Manages the overall operations of the Contract Administration Section of the City's Parks & Recreation Department providing the planning, design, and construction of parks, trails, open space, medians, and rights-of-way landscapes.

Environmental Factors
Work is performed in a standard office environment with no notable environmental hazards or factors; outside work involves exposure to all weather conditions, heavy construction equipment, gas, asbestos, chemicals, release agents, and heavy traffic conditions. 
Physical Factors
Position involves moderate physical activity; ability to lift and carry items weighing up to forty (40) pounds; ability to move around construction sites; strong visual acuity both near and far; color and depth perception required for identifying material problems and conducting plan reviews. Frequent use of a personal computer. 
Work Situation Factors
Position involves competing demands, performing multiple tasks, working to deadlines, occasional work beyond normal business hours, and responding to customer issues. Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity of services. Position is subject to drug testing in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations and City of Las Cruces policies. 
FIRST CONSIDERATION MAY BE GIVEN TO CURRENT CITY OF LAS CRUCES EMPLOYEES WHO MEET THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS.Meeting or exceeding the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the process.Full-time, regular, exempt.This position is a grade AD24.

• Oversees the development and administration of the Parks & Recreation Master Plan, Trails Master Plan, elements of Elevate Las Cruces (Comprehensive Plan), capital improvement plan, Park Impact Fee program, grants, and other programs. 
• Develops, designs, and implements long and short-term plans that enhance the quality of life of the citizens; fosters growth and related infrastructure for the City; oversees Park, Trail, and Median architectural design.
• Manages staff through appropriate delegation and work supervision; ensures appropriate staffing needs; trains, counsels, coaches, and instructs employees as required; monitors work and evaluates performance; ensures staff adheres to policies and procedures in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. Effectively recommends employees for hire, establishes performance standards, conducts performance appraisals, and recommends disciplinary action, as necessary.
• Meets regularly with staff to review work in progress, discuss and resolve administrative, workload, and technical issues, and prioritize and assign tasks and projects; evaluates and analyzes functions, resources, processes, and procedures to identify issues and recommend changes for improvement; interprets applicable rules and regulations within the scope of authority to provide leadership and guidance in developing, implementing, and administering policies and procedures.
• Reviews public and private subdivision and development proposals to assure compliance with recommendations, goals, policies, and standards of the park, recreation, and open space elements of Elevate Las Cruces (Comprehensive Plan) and other City plans.
• Prepares budgetary cost estimates for capital projects, renovation projects, and other planning, design, and construction needs. Modifies and adjusts cost estimates over time to account for inflation, changing construction costs, and other factors impacting project costs and budgets.
• Prepare project scopes, adjust project scope based on construction costs and available budget; participates in writing grant applications; oversees capital funding utilizing local, state, and federal funding sources; researches funding opportunities and ensures compliance with all reporting requirements, rules, and regulations.
• Work with local developers, and builders to ensure they set aside, build, and develop open spaces, neighborhood parks, trails, and other park facilities that meet the needs of the residents in accordance with City Code.
• Prepares reports and notifications regarding section activities and communicates with City Council regarding project changes and related topics; modifies current standards, regulations, and construction plans to improve project performance. 
• Sets and conducts meetings with other City departments and external agencies to establish procedures and jurisdictions for all involved parties; reviews feasibility studies, participates in public meetings, and assesses environmental impacts. 
• Reviews the work of civil engineers, architects, and other professionals to ensure that all phases of work meet acceptable standards; resolves difficult disputes, claims, and inspection problems referred by subordinates; ensures projects meet building codes, ADA, and environmental standards; oversees application for conditional use permits and variances. 
• Makes presentations to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, City Council, community groups, and other decision-making bodies; leads public input processes.
• Ensures that all Park infrastructure projects meet specifications, approved funding, and maximum efficiency with the least inconvenience to businesses and citizens.
• Acts as liaison to community groups and City committees, including neighborhood associations, business associations, and professional and trade organizations.

Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Planning, Civil Engineering, or Construction Management or a related field. Seven (7) years of experience in Park Design, Community Planning, Construction Management, and a minimum three (3) years supervising or managing others in one of the above fields. A combination of education, experience, and training may be applied in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy.

Licenses/Certification(s)

Valid driver’s license is required. Possession of a professional license in Landscape Architecture, Professional Engineering, or Planning. Position requires an acceptable driving record in accordance with City of Las Cruces policies.

Knowledge of: principles, practices, techniques, activities, rules, and regulations related to the operations and functions of the position and services provided; current principles of record keeping and records management; principles and practices of effective research methods and data analysis, customer service, and problem resolution techniques; occupational and environmental safety and health hazards, and safety practices; safe and effective use and maintenance of related tools, materials, and equipment; current methods and standards for preparing effective business correspondence; correct English usage, grammar, composition, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary; business and personal computers and related software applications; City organization, operations, policies, and procedures to effectively perform the required functions and duties of the position.

Ability to: perform a variety of duties and responsibilities and assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects, and demands to meet deadlines; ensure appropriate levels of customer service to achieve expectations and meet objectives; read, understand, and assure compliance with a variety of policies, procedures, rules, standards, and regulations governing related activities and functions; collect applicable information and maintain accurate and timely records; maintain confidentiality of information and data; communicate effectively orally and in writing and use interpersonal skills to sufficiently exchange or convey information and receive work direction; prepare and present accurate and reliable information and reports; establish and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public; safely and effectively operate relevant tools, equipment, and motorized vehicles; navigate across even and uneven surfaces; timely and accurately enter data and update records using various mediums and formats; take initiative and exercise sound independent judgment within established procedural guidelines and carry out primary responsibilities in accordance with all governing regulations, statutes, and procedures to ensure achievement of goals and objectives.

Skills in: reading, understanding, and applying relevant rules, ordinances, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures; effectively managing assignments; responding to inquiries timely and within the scope of delegated authority; responding appropriately, maintaining objectivity and freedom from prejudice, and exercising sound judgment and understanding in all interactions; effectively working independently, or as a team member, in various environments with changing priorities; preparing and presenting various reports, documents, forms, and correspondence; researching information, analyzing data, maintaining accurate records, and updating information in various mediums and formats; operating a personal computer with installed generic and specialized software; preparing and presenting information in a clear and concise manner; demonstrating appropriate and effective interpersonal communication and conflict resolution skills; performing highly effective support in assigned areas.