What are the responsibilities and job description for the Park Planner position at County of Riverside?
The County of Riverside seeks candidates to fill positions throughout Riverside County. A list of eligible candidates will be established to fill current and future vacancies
The County of Riverside Regional Park and Open-Space District (Park District) is seeking a Park Planner to support long-term planning and capital improvement projects throughout the Park Districts sites.
This role plays a key part in shaping the future of parks, trails, and open space by integrating environmental planning, regulatory compliance, and project development from concept to implementation.
The selected candidate will support the planning and implementation of park, trail, and improvement projects. This position will also provide technical environmental planning support, including biological review, environmental constraints analysis, and CEQA/NEPA compliance for District projects. The role will support integration of environmental considerations early in project planning to inform design, permitting, and project delivery. Key responsibilities include coordinating consultant-led planning efforts such as master plans, feasibility studies, and site planning; assisting in the development of Requests for Qualifications (RFQs), Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and scopes of work; and reviewing consultant deliverables for consistency with District standards and project objectives.
The Park Planner plays a key role in environmental review and permitting, including supporting California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) compliance, National Environmental Plan Act (NEPA) compliance, reviewing technical environmental studies, coordinating biological and other environmental analyses, implementing mitigation measures, and collaborating with agencies such as the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB), and Riverside County Habitat Conservation Agency (RCA) to support project approvals.
Additional responsibilities include coordinating with Riverside County Planning Department for regulatory permitting for County development projects, supporting long-range planning initiatives, monitoring project schedules, preparing staff reports, and assisting with project documentation and implementation, and other duties.
This position supports the District’s increasing need for in-house environmental expertise related to CEQA compliance, biological review, and regulatory coordination for open space, trail, and master planning projects.
The position is located in Jurupa Valley, Riverside.
Competitive candidates will have:
- Minimum two years’ experience with California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) compliance, environmental review, and coordination of environmental studies and permitting.
- Working knowledge of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), including an understanding of its processes, documentation and how it applies to public project.
- Experience supporting environmental review for public works projects or parks, trails, and/or open space projects.
- Experience reviewing technical environmental documents and coordinating regulatory permitting.
- Background in environmental science, biology, ecology or related field is highly desirable.
- Project management experience.
- Strong ability to build and maintain effective partnerships.
• Review environmental constraints analysis for park, trail, and open space projects
• Review biological studies and technical environmental reports prepared by consultants
• Provide technical input into CEQA documentation, impact analysis, and mitigation measures
• Support integration of environmental compliance early in project planning and design
• In coordination with professional consultants, prepare plans and specifications for major proposed park projects, including but not limited to buildings, parkways, landscaping, recreational, and sanitary facilities.
• Will examine and approve detailed plans and specifications prepared by outside consultants.
• Identify funding opportunities and assist in preparing and submitting grant applications.
• Develop Request for Quotes (RFQs), Request for Qualifications (RFQu), and Request for Proposals (RFPs), including drafting scopes of work and coordinating the solicitation process.
• Select, or assist in selecting, consultants and/or parks construction contractors.
• Coordinate obtaining necessary permits and clearance for construction.
• Provide construction supervision and sign off on invoices of work done under contract to ensure compliance with plans and specifications.
• Will directly supervise small crews performing work on minor construction or maintenance projects.
• Compile data on departmental maintenance and operation costs for budgeting purposes.
• Will represent the department when dealing with the public or others on planning and construction matters.
• Prepare correspondence and reports.
Experience: Two years of experience in park development planning and project management, urban open space planning, land use planning or architectural/landscape design and construction.
License: Possession of a valid Class C California driver’s license is required at the time of application, as the incumbent will use a County vehicle to travel throughout Riverside County to conduct field inspections.
Physical Exposures: The Park Planner role requires conducting field inspections outdoors in extreme weather conditions and on uneven terrain. While performing these inspections, the incumbent may occasionally be exposed to strong or unpleasant natural odors, such as decaying vegetation, wildlife, or refuse, common in park and wildland environments.
Knowledge of: Principles and practices of park and open space planning; environmental planning and regulatory compliance (including CEQA/NEPA); land use and site planning; basic concepts of landscape architecture and park development; project planning and implementation processes; and relevant environmental and planning regulations.
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Salary : $83,359 - $114,974