Open Space Planner

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES                  

Manages and coordinates small to moderate scale OSMP planning and design projects.

• Coordinates and leads the development or updating of system-wide plans, area, and site-plans. 

• Develops recommendations in accordance with city practices and priorities, and plan commitments. 

•  Develops and leads inclusive staff and community engagement opportunities. 

• Makes recommendations to support the advancement and integration of all open space policy including policy around ecosystem health and resilience, agriculture, responsible recreation, stewardship and enjoyment, community connections, education and inclusion, and financial sustainability. 

• Presents and recommends to boards and council.   

Assist with the development of and provide support to Complex or large OSMP Planning and Design Projects: 

• Coordinates or leads select plan components within a complex or large project. 

• Researches, compiles, organizes, and analyzes data and information for projects. 

• Develops deliverables such as reports, posters, presentation and other documents. 

• Organizes, analyzes, tracks and reports on staff, stakeholder and community comments.  

• Participates or facilitates public or staff workshops and meetings or other community engagement efforts.   

City-wide and regional planning: 

• Serves as a liaison and departmental representative to local and regional government agencies and serve as departmental project manager for local and regional planning initiatives and projects, including among other things regional trails and comprehensive planning. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS  

• Ability and desire to create meaningful community input opportunities and work with people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities.

• Ability to actively listen and is open to the ideas of colleagues.   

• Ability to analyze and synthesize large amounts of complex information.   

• Ability to be patient and sensitive with people and processes.   

• Ability to continuously update skills, knowledge and planning methods.   

• Ability to create plans that have practical implementation actions that include cost estimates to inform department work planning. 

• Ability to deal with ambiguity 

• Ability to demonstrate verbal, written and graphic communication skills, including report writing, oral and graphic presentation techniques.  

• Ability to demonstrate consensus-building skills with a broad range of stakeholders, partners, members of the public and decision makers.  

• Ability to demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to maintain effective working relationships with the public, consultants and employees at all levels of the organization; demonstrate composure, confidence and respect when working with higher level management, boards and commissions and council members.   

• Ability to demonstrate leadership skills and ability to recommend innovative solutions that meet multiple interests.  

• Ability to independently prioritize tasks and attend to a broad range of activities 

• Ability to comfortably work in teams as well as independently with limited supervision 

• Ability to shift gears comfortably and effectively cope with and manage change 

• Ability to use time effectively and efficiently; values time 

• Ability to engage with ecologists and other subject matter experts (e.g. agricultural, water, trails specialists) and data to soundly analyze resources and develop recommendations.  

• Knowledge and skills in plan development, strategy and/or policy development. 

• Knowledge of how to get things done in the organizational or planning environment (with council, boards and commissions, departmental directors, etc.) 

• Skill in concentrating efforts on the more important priorities 

• Skill in engaging others with emotional intelligence 

• Skills at a proficient level in GIS and Adobe products to generate plans and graphics that communicate concepts and policy. 

• Skills in consensus building and diplomacy, including ability to work effectively with a wide range of individuals and groups in potentially controversial situations. 

• Skills in designing and managing projects related to the management of open space/public lands.   

• Skills in facilitating productive dialogue and structured decision-making.

• Valid Driver’s License and ability to maintain acceptable motor vehicle record. 

• Have and maintain acceptable background information, including criminal conviction history. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Demonstrated experience and success in plan development, strategy and/or policy development on public lands, parks, open space or natural areas and knowledge of principles, practices, and trends in natural, cultural, agricultural, and recreational resource planning.   

• Knowledge and understanding of the community, or similar community, including Boulder’s geography, engaged citizenry, and interests.   

• Master’s degree in Planning, Landscape architecture, or related field.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 

• Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Landscape architecture, or related field. Eight (8) years of related experience may substitute for the education requirement.

• One (1) or more years of planning experience.

SUPERVISION 

Supervision Received:  Planning and Design Senior Manager 

Supervision Exercised:  None 

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS      

• Physical and mental effort: Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities that permits the employee to communicate effectively on the telephone and in person.  Sufficient vision or other powers of observation that permits the employee to review, evaluate and prepare a variety of written documents and materials. Sufficient manual dexterity that permits the employee to operate computer equipment and other office equipment.  Ability to lift and carry up to 20 lbs.  Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, which permits the employee to work in an office setting.  Work may include extended periods of time viewing a computer video monitor and/ or operating a keyboard.  Ability to work under stress from demanding deadlines, public contact, and changing priorities and conditions.  

• Work environment: Primarily works in an office environment but will occasionally work in an outdoor environment year-round.  Occasionally works select nights or weekends to attend and participate in board, council, or community engagement events.   

• Machines and equipment used: Frequently uses standard office equipment including computers, telephones, calculators and copy machines.