providing work direction to consultants and contractors.
Public process for real estate acquisition, impact fee administration, and park development
trends.
Fiscal management including budget preparation and maintenance; cost analyses; grant
administration, funding, and management; service and intergovernmental contract
negotiation and administration; expenditure control and recordkeeping.
Computer operation and a variety of software relevant to the area of assignment, including
GIS, AutoCAD and graphic design.
Safety and security hazards, precautions, standards, policies and procedures pertinent to
the area of assignment.
Requires the ability to:
Communicate design ideas through graphic and public presentations.
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Analyze information and data related to public park design and construction.
Plan, prioritize, coordinate, organize, and schedule staffing and services. Train, direct, and
coach staff.
Prepare, research, administer and change plans, policies and work programs, as necessary.
Use tact, discretion, respect, persuasion, diplomacy and courtesy to gain the cooperation of
others and establish and maintain effective teams and working relationships and rapport
with public officials, representatives of other entities, department heads, co-workers,
employees and diverse members of the public.
Apply good judgment and problem -solving techniques to make reasoned, timely and
consistent decisions to resolve problems.
Listen attentively and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with individuals
and groups in clear, concise language appropriate for the purpose and parties addressed,
including preparing and making public presentations which can be understood by non -
technical listeners and preparing and/or directing preparation of comprehensive written
reports, materials and correspondence.
Promote the commitment of the County to provide outstanding public, intra- and inter -
departmental customer service.
Facilitate the resolution of problems, grievances and complaints.
Assure that absolute confidentiality is maintained as required and sensitive information is
handled appropriately.
Work effectively in a multi-task environment and effectively delegate responsibility and
authority to staff.
Read, understand, interpret, analyze, provide direction and apply appropriate complex
instructions, policies, procedures, legal requirements and regulations pertinent to the area
of assignment.
Promote staff and team development and high performance through regular and effective
feedback and evaluation.
Estimate and analyze costs and effectiveness of programs, monitor fiscal information,
accurately work with numbers and interpret statistical information.
Maintain current knowledge for assigned areas and adapt to new technologies, keeping
personal and team technical skills up-to-date and using technology to increase productivity.
Work independently and cooperatively as a member of a team.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1AF4D935-E183-4ADF-BD68-A253C6C4408A
Excellent oral communications skills for working with other staff members, community
organizations, elected officials, and the public. Excellent public presentation skills.
Excellent writing skills, including technical report writing.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Must have a driving record that meets County standards and possess a valid driver's license at time
of hire and throughout employment.
Must be eligible to cross between the United States and Canada.
Background check must meet County criteria.
Must obtain a First Aid/CPR card within six (6) months of employment and maintain throughout
employment.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Works in an office or meeting room setting and at field locations. Sits or stands for long periods
of time. May occasionally lift and carry items weighing up to 20 pounds. Attends meetings or
performs duties outside of normal office hours. Moves throughout the County facilities. Frequently
drives motor vehicle to perform duties in the field, at multiple sites, or travel out of the County.
May travel by boat, airplane or helicopter and may stand for long periods of time outside in all
types of weather. May work near noisy machinery with the possibility of exposure environmental
and chemical hazards standard to the area of assignment. Possibility of exposure to hostile and
offensive language from the public. Uses appropriate safety equipment and follows established
safety policies, practices and procedures.
_________________________________________________________________________
The statements contained herein reflect, as of the date signed, general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level
of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements.
Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas, to cover absences or re lief, to equalize peak work
periods or otherwise to balance the workload. At its sole discretion, Whatcom County may consider combinations of education, experience,
certifications, and training in lieu of specifically required qualifications contained herein.
Whatcom County provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color,
religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, military service, genetics, and any other legally protected class.
Whatcom County also complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment .
_________________________________________________________________________
Employee Status: This is an FLSA-exempt position and, as such, is not entitled to overtime.
The position is also subject to an "employee at will" doctrine.
_____________________________________ __________________
Signature Date
Administrative Use
JDE Job Entry JDE Special Requirements
Job Code: P080
Job Group: SUPV
W/C Code: 1501
Group: 7000
Reason for Change:
Reclassification
Security: Level 2
Driving: Frequently
CDL: N
BBP: N
Cash Handling: N
Medical Privacy: N
Physical Capacity: N
Physical: N
Polygraph: N
Psychological: N PARK DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT MANAGER JOB BA 10/14/22
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1AF4D935-E183-4ADF-BD68-A253C6C4408A
10/19/2022