Summary Description:

Under the direction of the Superintendent of Parks, this position performs technical work in support of the planning, design, and construction administration of the City’s parks and trails network.  This position also develops and updates master plans, site plans, and specifications for park and trail facilities while partnering with community organizations, volunteer groups, and other City departments and external agencies to facilitate communication and enhanced collaboration. 

Essential Job Functions:

Ability to effectively use department CAD and ArcGIS applications for park and trail planning and design; administer construction contracts, ensuring compliance with pertinent local, state, and federal laws and regulations; conduct effective research and analysis; work effectively with co-workers and external individuals/groups to accomplish the City’s goals; speak publicly with confidence in various settings, and legally operate a motor vehicle in the State of Iowa.  

Routine Job Duties/Responsibilities:     

• Creates comprehensive park plans which include, master plans, site plans, planting plans, and detailed construction documents using CAD and other related computer applications.
• Serves as technical resource to the development and maintenance of the department CAD and ArcGIS systems. Recommends enhancements and/or system improvements.
• Assists in administering construction contracts and inspects contractors’ work to ensure compliance with plans and specifications.
• Assists with inventory and assessment of park assets. Makes recommendations for prioritizing and replacing assets.
• Creates maps, charts, plans, sketches, and presentation renderings for departmental communications.
• Represents the City and makes presentations at interdepartmental meetings and public meetings; provides background and technical assistance to boards, commissions, neighborhood groups, etc.; attends and participates in area professional groups and committees.
• Collaborates with a variety of individuals and groups for the purpose of obtaining and providing information, coordinating activities, processing projects, and formulating recommendations.
• Ensures that the City’s mission, values, goals, and objectives are fully supported and initiated. This includes, but is not limited to, support of the following initiatives: the quality initiative; Mayor/City Council strategies and various other city-sponsored work teams.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Periodic Job Duties/Responsibilities:     

• Partners with local service organizations to develop and administer park projects and provides supervision for volunteer projects such as an Eagle Scout Project.
• Researches park funding sources, prepares budget estimates, and assists with grant applications.
• Provides information in support of the development of the departmental Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget.
• Solicits vendor bids for materials and/or services.
• Assists with maintaining the Master Parks and Trails Plan

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Landscape Architecture plus three (3) years of related work experience

About West Des Moines Parks and Recreation

The mission of the West Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department is to provide our community everyday enjoyment through people, parks, and programs. The Department focuses on enhancing quality of life and supporting the health and well-being of West Des Moines residents, employees, and visitors. The Recreation area provides a diverse variety of programs and activities for people of all ages. Programs include adult sports, youth introductory sports, nature programs, senior citizen programs, aquatics, travel, family programs, preschool and youth programs, and special events. The facilities managed by the Recreation area are used as recreational program delivery sites and are also available for public rental. The Department’s facilities are extensively used for special events and other various City sponsored activities. Both Valley View and Holiday Aquatic Centers, as well as, Raccoon River Park Softball Complex and Holiday Park Baseball Complex are seasonal facilities. The Valley Junction Activity Center, Raccoon River Park Nature Lodge, Raccoon River Park Dog Park, and Archery Facility are open year round. The MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex is a one-of-a-kind multiuse f...acility featuring nearly 300,000 square feet of space for sporting events, conventions, concerts, community events, business meetings, corporate gatherings, adaptive recreation, and physical therapy.. The Parks area provides services related to the land, facilities, and operations of the West Des Moines park system. All activities of the Parks area are directed and coordinated by the Superintendent of Parks. The area currently manages and operates 1,500 acres of parkland consisting of 27 parks, 3 special uses facilities, 1 nature resouces area 14 greenways, and 66 miles of trails. In addition to developed parkland, the Parks area is also responsible for a 232 acre lake and over 600 acres of natural areas. Services including planning, design, and development of parks and recreational facilities; identification and acquisition of new parkland; operation of parks and park programs. Operate and manage Jordan Cemetery, Huston Cemetery, and Oak Hill Cemetery including lot sales, record maintenance, and grave opening/closing at Jordan Cemetery.

Show more

Show less

Connections working at West Des Moines Parks and Recreation