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Parks Planner Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

SmithGroup

Senior Space Planner

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$123K - $145K/yr

... parks and open spaces, and urban environments. We are looking for passionate problem solvers who ... Manage whole or potions of large-sized planning projects. * Work closely with data analysts to ...

City of Livonia

Parks & Rec - Level 5

Livonia, MI

$17.50 - $18.25/hr

Must be at least 18 years old Camp Supervisor - Supervises Camp Counselors; assists Camp Director with daily operations of summer camp programming; assists in planning, organization, and ...

City of Livonia

Parks & Rec - Level 3

Livonia, MI · On-site

$15.50 - $16.25/hr

Camp Counselor - Ensures the safety and well-being of all program participants; assists in planning ... Park Attendant - At assigned parks, cleans park and assists park users, during spring and summer.

City of Livonia

Parks & Rec - Level 7

Livonia, MI

$19.50 - $20.25/hr

... to exhibition planning and installation, including overseeing incoming and outgoing loans. At least three years of professional experience managing art and artifact collections in a museum ...

City of Eaton Rapids

Program Coordinator

Eaton Rapids, MI · On-site

$40K - $48K/yr

... Parks, Recreation & Event subcommittee meetings. · Assist in the planning and execution of large and small city-wide events. · Assist in General Office Administrative duties as necessary. · Work ...

City of Flint

Director of Planning & Development

Flint, MI · On-site

$49.54 - $54.92/hr

Direct the management of the City's parks and recreational facilities. Serve as the principal advisor to the City on planning & development issues. Prepare and recommend long-range plans for City ...

Spicer Group

Landscape Architect III

East Lansing, MI · On-site

$65K - $90K/yr

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT III PLANNING, PARKS & RECREATION SERVICE LINE POSITION SUMMARY The Landscape Architect III leads the planning, design, and delivery of outdoor environments, including parks ...

Spicer Group

Landscape Architect III

Byron Center, MI · On-site

$62K - $86K/yr

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT III PLANNING, PARKS & RECREATION SERVICE LINE POSITION SUMMARY The Landscape Architect III leads the planning, design, and delivery of outdoor environments, including parks ...

Spicer Group

Landscape Architect III

Bingham Farms, MI · On-site

$63K - $87K/yr

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT III PLANNING, PARKS & RECREATION SERVICE LINE POSITION SUMMARY The Landscape Architect III leads the planning, design, and delivery of outdoor environments, including parks ...

Spicer Group

Landscape Architect III

Bingham Farms, MI · On-site

$85 - $120/hr

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT IIIPLANNING, PARKS & RECREATION SERVICE LINEPOSITION SUMMARYThe Landscape Architect III leads the planning, design, and delivery of outdoor environments, including parks, campuses ...

Spicer Group

Landscape Architect III

East Lansing, MI · On-site

$65K - $90K/yr

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT III PLANNING, PARKS & RECREATION SERVICE LINE POSITION SUMMARY The Landscape Architect III leads the planning, design, and delivery of outdoor environments, including parks ...

Spicer Group

Landscape Architect III

Saint Johns, MI · On-site

$64K - $88K/yr

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT III PLANNING, PARKS & RECREATION SERVICE LINE POSITION SUMMARY The Landscape Architect III leads the planning, design, and delivery of outdoor environments, including parks ...

Spicer Group

Landscape Architect III

Traverse City, MI · On-site

$69K - $95K/yr

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT III PLANNING, PARKS & RECREATION SERVICE LINE POSITION SUMMARY The Landscape Architect III leads the planning, design, and delivery of outdoor environments, including parks ...

Spicer Group

Landscape Architect III

Saginaw, MI · On-site

$64K - $88K/yr

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT III PLANNING, PARKS & RECREATION SERVICE LINE POSITION SUMMARY The Landscape Architect III leads the planning, design, and delivery of outdoor environments, including parks ...

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All JobsParks Planner JobsParks Planner Jobs in Michigan

Parks Planner information

What is a parks planner?

Parks Planners are professionals responsible for designing, developing, and managing public parks and recreational spaces. They work to ensure that parks meet the needs of the community, provide accessible amenities, and promote environmental sustainability. Parks Planners collaborate with landscape architects, city officials, and the public to create functional and enjoyable outdoor spaces. Their work often involves site analysis, community engagement, master planning, and overseeing park construction or renovation projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a parks planner, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Parks Planner, you need expertise in urban planning, landscape architecture, and environmental science, typically supported by a relevant degree and professional accreditation. Familiarity with GIS software, CAD programs, and planning regulations is essential for creating effective park designs and proposals. Strong project management, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills help build consensus and ensure successful project outcomes. These abilities are crucial for balancing community needs, environmental sustainability, and regulatory compliance in park development.

What are some common challenges faced by a parks planner when balancing community needs with environmental considerations?

Parks Planners often face the challenge of integrating diverse community interests—such as recreation, accessibility, and cultural activities—while also ensuring the protection of natural resources and habitats. Achieving this balance requires extensive stakeholder engagement, data analysis, and creative problem-solving to design spaces that serve public needs without compromising ecological integrity. Navigating local regulations, budget constraints, and public feedback are also frequent aspects of the role, making collaboration and adaptability essential skills for success.

What is the difference between Parks Planner vs Landscape Architect?

AspectParks PlannerLandscape Architect
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in urban planning, environmental planning, or related field; often requires certification or licensure depending on regionBachelor's or master's degree in landscape architecture; licensure or registration typically required
Work EnvironmentPublic agencies, parks departments, urban planning firmsDesign firms, private practices, government agencies
Primary FocusPlanning and development of parks, recreational spaces, and public outdoor areasDesigning outdoor spaces with aesthetic, functional, and environmental considerations

While both roles involve outdoor space development, Parks Planners focus on planning, policy, and community needs for parks and recreational areas, whereas Landscape Architects emphasize the design and aesthetic aspects of outdoor environments. Both careers require related credentials and often work in similar settings, but their core responsibilities differ.

What are popular job titles related to Parks Planner jobs in Michigan?

For Parks Planner jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Parks Planner jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Parks Planner jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Parks Planner jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Parks Planner job openings:

Parks Planner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Parks Planner job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, and 36% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Senior Space Planner

SmithGroup

Ann Arbor, MI • On-site

$123K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

SmithGroup is an integrated design firm with a reputation for cultivating a top-ranked culture while pioneering award-winning innovative design solutions. We blend research, data and technology with ingenuity and a creative spirit to deliver resilient, inclusive spaces that solve our clients' greatest challenges. Our teams create exceptional design solutions for healthcare, science and technology, workplace, mixed use, higher education, cultural, waterfront, parks and open spaces, and urban environments. We are looking for passionate problem solvers who want to elevate design, push boundaries and create a more resilient future.
The Ann Arbor office of SmithGroup is looking for a Senior Space Planner to join our team.
Working with us, you will:
  • Lead in the research, analysis, and distillation of primary and secondary research and data (quantitative and qualitative) to generate hypotheses, insights, and points of view to facilitate the development of planning solutions and organizational recommendations.
  • Manage projects by developing project scopes and fees, negotiating contracts, overseeing deliverable production and quality, and fee management. Manage whole or potions of large-sized planning projects.
  • Work closely with data analysts to create detailed space models and perform analyses for clients.
  • Participate in, and often lead, presentations involving internal colleagues, consultants, and/or clients to share findings and recommendations.
  • Lead efforts around production of project presentations, plan reports and all project deliverables to ensure an integrated and cohesive outcome.
  • Develop and manage positive client relationships and work as the client's advocate by balancing client expectations within the context of contractual obligations, studio goals, and client satisfaction.
  • Lead or assist in the development of new tools and data visualizations.
  • Advance SmithGroup's space planning thought leadership through writing, analysis, and presentations at local, regional, and national conferences.
  • Work with the Director of CS&A to meet technical and administrative targets.
  • Participate in business development efforts through participation in professional organizations and supporting proposal development and interviews.
  • Participate in recruiting, coaching, and career development of staff.
  • Consistently exhibit and demonstrate a commitment to SmithGroup's core values - passion, sustainability, equity, community, curiosity, and integrity.

An ideal candidate has:
  • A professional degree in Architecture, Urban Planning, Data Science or related fields
  • Minimum 10+ years related experience preferred
  • Experience with higher education planning, space management, and/or institutional research
  • Proficient understanding of space types and space planning practices in higher education at both building and campus levels
  • Knowledge of data-based information and analytics; familiarity with data visualization software is preferred
  • Demonstrated thought leadership through written publications and conference presentations
  • Confidence in facilitating strategic conversations
  • Registration or licensure in relevant field, if applicable
  • Demonstrated effectiveness and a strong commitment to working in a team-based setting, collaborating, mentoring and client satisfaction
  • Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite; experience using Tableau, Power BI, and Archibus
  • Ability to travel regionally and/or nationally approximately 25-30%.

At SmithGroup, we are committed to helping our staff thrive with great projects and time to unwind. We offer flexible scheduling, a hybrid work environment, 3 weeks of PTO within your first year of employment with the option of purchasing additional time off, 8 paid federal holidays, plus 15 extra Fridays off! Our benefits plan includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, wellbeing resources, paid parental leave, a flex spending account and voluntary insurance options. We invest in your future through our 401(k) program with employer matching, tuition reimbursement program, one-on-one career coaching and professional development opportunities. While we may ultimately pay more or less than a posted salary range, at the time of posting the anticipated salary range for this position is $123,000 to $145,000 annually and you are eligible for a performance-based bonus each year. To be considered for this role, please create a profile and apply!
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws. If you require reasonable accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to careers@smithgroup.com.

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