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Parks Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Parks and Recreation Director will lead the strategic planning, development, implementation, and administration of the City's parks, recreational facilities, community programs, special events ...

Planning Leads the development and execution of the Department's Five-Year Master Plan by providing strategic direction, managing consultants and contracts, and supporting stakeholder and advisory ...

In addition, they assist the Director of Parks and Maintenance with capital projects and the Parks Department budget process. The Park Planner reports to the Director of Parks & Maintenance. Pay: The ...

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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.

More about Parks Planner jobs
What cities are hiring for Parks Planner jobs? Cities with the most Parks Planner job openings:
What states have the most Parks Planner jobs? States with the most job openings for Parks Planner jobs include:
Infographic showing various Parks Planner job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Parks & Recreation Planning Superintendent

City of Tampa

Tampa, FL

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


City Of Tampa rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

593rd of 842 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Job Introduction This is highly responsible, professional and managerial work involving parks and recreation planning/design, contracting/construction, comprehensive planning, development review and natural resource services. Nature Of Work The employee in this class manages tasks of considerable difficulty and is responsible for the efficient management of parks and recreation strategic planning, policy initiatives and master plans that guide the overall development and improvements of the municipal parks and recreation system. The responsibilities involve the planning, organizing and implementation of a wide variety of professional services including landscape, architecture, contract administration, comprehensive planning, land acquisition, grant writing, horticulture and natural resource activities.

The employee would manage, direct, coordinate and oversee the professional service functions of the Planning, Design and Natural Resources Division, promoting efficient operations and implementation of the planning, natural resources management, design and construction of quality parks, recreation facilities, greenways and trails, and resource based parks. Important aspects of work in this class include ensuring that parks and recreation planning, design and constructions activities are coordinated with operations personnel, other city departments, government agencies and special interest groups, preparing departmental capital improvement budget requests, and overseeing the review and approval of development plans for compliance and permitting/approval. The employee is expected to keep abreast of parks and recreation development and administration principles, practices and trends.

Considerable initiative and independent judgment are required in the performance of personnel management tasks and coordination of assigned projects. Work is accomplished under general direction and reviewed through conferences, reports submitted and results obtained. Examples of Duties Plans, organizes, directs, and reviews parks and recreation facility development and design activities; reviews and approves, disapproves or modifies landscape architectural and architectural plans and specifications; coordinates design activities with operations personnel in order to ensure that plans are feasible, sound and practical from a maintenance and recreational program perspective; ensures that landscape designs are coordinated with horticultural and arboreal personnel and resolves any resultant problems; prepares departmental capital improvement budget requests, including parks and recreation facility development programs, and presents to superiors.

Analyze and plan for future park development and land acquisitions; facilitate and coordinate related agreements/contracts for Parks and Recreation facilities, greenways and trails, neighborhood beautification and conservation properties. Assist, consult and monitor in the fiscal management of the capital project budget of the Parks and Recreation Department to ensure efficient, goal-oriented use and proper utilization of appropriate funds. Develop, plan and review agreements and contracts.

Coordinate with Legal Budget, Contraction Administration, Purchasing, Real Estate and local and state agencies. Formulation and implementation of the Planning and Design Division goals, objectives and program policies and procedures. Oversees, directs and reviews the collection, assimilation, analyzing and interpretation of data and indicators regarding Parks and Recreation conditions and determination of consistency and concurrency with the City's Comprehensive Plan.

Direct, oversee and consult the development and updating of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, City's Comprehensive Plan, and the updating of the City Strategic Plan and Performance Measures, and land development regulations as related to Parks and Recreation projects and acquisitions. Responds to citizens' inquiries, provide information, plans and schedule of proposed and current projects. Initiate, prepare and participate in public meetings for citizen and community input and consensus.

Performs administrative duties for division; formulates division budget requests and presents to superiors; recommends employment, promotion, discipline, demotion and dismissal of subordinate employees as necessary; responds to employee grievances, completes employee performance evaluations and reviews those completed by subordinate supervisory personnel; reviews personnel actions initiated by subordinate supervisory personnel and approves, disapproves or modifies; responds to employee leave requests; ensures that subordinate employees receive appropriate orientation and training. Performs related work as required. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Extensive knowledge of: the principles, practices and trends in parks and recreation development, design and construction.

Considerable knowledge of: the principles, practices and trends in parks and recreation administration; capital improvement project management and budgeting; effective supervisory techniques; urban and comprehensive planning; natural resource management. Ability to: manage the work of a diversified staff effectively; plan, organize and coordinate parks and recreation development, design and construction activities; review landscape architectural designs for soundness and completeness; prepare oral and written reports and impart them effectively; establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinate personnel, other employees, municipal officials, and the general public; prepare and analyze capital improvement project and grant documents. Physical Requirements Mostly sedentary, indoors, occasionally outdoors and lifting, requires extended use of computer, typing and viewing a monitor.

Minimum Qualifications Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in parks management, parks and recreation administration, public or business administration, landscape architecture or a related field and five (5) years of experience in parks administrative activities, including parks development and fiscal management, project planning, project leadership and completion; and three (3) years of supervisory experience. OR An equivalent combination of education (not less than possession of a high school diploma/GED), training and experience that would reasonably be expected to provide the job-related competencies noted above. Licenses or Certifications Possession of a valid Florida driver's license required.

Examination Evaluation of education and experience. Drug testing is included in all pre-employment processing. Comments During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.

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