Planner Lead - Parks, Recreation and Open Space

Job Posting Title

Planner Lead - Parks, Recreation and Open Space

Department

Parks, Recreation & Open Space

Location:

415 SILVER AVE SW

Pay Range

$69,451.00 - $109,720.00

Close Date

April 12, 2026

Employees at Bernalillo County enjoy the ability to team up with each other to build a high quality of life for our county residents, communities, and businesses. In addition to being an organization with a strong focus on work-life balance, building a culture of flexibility, learning, and belonging the County offers many benefits. Employees of Bernalillo County enjoy many thoughtful rewards such as, but not limited to generous leave accruals; career development opportunities; remote & flex-work options as appropriate; longevity pay; education assistance program; health benefits; lucrative retirement; and so much more.

The Planner Lead performs duties associated with the implementation and administration of County Land Use Programs. Acts as Lead Planner or interdepartmental liaison for various planning duties to include short- and long-range planning, and implementation of County adopted plans, Ordinances, and programs, including complex land use and zoning projects of large scale and impact. Assists with coordination of specific areas of concentration to include one or more of the following: advanced planning and land use functions; Capital Improvements Program and Six Year Plan, the County’s Impact Fee Program and Subdivision, and Parks, Recreation and Open Space functions.

Duties And Responsibilities

FUNCTIONAL AREAS

PARKS, RECREATION & OPEN SPACE (PROS)

• Leads development and updates to the County Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan and related system-wide plans to guide long-range planning and investment priorities.
• Conducts needs assessments, demographic analysis, service-level evaluations, and gap analyses to inform parks, recreation, trail, and open space planning efforts.
• Leads PROS-related Capital Improvement Program (CIP) planning, including project identification, prioritization, and alignment with County funding cycles.
• Develops multi-year capital planning strategies for park development, renovation, trail expansion, and facility upgrades, and tracks implementation of adopted capital projects.
• Prepares staff reports, presentations, and agenda materials for Executive Leadership and the Board of County Commissioners related to parks, recreation, and open space planning initiatives.
• Identifies priority properties for park land acquisition and open space preservation and conducts site feasibility analyses including access, infrastructure availability, environmental constraints, and operational considerations.
• Coordinates with Real Estate, legal staff, and external partners on land acquisition, conservation partnerships, and related agreements.
• Serves as PROS liaison to Planning & Development, Public Works, Transportation, and external partners regarding parks planning, trail connectivity, and open space coordination.
• Coordinates review of development proposals to ensure park dedication requirements, trail easements, and recreational amenities align with County policies and standards.
• Identifies and coordinates pursuit of state, federal, and private grant funding opportunities to support parks, recreation, and open space initiatives.
• Develops policy recommendations, planning guidelines, and performance metrics to support implementation of parks and open space programs and investments.
• Provides technical guidance and coordination for planning studies, consultant scopes of work, and public engagement efforts related to PROS planning initiatives.
• The above information is intended to outline the general nature and scope of the duties required for this position. It is not an exhaustive list and may vary depending on specific job assignments and responsibilities.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Planning, Architecture, Public Administration, or related field.
• Seven (7) years of work experience in zoning ordinances and land use planning, and regulation.
• Minimum of two (2) years of project management experience.
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience may be considered for the above requirements.
  
  

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

SCREENING AND COMPLIANCE

The offer of this Bernalillo County position requires compliance with the following:

• Successful completion of a post-offer medical examination and background investigation.
• Compliance with all applicable County safety guidelines.
• Possess and maintain a valid New Mexico driver's license.
• Completion of FEMA training(s) as assigned to the position.
• Completion of required supervisory training courses.
  
  

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Essential job duties are performed indoors in a climate-controlled environment, but the duties of the job may require occasional work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Primary work surface is even, dry, carpeted or tiled floor.
• Works alone primarily, with or without directions. Works with a group at times, and with a select team at times.
• Attendance at evening meetings is required as necessary.
  
  

EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS

• Telephone, calculator, computer, fax machine, and copy machine are used in performance of essential job duties.
• Various forms of paperwork. Office supplies and money are handled in performance of essential job duties.