Parks Planning & Development Specialist-160167

Adams County, CO

$87K — $127K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning, Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Public Administration, Civil Engineering, Natural Resource Management, Construction or Project Management, or a related field.
  • Five years of experience in coordinating park planning or public-sector planning projects.
  • Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws regarding public projects.
  • Ability to prepare technical reports and project documentation.
  • Experience with grant funding and compliance in capital projects.

Responsibilities

  • Develop project scopes and budgets for parks and infrastructure projects.
  • Source and manage grant applications and funding compliance.
  • Coordinate with stakeholders and agencies on project planning.
  • Review plans to ensure compliance with standards and project goals.
  • Manage multiple projects and ensure timely completion.

Benefits

  • AFLAC Supplemental Medical Insurance
  • Basic Term Life & Optional Term Life Insurance
  • Deferred Compensation Plan
  • Comprehensive Dental/Vision/Medical Plans
  • Generous Vacation/Sick leave
  • Retirement Plan with employer contributions
  • Flexible Work Schedules
  • Employee Fitness Center and Health Clinics
Full Job Description
Salary : $87,672.13 - $127,124.59 Annually
Location : Riverdale Regional Park, 9755 Henderson Rd, Brighton, CO
Job Type: Regular Full-time
Job Number: 07561
Department: Parks, Open Space & Cultural Arts
Division: North Region Operations
Opening Date: 07/10/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Position classification: Hybrid -- Job duties and expectations allow for onsite and remote work scheduled every week. Employees in this classification are regularly scheduled onsite one (1) to four (4) days per week based on the County needs and as determined by Department Director. Hybrid classified roles can be onsite more than the set minimum based on employee preference.

What Success Looks Like In This Job

Under general supervision, this position performs advanced professional project management support related to the planning, funding, design, construction, and implementation of capital improvement projects and strategic initiatives within the County's parks, open space, and trail system. The position provides technical coordination and support for multiple concurrent projects and assignments of varying scope and complexity and serves as the County's representative in facilitating project planning activities with consultants, contractors, governmental agencies, community stakeholders, and internal departments. Responsibilities include project planning, budget development, grant research, acquisition, and compliance; countywide development review, regulatory coordination, and supporting the planning, design, and construction initiatives of various capital projects and other infrastructure improvements within the County's parks, trails, and open space system.

This position will be responsible for:
  • Current and long-range park planning duties designing and developing plans for parks, open space, and trails including researching locations, analyzing community needs, creating layouts for park features, considering environmental factors, and help implement new park projects within Adams County.
  • Sourcing grant funding and the preparation of various local, state, and federal grant applications and the writing, applying, implementation, managing, reporting, and tracking guidelines and deadlines in the process for grants related to capital projects and open space acquisitions.
  • Public-sector stakeholder coordination.
  • Exercising independent judgment under general supervision.

The anticipated hiring range for this role is $87,672.13 - $100,822.95. The full salary range for the role is $87,672.13 - $127,124.59.
Examples of Duties for Success

  • Develop project scopes, budgets, schedules, funding strategies, and implementation plans for a variety of projects, including park development, park renovations, trail construction, bridges, infrastructure improvements, and open space enhancements.
  • Source, prepare, submit, administer, and monitor local, state, and federal grant applications and agreements; ensure compliance with funding requirements, reporting obligations, reimbursement requests, and grant closeout procedures.
  • Review and evaluate plans, specifications, technical reports, environmental documents, permit applications, and development proposals to ensure compliance with project requirements, regulatory standards, and departmental objectives.
  • Support implementation of departmental master plans, capital improvement programs, asset management initiatives, and long-range planning efforts related to parks, open space, and trails.
  • Participate in development review processes and interagency coordination efforts to identify opportunities for park, trail, open space, conservation easement, and connectivity improvements.
  • Support land acquisition, easement, conservation, and property management initiatives associated with capital projects and strategic departmental priorities.
  • Respond to inquiries from residents, elected officials, partner agencies, and other stakeholders regarding project planning, implementation, funding, and departmental programs.

Qualifications for Success

  • Knowledge of planning, design, development, and maintenance principles related to parks, open space, trails, recreation facilities, and public infrastructure.
  • Knowledge of grant funding programs, grant administration, and funding strategies applicable to parks, open space, and trail projects.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while balancing competing priorities, deadlines, budgets, and stakeholder expectations.
  • Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, permitting requirements, and industry standards related to public projects.
  • Knowledge of sustainable practices like water conservation, native plant selection and habitat restoration.
  • Understanding principles of landscape architecture, site planning and plant selection
  • Ability to analyze complex issues, evaluate alternatives, identify risks, and develop practical solutions.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, residents, consultants, contractors, partner agencies, and County staff.
  • Strong written, verbal, presentation, and public engagement skills.
  • Ability to prepare technical reports, project documentation, funding requests, and executive-level presentations.
  • Knowledge of project management software, Microsoft Office applications, GIS, and other technology tools used to support planning, design, and project delivery.
  • Ability to interpret technical plans, specifications, construction documents, and project-related data.
  • Demonstrated commitment to customer service, collaboration, equity, and the County's values and cultural competencies.

More Qualifications for Success

Experience:
  • Five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience coordinating and administering park planning initiatives or capital improvement, infrastructure, construction, land development, or public-sector planning projects.
  • Experience must include demonstrable responsibility for project planning and coordination, budget tracking, schedule management, consultant and contractor coordination, and engagement with internal and external stakeholders.

Education and Training:
  • Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Urban Planning, Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Public Administration, Civil Engineering, Natural Resource Management, Construction or Project Management, or a related field.
  • A master's degree is preferred and may substitute 2 years required professional experience.
  • An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the bachelor's degree. Without a degree, applicant must possess a minimum of 9 years' relevant experience.
Licenses and Certifications:
  • A professional license/certification in a related field is preferred but not required.
  • Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid driver's license.
Background Check: Must pass a criminal background check.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
  • None

Adams County provides a comprehensive benefits package to employees that goes above and beyond what is offered at most organizations.

Benefits You Expect:
  • AFLAC Supplemental Medical Insurance
  • Basic Term Life & Optional Term Life Insurance
  • Deferred Compensation Plan
  • Dental/Vision/Medical Plans
  • Generous Vacation/Sick leave
  • Long-Term Disability
  • Retirement Plan
  • Short-Term Disability
Plus some you might not expect:
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Employee Fitness Center
  • Employee Health Clinics
  • Flexible Work Schedules
  • Recreation Center Discounts
  • Training & Tuition Reimbursement Programs
  • Wellness programs
  • Lactation friendly certified workplace

01

Please be aware that your cover letter and resume will not be accessed in the initial screening process, so you must complete your application and supplemental questions with as much detail as possible. Any personally identifiable information (PII) such as name and address will be redacted from applications that meet the minimum screening requirements and are forwarded to the hiring manager. If the hiring manager selects you to advance in the hiring process, your cover letter and resume will then be accessible to the hiring team. Information provided on the application is used to determine if a candidate meets minimum qualifications. Only information provided at the time of the application being completed will be considered and additional information that is not listed on the application will not be considered when deciding if a candidate meets or does not meet the qualifications. Applicants are STRONGLY encouraged to include all information and details on their application. I understand and agree that only information provided at the time of my application will be used to determine if I meet the minimum requirements for this position.
  • Yes, I understand and agree
  • Yes, I understand but disagree.

02

Do you meet one of the following minimum qualification?
  • I possess a Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Public Administration, Civil Engineering, Natural Resource Management, Construction or Project Management, or a related field with five (5) years of experience.
  • I possess a Master's degree or higher in Urban Planning, Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Public Administration, Civil Engineering, Natural Resource Management, Construction or Project Management, or a related field with seven (7) years of experience.
  • I do not possess Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Public Administration, Civil Engineering, Natural Resource Management, Construction or Project Management, or a related field. However, I possess at least nine (9) years of professional experience.
  • None of the above

03

Do you possess, or have the ability to obtain, a valid Colorado driver's license?
  • Yes
  • No

04

Do you have experience reviewing proposed development, land use, or construction projects?
  • Yes
  • No

05

Explain your experience with planning, design, specifications, and construction documents for parks, landscape, and public infrastructure projects.
06

What are your top three best skills as a planning and development specialist? Explain why
Required Question

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