The City of Folsom’s next Park Planner I/II/Senior Park Planner will have the opportunity to continue and greatly influence its award-winning Parks and Recreation Department. The city’s current inventory of 48 developed parks includes several other recreation facilities such as the Andy Morin Sports Complex (60,000 s.f.); the Steve Miklos Aquatic Center (3 pools); the Folsom Zoo Sanctuary, and others. Our parks feature innovative design, many lighted sports facilities, synthetic turf, interactive water features (spray grounds), dog parks, a skate park, a bike park, and dozens of picnic areas and playgrounds. Natural open space areas are integrated into our parks, creating inviting blends of active and passive recreation areas. The larger open space areas feature our nationally recognized bicycle trail system with connections to both state and neighboring county park systems.
The current Parks and Recreation Master Plan includes more than $30 million of proposed improvements for park sites north of Highway 50, and more than $100 million of improvements for the Folsom Plan Area (south of Highway 50). In addition to the 137 acres of active parkland, the Folsom Plan Area will feature 1,100 acres of passive open space; more than 30 miles of multi-use trails; and a community center and aquatic center. The Senior Park Planner is also the project manager for major capital improvements in the Zoo Sanctuary; all renovation projects for existing parks; special projects such as the Johnny Cash Trail Art Experience; and works as part of the team developing our award-winning park and trail system.
The Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate is passionate about parks and recreation, has strong organizational skills and is versed in managing projects and leading lower-level staff. Incumbent performs the various levels of project management of design consultants and park and recreation construction projects, as well as reviewing development projects for design conformance and accuracy. In addition, the position performs professional planning assignments requiring knowledge of land development, planning, design standards and regulations, Americans with Disabilities Act, construction and maintenance. Incumbents at the Senior level also makes presentations before governing bodies and neighborhood and community groups on behalf of the department; provides information, responds to questions, and collects information on community needs, concerns and interests.
Under the general supervision and direction from the Parks & Trails Planning Manager, the Park Planer I/II/Senior Park Planner will perform a variety of professional planning work related to landscaping, parks, trails, city parkways, and recreation facilities. Senior Park Planners or Park Planner IIs may oversee, monitor, and/or direct the work of lower level personnel.
Park Planner I/II is a non-exempt position with the Local 39 union, whereas Senior Park Planner is an exempt position with the Folsom Middle Management Union (FMMG).
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS The Park Planner I (salary range M50: $67,897.71 - $86,010.80 annually) is the entry-level class of the professional level Park Planner series. Initially under close supervision, the incumbents perform the more routine duties while learning city policies and procedures and becoming familiar with the variety of departmental systems and practices. As experience is gained, duties become more diversified and are performed under more general supervision. This class is flexibly staffed with Park Planner II and incumbents may advance to the higher level after two years and demonstrating proficiency that meets the qualifications.
The Park Planner II (salary range M58: $82,539.48 - $$104,558.55 annually) is the experienced/journey level class in the series, fully competent to independently perform duties. This class is distinguished from those in the lower classification of Park Planner I by the relative independence with which they perform their duties of professional planning work related to landscaping, parks, city parkways, and recreation facilities. This class is distinguished from the Senior Planner in that the latter serves either as the senior or advanced level specialist in the series.
The Senior Park Planner (salary range T86: $$95,509.13 - $120,988.11 annually) is the lead or specialist level in the Park Planner series. In the lead assignment, incumbents provide direction to lower level staff including assigning, directing, and reviewing the work of staff. In the specialist assignment, incumbents work on specialized projects containing a high number of complex, difficult, and sensitive tasks and assignments. Positions at this level are distinguished from those in the lower level classification of Park Planner I/II by the independence with which they perform their duties of handling the more difficult and complex work and performing lead work.
**Classification will depend on the candidate's experience and qualifications**
NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all the duties listed.
PARK PLANNER I/II
Prepare preliminary construction drawings, specifications, and cost estimates for landscape architectural projects and bid documents including the design and layout of grading, drainage, paving, irrigation, plant materials, and play equipment systems.
Participate in site analyses, master planning, designing, cost estimating, and checking landscape architectural plans and drawings for accuracy and conformance to original design and check calculations used in designs and estimates.
Review, check, and make necessary corrections to landscape architectural plan and trail site plan drawings, designs, and estimates as prepared by consultants for accuracy and conformance to original design. Inspect park, recreational, and trail site projects during construction to ensure the construction is performed according to plans and specifications.
Interpret city standards and specifications regarding park and trail construction.
Prepare a variety of charts, graphs, maps, plans, and other illustrative materials for presentations to the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Folsom City Council, staff reports, and studies.
Monitor and approve project expenditures and maintain project account balances.
Analyze proposed projects for conformance with adopted city landscape plans/guidelines.
Meet and confer with other city departments, consultants, developers, contractors, and engineers involved in landscaping, park, trail and recreational facility projects.
Prepare grant applications and necessary graphics for a variety of funding organizations.
Compile a variety of information and data for staff reports and studies.
Perform related duties as assigned.
SENIOR PARK PLANNER
Assign and monitor the work of lower level staff within the series.
Provide training to staff regarding laws, ordinances, standards, plans, specifications, and departmental regulations related to park planning and trail projects.
Handle the more complex, difficult, and/or sensitive projects.
Assist in the development of a citywide urban trail system and open space program.
Prepare preliminary construction drawings, specifications, and cost estimates for landscape architectural projects and bid documents including the design and layout of grading, drainage, paving, irrigation, plant materials, and play equipment systems.
Conduct and oversee site analyses, master planning, designing, cost estimating, and checking landscape architectural plans and drawings for accuracy and conformance to original design and check calculations used in designs and estimates.
Review, check, and make necessary corrections to landscape architectural plans and trail site plan drawings, designs, and estimates as prepared by consultants for accuracy and conformance to original design.
Inspect park, recreational, and trail site projects during construction to ensure the construction is performed according to plans and specifications.
Interpret city standards and specifications regarding trail construction.
Prepare a variety of charts, graphs, maps, plans, and other illustrative materials for presentations to the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Folsom City Council, staff reports, and studies.
Plan and propose open space acquisitions for City Council consideration.
Monitor and approve project expenditures and maintain project account balances.
Analyze proposed projects for conformance with adopted city landscape plans/guidelines.
Meet and confer with developers, contractors, and engineers.
Prepare grant applications and necessary graphics to a variety of funding organizations.
Compile a variety of information and data for staff reports and studies.
Perform related duties as assigned.
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:
NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities listed below are related to duties as defined under "Distinguishing Characteristics."
PARK PLANNER I/II
Knowledge of:
Principles, techniques, and methods of landscape architectural, trail development, and park design.
Plant materials appropriate to various landscape architectural projects.
Modern methods and techniques used in the design and construction of various land development projects as they pertain to trails.
Current trends in federal, state, and local park planning.
Pertinent laws, ordinances, and regulations governing park and facility planning, trail development, and open space preservation.
Engineering technology and practices used in landscape design and construction.
Construction project administration.
Project management practices and procedures.
Principles of report writing.
Ability to:
Prepare draft landscape architectural plans including site plans, sketches, renderings, specifications, spreadsheets, and estimates of labor and material requirement costs.
Research and prepare grant applications.
Operate computer assisted drafting and related software used in preparation of design and construction documents.
Use computers, software programs, and other technical equipment.
Effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
SENIOR PARK PLANNER
Knowledge of:
Principles, techniques, and methods of landscape architecture, trail development, and park design.
Modern methods and techniques used in the design and construction of various land development projects as they pertain to trails.
Current trends in federal, state, regional, and local park planning.
Pertinent laws, ordinances, and regulations governing park and facility planning, trail development, and open space preservation.
Engineering technology and practices used in landscape design and construction.
Construction project administration.
Project management practices and procedures.
Common word processing, spreadsheet, and database software.
Ability to:
Lead professional and technical personnel on a team or project.
Provide technical advice to subordinate personnel in solving difficult problems or assignments.
Prepare landscape architectural plans including site plans, sketches, renderings, specifications, spreadsheets, and estimates of labor and material requirement costs.
Interpret and apply codes, ordinances, rules, and regulations related to land and park development and construction.
Analyze trail development proposals, plans, and specifications.
Research and prepare grant applications.
Operate Computer Assisted Drafting and related software used in preparation of design and construction documents.
Use computers, software programs, and other technical equipment.
Effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
PARK PLANNER I
Education: A bachelor's degree in landscape architecture, environmental design, park administration, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.
Experience: One (1) year of full-time professional landscape design and/or park planning experience.
OR
Education: An associate's degree in construction management, construction technology, environmental design, park administration, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.
Experience: Three (3) years of full-time professional landscape design and/or park planning experience.
Substitution: Additional qualifying experience can substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
PARK PLANNER II
Education: A bachelor's degree in landscape architecture, environmental design, park administration, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.
Experience: One (1) year of full-time experience as a Park Planner I with the City of Folsom, or other public agency.
OR
Three (3) years of full-time professional landscape design and/or park planning experience.
Substitution: Additional qualifying experience can substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
SENIOR PARK PLANNER
Education: A bachelor's degree in landscape architecture, environmental design, park administration, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.
Experience: Two (2) years of full-time experience as a Park Planner II with the City of Folsom.
OR
Three (3) years of full-time professional landscape design and/or park planning experience, which includes experience in land and trail development and project administration.
Substitution: Additional qualifying experience can substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
License, Certificate, Registration Requirements: At the option of the City, persons hired into this class may be required to either possess at entry or obtain within specified time limits, designated licenses, certificates or specialized education and training relevant to the area of assignment. Additional requirements may include, but are not limited to the following:
Some positions may require possession of, or ability to obtain and retain, a California Class C driver license by the time of appointment. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Certification as a California Registered Landscape Architect.
Physical Requirements: Work is performed in a typical office environment and an outdoor environment on a year-round basis. (1) Mobility: frequent use of keyboard; frequent sitting for long periods of time; occasional bending or squatting; frequent driving of vehicles. (2) Lifting: frequently up to 10 pounds; occasionally up to 25 pounds. (3) Vision: constant use of overall vision; frequent reading and close-up work; occasional color and depth vision. (4) Dexterity: frequent repetitive motion; frequent writing; frequent grasping, holding, and reaching. (5) Hearing/ Talking: frequent hearing and talking, in person and on the phone. (6) Emotional/ Psychological: frequent decision-making and concentration; frequent public and/or coworker contact; occasional working alone. (7) Environmental: frequent exposure to noise; occasional work outside in the summer and winter in extreme hot and cold weather.