1

Parks Planner Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER PLANNING, PARKS & RECREATION POSITION SUMMARY This full-time position serves as a senior-level leadership role within Spicer Group's Planning, Parks & Recreation team ...

Civil Engineer in Training

Saint Louis, MI · On-site

$55K - $64K/yr

They're thoughtfully planned and future-ready. We bring life to urban downtowns, suburban hubs, small towns, and rural areas through master-planned communities, mixed-use developments, parks, and ...

Showing results 21-40

Parks Planner information

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 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 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:
Infographic showing various Parks Planner job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, and 35% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Director of Planning & Development

City of Flint

Flint, MI • On-site

$49.54 - $54.92/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Pre-Employment Requirements Employment is contingent upon successful completion of all applicable pre-employment screenings and verification of eligibility to work in the United States, in accordance with applicable laws, civil service rules, and collective bargaining agreements. GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES Under the supervision of the Mayor, the Director of Planning & Development is responsible for ensuring the public safety, health, and well-being of Flint's residents, businesses and visitors through targeted investment and rational well-designed and physically integrated land use and development that advances economic prosperity, eliminates blight, and stabilizes neighborhoods, protects the environment and promotes a better quality of life within the City. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Develop and direct departmental goals, objectives, policies and priorities and the corresponding budget.

Oversee building and safety inspection services, housing regulations and permit processing. Create and implement comprehensive property disposition policies. 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 services and programs. Direct code enforcement, blight elimination and neighborhood stabilization programs and services.

Develop specific proposals for action on current and future City development needs. MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning, Planning Administration, Public Administration or a related field. Five to seven (5-7) years of increasingly responsible experience in managing community development programs, including three to five (3-5) years of senior administrative and management responsibility.

Master's Degree in Public Administration, Planning, Economics, Marketing or a field relevant to the requirements of the position is highly desirable. Candidates must have experience working in ethnically diverse communities. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION The Director has a responsibility to evaluate, develop and implement necessary changes to improve the coordinated effort between City divisions to expedite planning and building projects in the City.

The Director will prepare and present reports to the City Council, other public agencies and advisory bodies with respect to building services matters. The Director will meet with citizens and interest groups to discuss proposed code adoptions or revisions, new programs code applications and administration or department policies. Most importantly, the Director will promote the mission, values, and standards of an effective public organization, particularly in the area of customer service.

Submitting an application does not guarantee that you will be contacted for further consideration. Applicants selected for an interview will be contacted directly by the hiring department. Due to varying hiring timelines and recruitment processes, not all applicants may receive notification of the final hiring decision.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement The City of Flint is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Notice Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to participate in the hiring or selection process should contact the Human Resources Department.