Park Planning Project Manager (11314, Grade 28)

• Do you have a passion for parks and open spaces?
• Do you want to shape the future of park development and contribute to the well-being of the community?
• Are you an experienced project manager with a strong background in coordinating and prioritizing projects?

If so, Montgomery Parks is looking for you! The Montgomery County Department of Parks (Montgomery Parks) is seeking a Park Planning Project Manager to lead and oversee a wide range of park planning projects within the Park Planning and Stewardship Division. Reporting directly to the Long-Range Planning Supervisor, the Park Planning Project Manager will coordinate and implement park planning initiatives, prioritize projects based on community and environmental impact, ensure efficient allocation of resources, and manage public engagement efforts and park project web pages. This position will also be responsible for coordinating teams across multiple disciplines to enhance collaboration and ensure smooth project execution. Montgomery Parks manages over 37,000 acres of parkland, serving a diverse population of more than one million residents in the Washington, DC area. The department is nationally recognized for excellence in park management and planning. Learn more at MontgomeryParks.org.The Park Planning Project Manager will be responsible for overseeing and prioritizing multiple research and park project planning efforts, ensuring that projects align with strategic objectives, available resources, and community needs.

• Ensures that park planning efforts prioritize equity, accessibility, and the needs of underrepresented communities.
• Coordinates efforts across multiple teams to ensure seamless project execution.
• Facilitates collaboration between project team members to streamline workflow and enhance communication.
• Advises senior management on project prioritization, policy recommendations, and strategic initiatives.
• Organizes and facilitates public engagement efforts to ensure community input is incorporated into park planning.
• Develops park planning strategies and establishes project priorities that optimize resources and maximize community benefits.

Responsibilities include:

• Coordinating and prioritizing park planning projects to maximize efficiency and impact.
• Managing the allocation of resources, timelines, and funding to ensure project success.
• Leading cross-functional teams including planners, designers, engineers, and public engagement specialists to achieve project goals.
• Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders, including community groups, developers, and government agencies.
• Conducting research, data analysis, and assessments to support park planning initiatives.
• Preparing reports, presentations, and planning documents for public meetings and Planning Board presentations.
• Drafting requests for proposals (RFPs), evaluating consultant submissions, and managing contracts to ensure high-quality deliverables and adherence to project timelines and budgets.
• Overseeing project budgets, schedules, and deliverables to ensure timely completion.
• Leading community engagement efforts, facilitating public meetings, and gathering stakeholder feedback.
• Creating and implementing surveys to collect public input on park planning and project priorities and assess public needs and preferences.
• Maintaining and creating online and other engagement resources, including project web pages, to keep the public informed on planning progress and developments.

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE SHOULD HAVE THE ABILITY TO:

• Effectively coordinate and prioritize multiple planning projects with diverse stakeholders.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Work collaboratively with and coordinate interdisciplinary teams to facilitate efficient and successful project outcomes.
• Conduct public engagement and public presentations including presenting to elected officials, boards, and community groups.
• Utilize Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Excel and other database platforms, and planning software to support decision-making.
• Balance multiple projects and meet deadlines effectively.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Masters degree in planning, Parks and Recreation Management, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Familiarity with the Montgomery County General Plan Thrive 2050 and the 2022 Montgomery County Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan.
• Experience with GIS mapping, data visualization, and spatial analysis.
• Experience developing and conducting surveys for public engagement.
• Proven experience in coordinating and leading multi-disciplinary teams to drive project success. Experience managing and updating project web pages and online engagement platforms.

1. Bachelors Degree in Planning, Geography, Architecture, Parks and Recreation, Transportation, Urban Design, Engineering, Environmental Science, Public Policy, Economics or any related field.
2. Four (4) years of progressively responsible professional level planning experience related to specific area of assignment such as transportation planning, environmental planning or urban planning.
3. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total eight (8) years.
4. Valid drivers license (depending on area of assignment) in accordance with both State and Commission rules and regulations. Drivers license must be unencumbered by restrictions, revocations, suspensions, or points that could limit the employees ability to drive Commission vehicles or perform driving duties required by the position of assignment.

Classification Specification Planner III

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Primarily office-based with occasional fieldwork, site visits, and outdoor exposure.
• May require attending public meetings during evenings and weekends.
• Periodic travel for site inspections and inter-agency meeting

APPLICATION PROCESS:
Interested applicants should submit a resume, cover letter, and responses to the supplemental questionnaire. For more information and to apply, visit

May be subject to medical, drug and alcohol testing.

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate a workplace culture of diversity, equity and inclusion without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non-merit factor.

Applicants with Disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require accommodations or special arrangements due to a qualifying disability, please notify the Recruitment & Selections Services Unit at the time of applications at or(Maryland Relay 7-1-1) M-NCPPC will make all efforts to reasonably accommodate you.