Natural Resource Specialist 4 (Senior Planner and Designer)

~ The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department's Mission is to provide and protect outstanding natural, scenic, cultural, historic and recreational sites for the enjoyment and education of present and future generations. ~

This position is with the Oregon Parks & Recreation Department, Integrated Park Services Division, located in Salem, Oregon. There is currently one (1) Permanent, full-time vacancy. This position is represented by the Association of Engineering Employees Union (AEE).

The purpose of this position is to be the senior planner and designer who will complete state park master plans in a timely, effective and measurable way that improves resource condition, recreation opportunities, visitor experience and park facilities.

The senior park planner and designer also works on regional planning coordination, schematic design, construction drawings, permitting, construction oversight, resource assessments, recreation analysis, emerging programs and special projects.

Additional duties for this position include recommending program priorities, creating inter-divisional teams and representing the agency regionally, statewide, and nationally on matter pertaining to planning and design. The position will require evaluation of design standards, processes and methods with recommendations for innovative and improved approaches.

Responsibilities

Professional program management:

• Recommends program strategy and priorities including goals, actions and training for park planning and design.
• Evaluates effectiveness of existing program approaches statewide and recommends improved approaches.
• Directs work of interdivisional teams by project.
• Determines, designs and implements needed research, in innovative and ground-breaking areas. 

High level planning and design project management: 

• Develops and manages the very complex, unique, interdisciplinary or highly controversial planning and design projects. 
• Recommends approach, participation, objectives and outcome. Guides multi-partner projects/plans as to responsibilities and achievement of each, including other agencies, interest groups, tribes.
• Acts as liaison among divisions and departments to resolve differences, inspire completion, and provide expertise.
• Coordinates team specialists.
• Reviews and makes recommendations for appropriate inclusion of complex technical analyses that support park & regional planning. 

Multi-disciplinary technical assistance/consultation: 

• Acts as state expert on park planning and design, for OPRD park system, and for larger community of park providers across the state.
• Develops park standards for schematic design, construction drawings and construction oversight.
• Researches, evaluates and advises on broad, complex design issues and topics related to individual parks, state park system, regions of the state, statewide and beyond.
• Consults with other state, federal, local government and international agencies about parks, recreation and park related resource issues, planning approaches, design standards, theory.
• Represents the agency, at times, in highly charged situations.  

Agency Representation: 

• Leads or is a key OPRD representative for a variety of groups & task forces related to planning and design.
• Represents agency position, negotiates for consensus among competing interests.
• Represents the state in informational, educational and public relations presentations.

Working Conditions 

• Work is primarily performed in an office setting. Sits or stands for long periods of time. Needs adequate vision and hearing, manual dexterity, communication and motor skills to perform the duties of the position.
• Operates office equipment and computers requiring repetitive use of arms, wrists, and hands.
• May occasionally lift and move up to 35 pounds and infrequently up to 50 pounds or more with assistance.
• May be required to attend meetings or perform duties outside of normal office hours.
• Moves throughout facilities and grounds and may drive a motor vehicle.
• May travel to other parks, headquarters, or other agencies for training and meetings. Overnight travel may be required.
• Possibility of exposure to a variety of environmental and chemical allergens and odors standard to area of assignment.
• Possibility of exposure to hostile and offensive language and actions from the public. Uses appropriate safety and personal protective equipment and follows established safety policies, practices and procedures. Performs duties of position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Qualifications 

Minimum: 

• Three years of experience in Planning or Landscape Architecture work.
• At least one year of the experience must be at a technical or professional level performing activities in the planning fields from resources inventory, through opportunities analysis to schematic design and for the design filed from concept through construction; AND
• A Bachelors OR Master's degree in Landscape Architecture or Planning, or closely related fields such as Architecture and Urban Design; AND
• Professional Landscape Architect Licensure (or provide evidence of working towards attaining license within 18 months time frame).

Note: A copy of all transcripts (if education is required to qualify) must be attached at the time of application in order to receive credit for college degrees or coursework. Transcripts must include coursework and indicate that a degree was conferred. Online transcripts are acceptable. Official or original transcripts are not required; however, they may be required to validate education.

Desired Attributes:  

• Professional Park Planning and Design experience;
• Leading teams through all planning and design stages from resources inventory, through opportunities analysis to schematic design and design stages from concept through construction;
• Computer proficiency in CAD, Adobe Photoshop, and Illustrator are required; and
• Knowledge of GIS, In-Design, Sketch-up (or 3D modeling software), is desirable.

Note: Only candidates who meet the qualifications for this position and with work experience most closely meeting the requested skills of this position will be invited to an interview.