Bellevue Parks & Community Services is seeking its next Senior Planner, a position that crafts the department’s long-range planning and policy documents and provides policy analysis and advice to department leadership. This includes responsibility to engage the public, work closely with staff from other departments and agencies, as well as elected and appointed officials, on topics across the varied fields of park development, open space preservation, natural resource protection, recreation and community and human services. Further, this position participates actively in high-profile citywide urban design and planning initiatives that will shape the growth and development of Bellevue for decades to come.
Bellevue Parks & Community Services builds a healthy community through an integrated system of exceptional parks, natural areas, recreation, arts and culture, and a broad base of community services. With 2,700 acres of parks and open space, Parks & Community Services provides a variety of recreation and human service programs and activities that support the quality of life for all residents. The department is accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies.
Bellevue is known as "A City in a Park." We are a dynamic, international and multicultural, future-focused, diversity-driven, high-performing city. The City invests in its employees and encourages and rewards employee growth and development. Bellevue is noted for its diversity, community involvement, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits, and natural beauty.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Responsible for all phases of developing and updating the department’s primary planning and policy documents, including the Parks & Open Space System Plan, the Recreation Program Plan, and others. Serves as technical advisor and analyst to senior management on long-range planning, strategic planning and policy development. Actively participate in citywide long-range planning initiatives led by other departments, contributing professional expertise on parks, natural resources, recreation and community services. Facilitate large or small groups dealing with complex issues, balancing competing viewpoints and desired outcomes. Act as a consulting resource for all divisions within Parks & Community Services on strategic planning and program development. Regularly present to and generally support the work of city boards, commissions and advisory committees, including the Parks & Community Services Board. Act as a resource for elected and appointed officials serving on regional initiatives. Administer and maintain agreements and contracts with public agencies and private organizations. Develop and conduct complex public engagement processes on highly visible projects, emphasizing engagement with underrepresented communities to ensure public participation reflects Bellevue’s diverse residents. Write or assist others in writing budget documents, grant applications or other fundraising efforts. Contribute to development of department performance indicators and performance management systems. Supervision Received and Exercised:
The ability to work independently with little direct supervision is required. The ability to lead and manage the work of multi-disciplinary teams is expected. Senior management relies upon this position to provide reasoning, judgement, and counsel when considering possible courses of action. QUALIFICATIONS: KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Ability to prepare and administer plans based on analysis of data, public engagement, existing policy and other influencing factors. Exhibit strong leadership skills with the ability to build consensus with diverse groups, both internally and externally. Ability to communicate effectively with individuals and groups regarding complex or controversial public policy issues or regulations. Demonstrated strength in writing and in visual communication. Ability to develop and maintain trust-based working relationships with employees of other departments, representatives of other organizations and agencies, neighboring jurisdictions, City officials, and the public. Depth of knowledge about planning processes and program development in the fields of parks, recreation, natural resource and habitat preservation, and/or community services. Experience with digital communication platforms to conduct meetings and public engagement. Knowledge of the principles, legal requirements, regulations and laws applicable to parks, natural resources, recreation, park property acquisition and development. Ability to identify, write and oversee grant applications or other funding efforts and demonstrate compliance with federal, state and/or local agency regulations. Ability to think conceptually; observe and evaluate trends; analyze data; draw logical conclusions and make sound decisions.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university in land-use planning, urban planning, landscape architecture, geography, real estate, public administration, environmental studies, or a closely related field. Master’s degree preferred. A minimum of five years of experience that provides the applicant with a comprehensive knowledge of planning principles, practices, and techniques as they relate to functional areas such as parks, open space, recreation, the environment, community services or other related areas; or, Demonstrated equivalent combination of education and experience. Valid Washington State driver’s license Completion of a background check
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