Parks & Recreation Project Manager

This position leads and/or assists in the planning, organizing, and execution of Parks and Recreation department projects from inception to completion. This includes project oversight related to park/facility planning and operational studies, facility improvements, Capital Improvement Projects (CIP), and other projects as assigned. This position will be responsible for developing/monitoring project scopes, budgets, timelines, schedules, reports, project updates/presentations, representing the department/city with contractors, and contract management (to include solicitations). This position requires a significant amount of engagement and coordination with various internal, cross-departmental stakeholders, public stakeholders, external partners, City Council and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission.

The ideal candidate will possess a bachelors degree in project management or a related field and have experience managing simultaneous complex projects with multiple stakeholders related to master planning, design, construction, and start-up operations. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of managing, leading, and delivering successful projects on time and on budget from inception to completion. The ideal candidate will be extremely organized, possess strong communication skills (verbal and written), and be a strong multitasker. The ideal candidate will be a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) and a Project Management Professional (PMP). Preference will be given to individuals with project management experience within a parks and recreation setting.

At the City of Goodyear, you will be a part of an organization that values its employees as its greatest asset. You will become part of a dedicated team of IT professionals that will be challenged to learn and grow in an environment that values employee development and career-building. You will thrive in a culture of innovation. We believe that successful employees are those who possess six core values:

Integrity - Initiative - Empathy - Optimism - Innovation - Adaptability

EXAMINATION PROCESS

Only a limited number of the most highly qualified applicants meeting the City's requirements will be invited for an interview. The examination process for this position will include a panel Interview and may include a written assessment.

All communication regarding application status and interview notifications will be sent via email- please monitor your junk/spam email for communication as messages will come from a system generated source.

This information is intended to be descriptive of the key responsibilities of the position. The following functions do not identify all duties performed by the incumbent. Other duties and responsibilities will be performed as assigned.

• Develops, plans and executes the advancement of projects from inception to completion.
• Develops project management plans, directs/manages/monitors project work and performs change control processes.
• Develops project scopes, budgets, timelines, schedules, reports, and major milestones.
• Develops contract scopes for service providers (i.e. consultants, contractors, vendors, etc.) and works with Procurement to develop formal solicitations. Monitors and ensures contract compliance and execution.
• Identifies, creates, and leads project teams of internal/external stakeholders, members of the public, and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission to ensure representation of all interests.

• Meets with department staff, consultants, and other stakeholders to determine project scope of work and requirements to meet and conform to City standards.
• Leads/attends meetings that relate to projects (pre-bid, pre-construction, design progress, closeout, etc.), maintains contact, and tracks projects for progress.
• Communicates with the general public, contractors, consultants, other City employees, vendors, management, public officials, and others to successfully complete the project.
• Assists in the preparation and management of the Parks and Recreation Project Portfolio.
• Assists the Parks and Recreation Department Director/Deputy Directors with various Project Management duties, as directed.
• Resolves procedural, operational, and other project-related problems or issues and confers with the Parks and Recreation Department Director/Deputy Directors when developing, proposing, and implementing solutions.
• Prepares and maintains project records, reports, spreadsheets, presentations and dashboards for Parks and Recreation Leadership, city executive staff, as well as monthly city-wide CIP committee meetings.

• Formal Education/Knowledge: Work requires broad knowledge in a general professional or technical field. Knowledge is normally acquired through four years of college resulting in a Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
• Experience: Minimum five years of experience in a related field.
• Certifications and Other Requirements: Valid Drivers License
• Reading: Ability to read technical instructions, technical specifications, trade magazines, responses to vendor solicitations, planning documents, policies/procedures, and documents generated by staff at a high level of comprehension .
• Math: Ability to perform math calculations at a college level including basic math, percentages, and algebra as well as formulas.
• Writing: Ability to write interoffice memos, staff presentations, Council Action Reports, issue papers, planning documents, technical instructions, technical specifications and vendor solicitation documents. Many assignments require translation of technical terms into those that can be understood by non-technical staff.
• Managerial: Job has no responsibility for the direction or supervision of others but may provide advice/direction to an employee with less experience/skill or tenure.
• Budget Responsibility: Moderate - Supports the preparation of budget documents; may do research to justify data used in documents for a unit or division of a department. May recommend budget allocations. Often compiles data and/or enters or oversees data entry. May have responsibility for monitoring budget expenditures (typically non-discretionary expenditures).
• Policy/Decision Making: Significant- The employee normally performs the job by following established standard operating procedures and/or policies. There is a choice of the appropriate procedure or policy to apply to duties. More complex work as well as decisions with more significant impacts is typically reviewed prior to being finalized.
• Technical Skills: Broad Application - Work requires a comprehensive, practical knowledge of a technical field with use of analytical judgment and decision-making abilities appropriate to the work environment of the organization.
• Interpersonal/Human Relations Skills: High - Interactions at this level usually impact the implementation of policies. Contacts may involve interpretation of how policies are implemented and may require discussion and the support of controversial positions or the negotiation of sensitive issues or important presentations. During interactions on policy implementation, contacts may also involve stressful, negative interactions requiring high levels of tact and the ability to respond to aggressive interpersonal interactions.

Within-in the first three months:

• Attend Goodyear Employee Orientation (GEO) and complete all assignments, trainings, and meetings associated with GEO.
• Become familiar with the Citys Core Values and the Department Vision and Mission. Take the opportunity to connect your role to the big picture.
• Meet with each divisions superintendent and become familiar with the operations of the department.
• Become familiar with the 2023 Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
• Provide project management support as requested by Parks & Recreation leadership.
• Attend one Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission meeting and one Arts and Culture Commission meeting.

Within the first six months:

• Become familiar with the Parks and Recreation Budget to better assist with project budget management.
• Learn the Citys software programs (including but not limited to) ProjectDox, TDX, Questica, and Munis and how they work together.
• Provide Department project updates during monthly CIP meetings.
• Provide project management support as requested by Parks & Recreation leadership.
• Become familiar with the Citys plan review and permitting process.
• Draft Council Action Reports and Presentations for Department projects requiring Council direction.
• Become familiar and actively engaged with the departments safety program and assist in the development of the Contractors Safety Program.

Before the end of the first year:

• Provide leadership and technical expertise by entering Department CIP projects for consideration in the FY27 budget process.
• Complete all assigned FY26 CIP projects.
• Bullard Wash Trail (Design)
• Goodyear Community Park Improvements (Design/Construction)
• Goodyear Recreation Campus Phase II (Design)
• GSQ Safety Bollards
• GSQ Overflow Parking Lot
• Deliver all projects on time and on budget