Job Information
Spokane County Parks Planning and Land Acquisition Administrator in Spokane, Washington
Parks Planning and Land Acquisition Administrator
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Parks Planning and Land Acquisition Administrator
Salary
$74,378.97 - $104,075.47 Annually
Location
WA 99202, WA
Job Type
Regular
Job Number
24-00102
Department
Parks and Recreation
Opening Date
04/26/2024
Closing Date
Continuous
FLSA
Exempt
Description
Benefits
Questions
Job Summary
This position works 40 hours per week.
The position allocated to this class performs professional park, trail, and capital planning. Land acquisition/conservation, grant writing, contract development and oversight work for the Parks, Recreation and Golf Department. The incumbent performs analytical, technical, supervisory and public outreach work covering a broad range of tasks under the direction of the Parks, Recreation and Golf Director. Assignments are received with little technical instruction and require considerable complexity, responsibility, and expertise to plan land use, development, and/or parks. The position allocated to this class must exercise sound and independent judgment and initiative regarding the selection of courses of action and the resolution of problems. Work is reviewed by the Director for timely completion of projects and compliance with established policies and objectives and is evaluated through reports, conferences and results obtained.
TOTAL COMPENSATION: $95,205 - $133,216 annually. Total compensation is an estimate based upon base compensation, median retirement fund contributions, and current employer-paid health and related benefit contribution rates (including medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability, and leave). The actual total will vary depending upon each employee's enrollment choices.
Examples of Duties
Park Planning and Implementation
Conducts, manages, and completes planning projects and programs (e.g. Park and Open Space Plan, Regional Trail Plan, Specific site planning, Conservation Futures Program), including planning and leading public engagement events, such as public workshops.
Develops and annually updates the comprehensive project list for park and open space facilities for the six-year capital improvement program in coordination with the Director, Operations Division Manager, and Capital Projects Team. Contributes to development of departmental budget.
Plans and oversees multi-faceted projects and studies that typically involve coordination and considerable interaction with County staff, governmental and community agencies, community groups, the general public, etc.
Analyzes, prepares, and presents oral and written summary reports of project status, including fiscal, operational, and timeline factors.
Keeps the Director informed on the progress of assigned projects and of any developing problems, recommending alternative courses of action.
Participates in and coordinates the implementation of park projects that are consistent with park planning principles with contractors/consultants.
Works closely with the Parks Director, Prosecutor’s Office and others as applicable when preparing contracts / use agreements, resolutions, and staff reports to ensure accuracy of content and legal compliance of documents and other work performed.
Provides technical review of written plans, documents, codes, and policies.
Performs on-site inspection/exploration of natural area properties to review for potential acquisition, evaluate existing conditions, assess vandalism, etc. On-site work may include traversing rocky, uneven and steep terrain, in all types of weather conditions.
Public Participation and Outreach
Develops, implements, coordinates, and facilitates a public involvement process that establishes an effective process for notifying, educating, obtaining input from, and consensus building with various community groups, the general public, cities, other counties, and tribal organizations on park planning and open space issues.
Develops strategies for increasing public participation both countywide and locally.
Presents design concepts to the public and develops strategies for achieving consensus on project designs.
Represents the department at public meetings.
Delivers presentations to the public, task forces, committees and boards.
Interprets and explains designs, plans, and terminology, land use, and public financing.
Develops informational and visual aids to enhance understanding.
Represents the County’s interests and serves as a liaison between the County, the general public, and other agencies and organizations providing information, facilitating the successful completion of contracts, and responding to concerns regarding assigned County projects.
Manages the Special Events Program, which includes issuing all permits for special events and shelter reservation w/in the park system.
Serves as park and open space planning resource and liaison with the Board of County Commissioners and interdepartmental committees regarding parks and open space planning issues.
Researches, designs, and develop surveys and/or questionnaires to identify issues of public concern.
Real Estate
Serves as lead negotiator for acquisition of Conservation Futures Park Land, working within program guidelines and state law; running, managing and implementing all aspects of the program, including real estate, planning, capital, stewardship, maintenance, grants and larger policy projects.
May be asked to lead negotiations to acquire other park lands, i.e. community parks, regional parks, and/or natural areas.
Maintains files, inventory and records of all County Park property, acquisitions, leases, legal actions, and related processes.
Performs field checks and recommends site selection; review governmental property for potential park use.
Negotiates, documents and closes real estate transactions with the assistance of legal and finance staff.
Researches and carries out all phases of land acquisition projects from initial outreach and landowner negotiation through supervision of appraisers, surveyors, and other consultants.
Acquires real estate property rights (rights of way, easements, fee-simple, real estate, air rights, rights of entry, etc.).
Searches and examines court and tax records to determine or confirm property boundaries, property rights, property assessments, real estate market values, etc.
Reviews zoning records to determine proposed property zoning, zoning conditions and restrictions, and their impact upon the use of the intended property.
Searches, determines, and collects comparable real estate sales figures within a project area; determines and collects market value of proposed property.
Investigates public complaints and inquiries related to County-owned real property or easements related to Parks and Recreation projects.
Management
Supervises and oversees work performed by assigned staff; participates in the selection, training, motivation and performance evaluations of assigned staff. May recommend and/or administer performance improvement plans and disciplinary actions, as needed.
May manage and/or oversee the work of department personnel, including extra help employees, as assigned.
Assists in managing the workloads of assigned employees.
Grant Administration
Identifies funding opportunities for acquisition and development projects identified within the department’s six-year capital improvement plan.
Prepares and completes complex grant applications. Tasks accompanying this include but are not limited to, preparing, and presenting written and graphic materials to agencies and organizations, research, analysis and communication of statistical data, project budget development.
Oversees and administratively manages grant funding.
Evaluates compliance with grant agreements.
Maintains grant and contract files.
Miscellaneous
- Performs other related duties as required/assigned.
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, in urban and regional planning, park administration, landscape architecture, or a related field.
Master’s degree in a listed or related field is preferred.
Five (5) years of experience in park planning, land use planning, park project management, or combination thereof is required. Real estate experience is highly desired.
An equivalent combination of relevant education, training, and/or experience may be considered.
Possession of a valid Driver's License at time of hire and for the duration of employment.
Selection Factors
Knowledge of the principles and practices of land use planning, park administration and park planning.
Knowledge of contract administration and implementation.
Knowledge of project management and budgeting.
Knowledge of real estate appraisals and the governmental appraisal review process.
Knowledge of environmental assessments and title issues.
Knowledge of the process of obtaining public funding for land acquisition and development.
Knowledge of policies, procedures and regulations applicable to recreation planning and design.
Knowledge of landscape site inventory and analysis.
Knowledge of public participation processes and principles.
Knowledge of legal processes related to land acquisition and land use planning techniques.
Knowledge of the use and care of computers, peripherals and software including Microsoft Word, Excel, Adobe Acrobat, and PowerPoint. Working knowledge of AutoCAD, GIS, Photoshop, InDesign and/or Sketchup is highly desirable.
Skilled in communicating effectively both orally and in writing, sufficient to exchange or convey information and to give and receive work direction.
Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers and customers.
Ability to coordinate development activities with landscape architects, architects, engineers, County crews and private contractors.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative, effective, and productive working relationships using tact, patience and courtesy.
Ability to generate “grassroots” community support for public land acquisition.
Ability to prepare presentations and department brochures.
Ability to prepare applications for grants and other funding proposals and evaluate program planning operations and effectiveness.
Ability to work with volunteer groups on parks projects.
Ability to work independently and decisively on complex projects with little supervision.
Ability to plan and organize work and completes tasks within prescribed timeframes.
Ability to oversee contractors on department projects, conduct inspections and prepare appropriate reports.
Ability to coordinate with various government agencies in obtaining required permits.
Ability to maintain accurate records
Ability to work on projects that may include complex financing arrangements and sensitive political issues.
Ability to combine sound business practice and judgment with commitment to land preservation.
SPOKANE COUNTY
Employee Benefits Summary
The following is a brief list of benefits available to Spokane County regular employees. Complete information is available from Human Resources Department. This information is subject to change.
PAID TIME OFF
Spokane County Observed Holidays
Up to 10 (ten) paid holidays are observed by Spokane County.
PTO
Non-represented and a select group of represented employees receive a bank of hours that combine both vacation and sick leave into a paid time off bank. There is no waiting period to use this time and it starts out at almost 2 days per month accrual increasing in accrual rates annually for first 5 years.
Vacation
For employees with less than five (5) years of continuous service, the accrual rate is 1 day of vacation each month for a total of 12 days per year. After six (6) months, employees are eligible to take accumulated vacation time. (Please note the vacation time accumulation may vary depending on contract language).
Sick Leave
Sick leave is earned at 1 day per month and can be taken as the days are accumulated.
Other Leaves
Spokane County provides several other paid leaves such as: bereavement leave, jury duty and military duty leave.
INSURANCE BENEFITS
Medical Insurance
Two plans are currently available: Premera Blue Cross (PPO) and Kaiser Permanente (HMO). Spokane County pays 95% of the premium for full-time employees and 90% of the premiums for spouses and dependents. Premiums are deducted each pay period (pay periods: 15th and last day of the month).
2023 Rates:
Premera
Employee Only: $38.04 per month
Employee & Spouse: $149.52 per month
Employee & Family: $209.60 per month
Employee & Child(ren): $136.16 per month
Kaiser:
Employee: $35.92 per month
Employee & Spouse: $140.56 per month
Employee & Family: $196.06 per month
Employee & Child(ren): $128.58 per month
Dental Insurance
Two plans are currently available: Delta Dental of Washington (PPO) and Willamette Dental (DMO). Spokane County pays 95% of the premium for full-time employees and 90% of the premiums for spouses and dependents.
2023 Rates:
Delta Dental Willamette Dental
Employee: $5.74 per month Employee: $5.98 per month
Family: $11.48 per month Family: $11.96 per month
Group Life Insurance
The County provides a $25,000 group life insurance policy to employees. The County provides a $10,000 benefit for those represented by 492, 492CS & 492CL. This benefit is paid in full by Spokane County.
Long Term Disability Coverage
Provides an income protection benefit in the event of a long-term illness or injury at rate of 60% of income up to a maximum of $5,000 per month. Spokane County pays the full premium for this plan. Deputy Sheriff's receive a benefit through their union for disability.
RETIREMENT
Retirement Plan (401a)
Spokane County employees are automatically included in the Washington State Retirement System. Both the employer and the employee contribute to the plan. This retirement plan provides a guaranteed lifetime monthly benefit once vested and eligible for retirement.
Additional Retirement Plan Option (457b)
Employees may supplement their retirement income and save money on taxes by participating in this optional County program. Roth (after-tax) option is also available through this retirement plan.
VOLUNTARY BENEFITS
AFLAC
Supplemental insurance is optional and is provided by AFLAC to help pay for benefits not covered by major medical insurance. The employee pays 100% of the premium.
Travel Assistance
Provides additional travel protections anytime you travel more than 100 miles from home. Includes pre-trip information, emergency ticket replacement, and emergency evacuation coverage. This benefit is paid in full by Spokane County.
Flexible Spending Plan (FSA)
Spokane County sponsors a Section 125 Flexible Spending Account to allow out-of-pocket Medical & Daycare Expenses to be paid with Tax Free Dollars. Premiums are automatically set up pre-tax under the FSA.
Voluntary Term Life Insurance
Voluntary Term Life Insurance is additional optional life insurance provided through The Standard Insurance. New employees are guaranteed up to $50,000 for self and $20,000 for a spouse with no medical underwriting needed.
WORK/LIFE PROGRAMS
Employee Assistance Program
Employees and their family members are eligible to receive free counseling. There are also benefits relating to financial and legal concerns.
Reduced Cost Bus Pass Program
Spokane County participates in a program with STA which discounts bus passes to $5 a month.
Wellness Programs
There are opportunities for nearby exercise programs at reduced cost and education programs around wellness themes including financial well-being, nutrition and stress reduction.
Discounts
There are local and national discounts available to Spokane County employees.
01
NOTE: We appreciate your time. The following supplemental questions were crafted with the intent, to take 1-5 minutes per question to respond to. A "less is more" approach is appreciated. 1. "Yes" or "No" – Do you have experience writing and interpreting contracts and agreements? a. If "Yes", please upload an example of a contract or agreement you authored or contributed significantly towards.
02
"Yes" or "No" – Do you have experience creating and/or administering a multi-year Capital Improvement Plan e.g. 6-year CIP or 20-year CIP a. If "Yes" please Upload an example of a Multi-Year Capital Improvement Plan you authored and/or worked closely with to implement and indicate what role you had with the document e.g., Primary Author, responsible for implementation / updates.
03
"Yes" or "No" – Do you have experience preparing a Park, Recreation and Open Space Plan for a County, City, Park District or State government? If "Yes", please name the document, concisely describe your role in the development of the plan and provide a link or web address to access said document.
04
"Yes" or "No" – Do you have experience purchasing real property? If "Yes," please briefly describe up to three (3) real estate transactions that you have facilitated on behalf of your employer/client. For each example, please include the property name, size (i.e. acreage), and purchase price.
05
"Yes" or "No" – Do you have any experience negotiating, developing, and / or executing easement agreements such as utility easements? If "Yes," please name up to three (3) easements, the type of rights conveyed, and role (e.g. primary author, contributor, facilitator).
06
"Yes" or "No" – Do you have experience with grant writing and grant funding implementation/reporting? a. If "Yes" please name up to three (3) grant applications where you were lead in securing and/or administering the grant to completion and amount of grant award. Please include the year and grant funding source for each grant application listed.
07
"Yes" or "No" – Do you have experience presenting before elected officials and/or a public advisory committee, planning commission, hearing examiner or similar group or organization? a. If "Yes" please list up to three (3) topics / items you have presented, and before whom. If possible/available, please provide a link or web address to a prior recorded public meeting which you presented.
Required Question
Agency
Spokane County
Address
824 N Adams Spokane, Washington, 99260
Phone
509-477-5750
Website
http://www.spokanecounty.org/employment