Park Planner Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of urbanization and sustainability, the emphasis on Park Planners has never been more significant.

As our green spaces evolve, the need for skilled professionals who can design, develop, and preserve these crucial public spaces grows.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Park Planner?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to grasp the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager defining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of park planning,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Park Planner job description template, engineered for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Park Planner Duties and Responsibilities

Park Planners play an essential role in creating and maintaining public parks, open spaces, and recreational areas.

They are involved in every aspect of park development, from conceptual design to final implementation, and ensure the park meets community needs and ecological standards.

Park Planners have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Conduct site surveys and analyze land use to develop park design plans
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, and landscape architects on park development projects
• Design and plan park facilities like playgrounds, walking trails, picnic areas, and sports fields
• Assess environmental impact of planned parks and propose mitigating strategies
• Secure necessary permissions and permits for park construction and renovation
• Coordinate with contractors and monitor construction progress to ensure compliance with design specifications
• Organize public meetings to obtain community input and feedback on park plans
• Create and manage park budgets, and seek funding and grants for park development
• Ensure compliance with local, state and federal regulations regarding park design and construction
• Maintain and update park records and documents

 

Park Planner Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Park Planner to develop and implement plans for public park spaces.

This includes identifying community needs, establishing objectives, and coordinating with other professionals to design the layout of parks and recreational facilities.

Our ideal candidates have a deep understanding of urban planning, landscape architecture, and environment preservation, along with a passion for creating sustainable and engaging outdoor spaces.

Ultimately, the role of the Park Planner is to enhance the quality of community life through the development of well-planned, accessible, and aesthetically pleasing park spaces.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive plans for new parks or improvements to existing facilities
• Collaborate with landscape architects, engineers, and other professionals on design and implementation
• Conduct community surveys to ascertain public needs and preferences
• Prepare and present reports on project progress, costs, and feasibility
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations
• Assess environmental impact and ensure sustainability in all projects
• Coordinate with contractors, suppliers, and stakeholders to ensure smooth project execution
• Obtain necessary permits and approvals for park development projects
• Monitor project budgets and timelines
• Participate in public meetings and address concerns related to park planning

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Park Planner, Urban Planner, Landscape Architect, or similar role
• Knowledge of park planning principles and practices
• Understanding of environmental regulations and sustainability practices
• Proficiency in using planning and design software
• Excellent project management skills
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Landscape Architecture, Environmental Studies, or related field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Park Planner
• Work Environment: Office setting with frequent site visits. Some travel may be required for project assessments or meetings.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Parks and Recreation.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $65,000 minimum to $85,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Park Planner Do?

Park Planners typically work for local or state governments, consulting firms, or nonprofit organizations dedicated to conservation and public recreation.

Their job involves designing, planning, and improving public parks, recreational areas, and other green spaces.

They work closely with landscape architects, environmental scientists, and local communities to understand the needs and create plans that align with them.

Park Planners are responsible for assessing the potential environmental impact of their plans, ensuring they comply with local, state, and federal regulations.

They analyze and interpret data related to land use, and they prepare reports presenting their findings and recommendations.

They may also apply for grants and other sources of funding to support park development and improvement projects.

Park Planners also coordinate with construction teams and contractors, overseeing the implementation of their plans, and ensuring the projects are completed according to the set timelines and budgets.

They are also in charge of evaluating the effectiveness of existing park facilities and coming up with strategies for improvement or renovation when necessary.

 

Park Planner Qualifications and Skills

A Park Planner should have a variety of skills and qualifications to effectively design and develop park and recreational facilities, including:

• Strong understanding of landscape architecture and urban planning principles to create and implement park designs.
• Exceptional skills in using design software like CAD to create detailed and accurate park plans.
• Ability to conduct and analyze environmental impact studies and other scientific research, understanding their implications on park planning and development.
• Excellent communication skills to coordinate with government officials, community representatives, and other stakeholders, effectively articulating the vision and plan for the park.
• Strong project management skills to manage multiple projects, ensuring each project is completed on time and within budget.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills to anticipate and resolve potential issues that may arise during the planning and development process.
• Knowledge of safety and accessibility regulations, ensuring all park designs comply with these standards.
• Experience in securing and managing grants and other funding resources for park projects.

 

Park Planner Experience Requirements

Entry-level park planners usually possess a degree in Landscape Architecture, Urban Planning, Environmental Science or a related field.

This academic background is typically coupled with 1 to 2 years of practical experience, often gained through an internship or part-time role in a planning department or landscape architecture firm.

Candidates with up to 5 years of experience might have worked in roles such as Landscape Architect, Urban Planner, or Environmental Consultant.

These professionals will have developed a solid understanding of park and green space planning, conservation principles, and environmental impact assessments.

Those with more than 5 years of experience, often have taken on larger projects and may have led teams.

They have likely participated in or overseen every stage of park planning, from initial project conception to stakeholder engagement, design development, and project implementation.

They might be ready for a supervisory or managerial role within a park planning department or consultancy.

In addition to these, some park planning roles may require certification from a recognized body, such as the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) or the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA).

 

Park Planner Education and Training Requirements

Park Planners typically have a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture, urban planning, environmental science or another related field.

Their coursework often includes subjects like natural resource management, urban and rural planning, geography, landscape design, and environmental law.

In addition to their degree, they usually require a certain amount of work experience in a related field such as urban planning or environmental management.

Many roles require Park Planners to hold a professional license, which involves passing the Landscape Architect Registration Exam.

The criteria for licensure vary by state, but generally require a degree from an accredited program, a period of supervised work experience, and successful completion of the exam.

As with other professional careers, many Park Planners choose to further their education with advanced courses or a master’s degree in a relevant field to expand their knowledge and skills.

Voluntary certification, such as that offered by the American Institute of Certified Planners, can also be beneficial.

These certifications demonstrate a Park Planner’s commitment to their profession and dedication to ongoing learning.

 

Park Planner Salary Expectations

A Park Planner earns an average salary of $58,484 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can differ based on factors such as years of experience, the complexity of projects, location, and the organization for which they work.

 

Park Planner Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Park Planner need?

Park Planners need a wide range of skills including excellent oral and written communication, creative thinking, and problem-solving abilities.

They should have knowledge in landscape architecture, civil engineering, and environmental science.

Additionally, they should have strong project management skills, be able to work with a team, and have a firm understanding of the principles of park and recreational planning.

 

Do Park Planners need a degree?

Yes, Park Planners typically need a bachelor’s degree in urban planning, landscape architecture, or a related field.

Some positions may require a master’s degree or significant work experience.

Additionally, certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) may be beneficial.

 

What should you look for in a Park Planner resume?

A Park Planner’s resume should show a solid background in planning or landscape architecture, preferably with a focus on park or recreational planning.

Look for experience in project management, community engagement, and knowledge of the environmental impact assessment process.

Additional skills to look for include familiarity with CAD software, GIS systems, and other planning tools.

 

What qualities make a good Park Planner?

A good Park Planner should have a strong commitment to the environment and public spaces, be creative and visionary, and be able to balance a variety of needs and interests.

They should be good listeners, able to work with diverse groups of people and incorporate community input into their plans.

They also need to be detail-oriented and organized, capable of managing multiple projects at once.

 

What are the daily duties of a Park Planner?

A Park Planner’s daily duties can vary greatly depending on the project they’re working on.

Tasks could include meeting with community groups to gather input, developing design plans for new parks or improvements to existing ones, coordinating with other government agencies or contractors, conducting site visits, and preparing reports and presentations.

They may also be involved in fundraising or grant writing for park projects.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of being a park planner.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about drawing up park layouts.

It’s about designing spaces where nature and community intertwine, one blueprint at a time.

With our comprehensive park planner job description template and real-world examples, you’re now ready to make your mark.

But why stop at readiness?

Immerse yourself further with our job description generator. It’s your key to creating meticulously detailed job listings or refining your resume to absolute perfection.

Remember:

Every blueprint contributes to a larger ecosystem.

Let’s build these green sanctuaries. Together.

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