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Parks Planner Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Recruiter

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$68 - $75/hr

... Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission, and other boards and commissions. Projects require independent evaluation, selection, and application of standard landscape architecture and park planning ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 41-60

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 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 64% Full Time, and 36% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Landscape Architect III

Spicer Group Inc.

Bingham Farms, MI • On-site

$65 - $90/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

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, campuses, gardens, commercial centers, and recreational facilities. This role combines creative design, technical documentation, sustainable site planning, and project management to develop functional, aesthetically compelling, and code-compliant solutions. The position also supports client coordination, proposals, budgets, construction oversight, and mentoring of junior staff within multidisciplinary project teams.

THE COMPANY

Spicer Group is a multi-disciplinary engineering, surveying, and planning company. With offices in Michigan, Ohio, and Georgia, Spicer Group continues to expand its geographic footprint. We are committed to providing our teams with technical support throughout these offices to continually build upon our success year after year. Spicer Group is committed to maintaining its tightly held private ownership, with no interest in selling to larger AEC firms. This commitment provides significant ownership opportunities for high performers and people that uphold our core values and build successful teams. Spicer Group was given the prestigious 2026 Circle of Excellence Platinum Award, recognized by PSMJ. Spicer Group prides itself on our core values of commitment to growth, great client relationships, excellent services and solutions, maintaining a team environment, and having integrity in all we do. We are seeking a candidate who will strive to uphold these values.

Spicer Group, Inc. offers a comprehensive benefits package that reflects our respect and commitment for our employees, their contributions, professional goals, and personal goals.
  • Competitive Pay
  • Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance Options
  • 401(k)-match program
  • Paid Holidays
  • Sick and Vacation Days
  • Profit Sharing
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Professional Development
  • Excellent Working Conditions
  • Work-Life Balance
  • Fitness Reimbursement
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Senior landscape architect is responsible for planning and designing outdoor environments such as parks, campuses, gardens, commercial centers, and recreational facilities, ensuring functional, aesthetic, and sustainable outcomes.

  • Leading project teams and coordinating with clients, engineers, urban planners, and other stakeholders
  • Preparing site plans, conceptual designs, construction documents, and specifications while ensuring compliance with codes and regulations
  • Conducting site assessments, analyzing design criteria, and integrating sustainable design principles into projects
  • Managing project budgets, proposals, contracts, and cost estimates
  • Overseeing construction and ensuring that the project is executed according to design plans
  • Mentoring junior staff and fostering collaboration within multidisciplinary teams

Physical presence is an essential function of this role. Occasional travel and attendance at evening meetings may be required. The omission of a specific duty or responsibility does not preclude assigning duties not listed herein if such duties and responsibilities are a reasonable assignment to the position.

REQUIRED SKILLS
  • Problem-solving and analytical skills to address design and site challenges
  • Creativity for innovative landscape solutions and aesthetic design
  • Communication skills for client interaction, team coordination, and presenting design concepts
  • Technical proficiency in software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, GIS, and Adobe Creative Suite
  • Project management skills to oversee timelines, budgets, and deliverables
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in Landscape Architecture (BLA) or a related field is required. Professional licensure in the state of practice is mandatory to legally sign off on projects. Several years of experience in landscape architecture, including project management and design leadership.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For more information regarding our firm and/or this position, please visit the Spicer Group website at www.spicergroup.com.

EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled #ZR

We appreciate your interest in Spicer Group! Your skills and work history will help with evaluating your qualifications for the position(s) that interest you.

Spicer Group is an equal opportunity, at-will employer, and shall consider qualified applicants for all positions without regard to religion, race, color, national origin, gender, genetic information, sex, age, height, weight, marital status, disability, or any other legally-protected characteristic.

Please contact HR@spicergroup.com if you would like to explore or request a reasonable accommodation.

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