Park Planner Senior
Maricopa County, Phoenix, AZ, United States
Posting Date
04/16/26
Application Deadline
Open Until Filled
Pay Range
$75,000 - $116,500 annually
Salary offers are based on the candidate's equivalent experience and internal equity with other employees within the same job classification. The position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Job Type
Unclassified
Department
Parks and Recreation
About the Position
The Park Planner Senior is responsible for leading and managing complex planning and development projects for parks, trails, open space, and recreational facilities. This position plays a key role in long-range planning, master planning, capital project development, grant acquisition, and public engagement. The Park Planner Senior provides expert guidance and coordination with internal departments, external agencies, and community stakeholders to ensure park projects align with strategic goals, community needs, and environmental best practices. In addition, the Park Planner Senior will supervise the growing Natural/Cultural Resource Division.
About Us
Welcome to the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department! Maricopa County parks offer visitors the best of the Sonoran Desert, from hiking on a barrier-free trail to horseback riding along a creek to testing your mountain biking skills and abilities on a competitive track.
At approximately 120,042 acres of parkland and 325 miles of trails, Maricopa County is home to one of the largest regional park systems in the nation. Currently, there are twelve parks in Maricopa County's regional park system. Each is unique and offers its visitors a wide variety of recreational opportunities.
In addition to the parkland, the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department oversees the Maricopa Trail, a 325-mile trail system that encircles the valley and links all regional parks. The department is staffed by a team of passionate employees, park hosts, and volunteers who provide park visitors with the best possible customer experience. Join us today!
Proud to Offer
Work with a greater purpose
Tuition reimbursement
Exceptional work-life balance, with a hybrid work schedule option
Opportunities for growth and development within Maricopa County
Low-cost, high-value healthcare for you and your qualifying dependents
Child care benefits, including access to our on-site center, Maricopa County Kids Club, dedicated to serving Maricopa County families
Paid vacation, sick time, and parental leave
Extensive wellness program, including an incentive
Enrollment in the Arizona State Retirement System, a defined retirement benefit requiring a 12% monthly contribution rate that includes a 100% employer match on Day 1
Want to learn more about the County's Qualifying and Compensation Philosophy? Follow this link to learn more! Work With Us | Maricopa County, AZ
We Require
Three years of progressively responsible professional experience in park or open space planning, including at least one year in a supervisory role
Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Landscape Architecture, Parks and Recreation Management, Environmental Design, or related field
Post-secondary education in a related field may substitute for up to two years of required experience
Other Requirements
Successful candidates must currently possess, or have the ability to obtain, a valid Arizona driver's license by the time of hire
We Also Value
Certified as an American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)
Supervisory experience in a public agency or multidisciplinary team setting
Experience managing staff performance, mentoring planners, or leading project teams
Strong project management skills, including budgeting, scheduling, and coordination
Proficient in GIS, AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, or related planning/design software
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including public presentations and report writing
Ability to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines
Knowledge of environmental regulations, ADA compliance, and sustainable design principles
Experience in interagency collaboration or working in a public-sector environment
Job Contributions
Lead and manage park planning projects, including master plans, feasibility studies, resource management, site analysis, and development plans, including cost estimates and capital improvement phasing
Coordinate the development of long-range strategic plans, trail connectivity studies, and open space preservation efforts
Monitor planning trends, best practices, and regulations related to parks, recreation, land use, and environmental sustainability
Collaborate with internal and county staff to align planning with implementation
Facilitate public engagement processes, including community meetings, stakeholder interviews, and surveys
Draft and review technical documents such as RFPs, RFQs, and scopes of work for consultants and contractors
Manage resource staff, consultant contracts, project timelines, and deliverables
Oversee grant applications and compliance for federal, state, and local funding programs
Present plans, proposals, and updates to boards, commissions, and elected officials
Other job duties as assigned
Working Conditions
This position is eligible for hybrid flexibility after a brief training period
Exerting 20 - 25 pounds occasionally, 10 - 25 pounds frequently, or up to 10 pounds constantly
Position is typically office or administrative work and is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions
Incumbent may be subjected to extreme temperatures, wetness/humidity, respiratory hazards, and noise and vibration
Incumbent may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, vibrations, fumes, odors, dusts, poor ventilation, chemicals, oils, extreme temperatures, inadequate lighting, workspace restrictions, intense noises, and travel
Machines, Tools, Equipment, Software, and Hardware
Microsoft Suite, GPS, ArcGIS, and Adobe
Selection Procedure
Consideration will only be given to candidates who submit online applications
Candidates will be contacted primarily through email and their Workday online application profile
Must pass a pre-employment background and/or fingerprint investigation as required by statute or policy, including drug and alcohol testing requirements for positions designated as safety-sensitive
Maricopa County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process or to perform the essential functions of the position under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please contact MHRFeedback@maricopa.gov to initiate the interactive process.
Apply Now!
04/16/26
Application Deadline
Open Until Filled
Pay Range
$75,000 - $116,500 annually
Salary offers are based on the candidate's equivalent experience and internal equity with other employees within the same job classification. The position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Job Type
Unclassified
Department
Parks and Recreation
About the Position
The Park Planner Senior is responsible for leading and managing complex planning and development projects for parks, trails, open space, and recreational facilities. This position plays a key role in long-range planning, master planning, capital project development, grant acquisition, and public engagement. The Park Planner Senior provides expert guidance and coordination with internal departments, external agencies, and community stakeholders to ensure park projects align with strategic goals, community needs, and environmental best practices. In addition, the Park Planner Senior will supervise the growing Natural/Cultural Resource Division.
About Us
Welcome to the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department! Maricopa County parks offer visitors the best of the Sonoran Desert, from hiking on a barrier-free trail to horseback riding along a creek to testing your mountain biking skills and abilities on a competitive track.
At approximately 120,042 acres of parkland and 325 miles of trails, Maricopa County is home to one of the largest regional park systems in the nation. Currently, there are twelve parks in Maricopa County's regional park system. Each is unique and offers its visitors a wide variety of recreational opportunities.
In addition to the parkland, the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department oversees the Maricopa Trail, a 325-mile trail system that encircles the valley and links all regional parks. The department is staffed by a team of passionate employees, park hosts, and volunteers who provide park visitors with the best possible customer experience. Join us today!
Proud to Offer
Work with a greater purpose
Tuition reimbursement
Exceptional work-life balance, with a hybrid work schedule option
Opportunities for growth and development within Maricopa County
Low-cost, high-value healthcare for you and your qualifying dependents
Child care benefits, including access to our on-site center, Maricopa County Kids Club, dedicated to serving Maricopa County families
Paid vacation, sick time, and parental leave
Extensive wellness program, including an incentive
Enrollment in the Arizona State Retirement System, a defined retirement benefit requiring a 12% monthly contribution rate that includes a 100% employer match on Day 1
Want to learn more about the County's Qualifying and Compensation Philosophy? Follow this link to learn more! Work With Us | Maricopa County, AZ
We Require
Three years of progressively responsible professional experience in park or open space planning, including at least one year in a supervisory role
Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Landscape Architecture, Parks and Recreation Management, Environmental Design, or related field
Post-secondary education in a related field may substitute for up to two years of required experience
Other Requirements
Successful candidates must currently possess, or have the ability to obtain, a valid Arizona driver's license by the time of hire
We Also Value
Certified as an American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)
Supervisory experience in a public agency or multidisciplinary team setting
Experience managing staff performance, mentoring planners, or leading project teams
Strong project management skills, including budgeting, scheduling, and coordination
Proficient in GIS, AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, or related planning/design software
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including public presentations and report writing
Ability to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines
Knowledge of environmental regulations, ADA compliance, and sustainable design principles
Experience in interagency collaboration or working in a public-sector environment
Job Contributions
Lead and manage park planning projects, including master plans, feasibility studies, resource management, site analysis, and development plans, including cost estimates and capital improvement phasing
Coordinate the development of long-range strategic plans, trail connectivity studies, and open space preservation efforts
Monitor planning trends, best practices, and regulations related to parks, recreation, land use, and environmental sustainability
Collaborate with internal and county staff to align planning with implementation
Facilitate public engagement processes, including community meetings, stakeholder interviews, and surveys
Draft and review technical documents such as RFPs, RFQs, and scopes of work for consultants and contractors
Manage resource staff, consultant contracts, project timelines, and deliverables
Oversee grant applications and compliance for federal, state, and local funding programs
Present plans, proposals, and updates to boards, commissions, and elected officials
Other job duties as assigned
Working Conditions
This position is eligible for hybrid flexibility after a brief training period
Exerting 20 - 25 pounds occasionally, 10 - 25 pounds frequently, or up to 10 pounds constantly
Position is typically office or administrative work and is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions
Incumbent may be subjected to extreme temperatures, wetness/humidity, respiratory hazards, and noise and vibration
Incumbent may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, vibrations, fumes, odors, dusts, poor ventilation, chemicals, oils, extreme temperatures, inadequate lighting, workspace restrictions, intense noises, and travel
Machines, Tools, Equipment, Software, and Hardware
Microsoft Suite, GPS, ArcGIS, and Adobe
Selection Procedure
Consideration will only be given to candidates who submit online applications
Candidates will be contacted primarily through email and their Workday online application profile
Must pass a pre-employment background and/or fingerprint investigation as required by statute or policy, including drug and alcohol testing requirements for positions designated as safety-sensitive
Maricopa County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process or to perform the essential functions of the position under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please contact MHRFeedback@maricopa.gov to initiate the interactive process.
Apply Now!