Park Planning Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Senior Project Manager - Design & Construction is responsible for leading complex capital projects through planning, design, permitting, and construction.   Typical projects may include but are not limited to ground-up development of new parks, new buildings or outdoor recreation facilities within existing parks, major renovations to existing facilities, park master plans, feasibility analysis of potential land acquisitions, or grant-funded infrastructure improvements.  

Hiring Salary Range:  $93,000 - $129,000

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (with illustrative examples of work)

Project planning, design, and contract management

• Lead the planning, budgeting, design, permitting, bidding, and contracting of park development projects.
• Prepare Requests for Proposals, evaluate responses, contract for and administer design, engineering, and other professional services in accordance with the Virginia Procurement Act and NOVA Parks policies and procedures.  Professional services include architecture, civil engineering, landscape architecture, environmental consulting, aquatics design, economic and feasibility analysis, surveying, etc.
• Manage consultant teams in the development of feasibility studies, design drawings, permit plans, special zoning and agency permits, and construction documents in coordination with capital and park operations staff.
• Conduct research and provide creative direction for unique, innovative, and mission-driven park project design elements.
• Apply for and administer grants and alternative financing opportunities for projects that require external funding sources.
• Assist with evaluation of potential land acquisitions including appraisals, site assessments, environmental studies, feasibility analysis, and purchase options.
• Lead public engagement processes for park planning efforts and develop outreach strategies to include a diverse population of park users.
• Manage the bidding process including preparation of construction bid packages, solicit and evaluate bids from qualified contractors, negotiate terms, and prepare contract documents in accordance with the VPA and NOVA Parks policies and procedures.
• Attend local and regional government and agency meetings on behalf of NOVA Parks.
• Assist with the development of NOVA Parks’ five-year capital budget.
• Occasionally attend NOVA Parks Board meetings to present projects as directed.

Lead NOVA Parks’ construction activities

• Administer the construction of new park facilities and capital improvements in accordance with the approved Capital Budget.
• Develop and manage detailed budgets and schedules from early planning phases through construction and project turnover
• Monitor onsite construction activities, keep accurate activity logs, and prepare written reports.
• Consult with architects, engineers, third-party inspectors, and contractors in the field on a continual basis.
• Schedule and conduct periodic inspections, project meetings, and punch-list walk-throughs.
• Inspect quality of work and ensure adherence to plans, specifications, contracts, state and local codes, and NOVA Parks standards.
• Observe third-party testing procedures, review test results and inspection reports, and facilitate corrective actions as required.
• Resolve conflicts and problems on site, including making on-site engineering/design decisions both independently and in consultation with the project team.
• Review requests for information, change orders, and requisitions for payment.
• Work closely with appropriate Park Operations personnel in the scheduling and execution of construction activities.
• Coordinate and assemble project turnover package for transition of completed projects to park staff.
• Ensure staff and contractor adherence to safety standards and fair and equitable employment practices.
• Assist Planning Team with oversight of licensed, third-party construction activities on park lands.
• Support and mentor team members in your field of discipline.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS (minimum)

Education:  Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, architecture, landscape architecture, planning, construction management, or closely related field.  

Physical:  Non-manual and manual work with strength and dexterity necessary to perform all required tasks, including lifting, stooping, bending, and working in tiring and uncomfortable positions in office and outdoor settings; must be able to maneuver through construction sites and properties with rugged terrain.

Experience:  Ten to fifteen years of related experience as a professional designer and project manager in land development, park planning, site engineering, or construction of capital projects; Virginia DPOR Licensure in civil engineering, landscape architecture, or architecture with experience working in Northern Virginia jurisdictions preferred; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides:

• Considerable knowledge of standard planning, architecture, engineering and construction administration practices and procedures, including permitting requirements and processes in NOVA Parks’ member jurisdictions.
• Considerable ability to interpret and understand land development and construction plans including but not limited to land surveys, deeds of trust, easements, zoning applications, architectural, civil, landscape, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, E&S, and stormwater management plans.
• Extensive knowledge of principles, methods, practices, and techniques in the construction industry.
• Considerable knowledge of materials and equipment used in construction.
  Considerable ability to interpret and adhere to construction specifications and contract documents.
• Considerable knowledge of local construction codes and permit procedures.
• Considerable ability to ensure contractor adherence to NOVA Parks contracts and specifications.
• Knowledge of personnel management principles and ability to effectively supervise and mentor staff.
• Considerable ability to communicate clearly and effectively, with ability to prepare and present accurate reports and presentations in a group setting and manage public engagement.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with contractors, architects, engineers, and co-workers.
• Considerable knowledge of planning, bidding, contracting, and procurement procedures in compliance with the Virginia Procurement Act.
• Considerable ability to analyze facts and to exercise sound judgment in arriving at conclusions.
• Ability to operate personal computer with knowledge of applicable software including Microsoft Office Suite, (Word, Excel, Outlook, and Power Point).  Experience with LandF/X, AutoCAD, GIS, Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Project, Procore, Trimble, and other industry standard software platforms desired.
• Knowledge of and ability in general drafting techniques.
• Possession of or ability to obtain Responsible Land Disturber certification with Virginia DEQ or equivalent is preferred.
• Possession of or ability to obtain and maintain a VA driver's license with safe driving record.
• Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of the position.

Duties and responsibilities are designed to be the essential elements of the job.  They do not preclude the performance of related, or even unrelated, jobs which may be necessary to properly and efficiently complete all work assignments.  NOVA Parks reserves the right to amend job specifications to meet current needs.
Benefits:  This position is a benefit eligible position.  Benefits include medical and dental insurance, life insurance, long-term disability, retirement plan, and more.  This role is eligible to receive an annual bonus calculated as a percentage of the company’s net revenue.  Distribution, timing, and metrics are discretionary and subject to individual and business performance.

Testing:  The Senior Project Manager position is classified as a safety sensitive position. Candidates for full-time, safety sensitive positions must submit to a pre-employment drug screening and achieve a negative result as a condition of employment.

It is the policy of the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority to prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or disability in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act.  Contact 703-352-5900 and ask for Human Resources for assistance.