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Parks Planner Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Actalent

Senior Landscape Architect

Raleigh, NC

From parks and mixed-use developments to commercial sites and master-planned communities, you'll have the opportunity to work on diverse, visible projects while helping drive design excellence and ...

New

Town of Wendell

Park Maintenance Technician II

Wendell, NC · On-site

$44K - $69K/yr

An employee in this class participates in the maintenance of the Town's parks and recreation facilities and equipment. Work requires the employee to perform long- and short-range planning of work to ...

City of Durham

Water Fitness Instructor

Durham, NC · On-site

$20.06 - $24.38/hr

Our talented team at Durham Parks and Recreation is devoted to community service and provides a ... Planning and organizing fitness classes for specific ages. Teaching in a variety of styles both ...

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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 Raleigh, NC?

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

What job categories do people searching Parks Planner jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Parks Planner jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Parks Planner jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Parks Planner job openings:

Parks Planner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Parks Planner job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, and 34% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Parks & Recreation Intern

Knightdale, NC • On-site

Town of Knightdale, NC
See more jobs at Town of Knightdale, NCexternal

$17.79/hr

Full-time, Internship

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Salary: $17.79 Hourly
Location : 207 Main Street, Knightdale, NC
Job Type: Internship
Job Number: CY26-00016
Department: Parks, Recreation & Cultural Programs
Opening Date: 08/17/2026
Closing Date: 9/14/2026 7:59 AM Eastern
The Town of Knightdale is seeking a motivated college student to join our Parks, Recreation & Cultural Programs team for a 12-week spring semester internship. Working up to 40 hours per week, the intern will gain hands-on experience in recreation programming, special events, community engagement, marketing, promotions, and park operations. The intern will work closely with Parks & Recreation staff on departmental initiatives and complete a special project focused on an area of interest such as program development, marketing, sponsorships, facility evaluations, or community promotions. This is a great opportunity for a student pursuing a degree in Recreation, Parks and Recreation Management, Event Management, Public Administration, or a related field to gain practical experience in a municipal Parks and Recreation environment.
Under general supervision, assists with the development and implementation of community events and programs to support the Town's mission and core values. This position is classified as non-exempt and is subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) overtime regulations.
PRIMARY TASKS:
  • Assists with planning, organizing, and implementing recreation programs and special events.
  • Processes event registrations, tracks attendance, and keeps records.
  • Assists with front desk operations, including but not limited to answering phones, greeting patrons, and providing information.
  • Assists with the general upkeep of Parks & Recreation facilities by identifying maintenance needs, reporting concerns to staff, picking up litter, and assisting with event setup, breakdown, and the opening and closing of recreation facilities.
  • Provides operational support for Parks & Recreation operations, assisting Park Attendants and other staff to maintain clean, safe, and welcoming facilities.
  • Supports staff to create and distribute program promotional materials, including flyers, social media content, and event announcements.
  • Assists with community outreach efforts, including attending external events and acting as a representative of the department
  • Completes a special project, coordinated with the Recreation Supervisor, that supports departmental initiatives such as program development, marketing and promotional strategies, or other operational improvements.
  • Performs other duties as required.

EQUIPMENT OPERATED: Computer with Microsoft Office applications, two-way radio, Town-owned vehicles, copier, scanner, shredder, telephone, and other equipment as assigned.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP: This position reports to the Recreation Supervisor.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
  • This position is subject to outside environmental conditions, including but not limited to working in extreme hot and cold weather.
  • Must be able to physically perform the basic life operations functions of reaching, standing, walking, lifting, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, and performing repetitive motions.
  • Must be able to perform medium work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally; 20 pounds frequently; and 10 pounds constantly.
  • Must possess the visual acuity to prepare and analyze data and figures.
  • Must be available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.

JOB CONTEXT: This position is a 12-week internship working up to 40 hours per week, with a schedule determined by the Recreation Supervisor. This position is classified as limited service. Limited Service employees work less than 1,000 hours per year. Evenings, weekends, and overtime are sometimes necessary to fulfill job duties. The stress level of the job is low.
QUALIFICATIONS OF CLASS:
Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or GED program required. Current enrollment in an accredited college or university pursuing a degree in recreation, parks and recreation management, event management, public administration, or a related field.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
  • General knowledge of the techniques used in planning and implementing recreation activities.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Town employees and the general public.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Ability to maintain professionalism and a positive attitude.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Must possess a valid driver's license.
  • Ability to obtain CPR, AED, and First Aid certifications preferred.

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