COMMUNITY PLANNER

JOB SUMMARY

This position is located in the Office of Planning and Design, D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR). The mission of the Department is to provide a comprehensive leisure and recreation service system designed to meet the needs of the citizens of the District of Columbia. The Community Planner, a mid-level position, under general direction performs difficult and complex project planning work for the District park system and recreation facilities in designated geographic area. Responsible for proposing and developing plans, producing studies and recommendations for neighborhood-based park and recreation assets. Responsible for engaging the federal and District government agencies, interested stakeholder groups, other recreation and leisure providers, and residents in dialogue about parks and recreation. Expert proficiency is required in one or more planning discipline(s) to include: planning, architecture, landscape architecture, or urban design.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide comprehensive park and recreation planning for park areas and facilities in specified city Wards. Assist with capital construction planning for the department. Assist in the administration of recreation facility development projects and facility development grants. Design studies and collaborates with the Chief and other D.C. agency planners regarding recreation/cultural facilities and open spaces. Oversee community planning involvement for capital improvement projects and for projects undertaken by non-profit organizations and other groups with a cooperative interest in parks and recreation areas. Provide comments on various land development and planning reports prepared by other government agencies and private parties. Participate in managing the production of plans for the system's open spaces and coordinates relationships with community groups supporting improvements. Analyze reports from local and national agencies to determine effects of their projects on the function and programs of DPR.

Prepares plans which include technical and policy analysis, objectives and specific proposals and recommendations. Identifies critical planning issues as they relate to the city, ward, subareas. Neighborhoods or specific projects and recommends appropriate policy solutions or options for resolution. Prepares reports, studies and analysis which address planning issues and problems throughout the city or in the wards, specified areas or neighborhoods, Helps prepare or directs the preparation of maps, graphs, charts or other graphic related to presentation of city, ward and neighborhood studies and plans. Reviews and comments on proposed zoning revisions, development proposals and plans of other District and Federal agencies. Reviews and comments on City Council bills or Federal legislation as they may affect the city or specific areas. Coordinates with other District agencies and regional bodies involving various functional systems and planning concerns as they affect the city, wards or specific subareas or sections. Represent the agency on District and Federal executive and policy level committees and task forces on issues related to parks and open space and on various parks and recreational initiatives. Collaborate with other program managers in developing activities including public private partnerships.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in community planning; or related field such as urban affairs, architecture, landscape architecture, engineering, sociology, geography, economics, political science, or public administration that included at least 12 semester hours in the planning process, socioeconomic and physical elements of planning, urban and regional economic analysis, and development finance.

OR

Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in one of the above disciplines, or a combination of related courses totaling at least 24 semester hours in any combination of the above disciplines of which at least 12 semester hours were in the planning process, and socioeconomic and physical elements of planning, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Due to field responsibility, incumbent must obtain a valid D.C. Government Driver’s License within six months of the date of appointment.

WORKING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENT

The work is primarily sedentary but will periodically require surveys of various neighborhood conditions or site visits to review development proposals; such activity would entail walking and/or driving. The work is performed in an office environment with the exception of periodic outdoor surveys and site visits.

OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTS

Promotional Potential: No known promotion potential

Tour of Duty: 8:30am-5:00pm

Duration of Appointment: Career Service Permanent

Pay Plan, Series and Grade: CS-0020-13

Collective Bargaining Unit (Union): This position is covered under a collective bargaining agreement.

Position Designation: The position has been deemed security-sensitive. Accordingly, the incumbent will be subject to pre-employment checks (criminal background checks, consumer credit check, traffic record checks, if applicable) as a condition of employment, and will be subject to periodic criminal background checks for the duration of your tenure.

This position may require working on weekends and evenings as needed.

EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.