Project and Planning Manager

Application Deadline: September 5, 2025

SUMMARY:

The Project and Planning Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing park development and improvement projects across all Park District owned properties. This position works closely with engineers, contractors, consultants, and local government agencies to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in alignment with community priorities.

GOALS & OBJECTIVES:

Ensure fiscal responsibility by optimizing available funding for Capital Improvement Projects (CIP)

Maintain a 5-year CIP project budget

Ensure successful communication for project review amongst stakeholders and staff

Lead and maintain the Park District Master Plan in alignment with mission and goals

Deliver high-quality park facilities through capital projects

Collaborating with staff, community partners, and stakeholders to ensure projects address identified needs and reflect community input

SPECIFIC DUTIES & EXPECTATIONS:

Provide technical services to include development and review of construction plans, bid packets and landscaping plans, and coordination of easements, general contract and construction management

Prepare Capital Improvement Program reports, budgets and project summaries

Manage public contacts and contractors to ensure safe and timely project completion

Work with engineers and architects in plan design and review

Maintain current knowledge of construction law and operations

Acquire proper permitting and agreements for construction projects

Establish project budgets, work through project designs and prepare grant applications with the goal of fiscal responsibility for the community

Work with the goal of encouraging a cooperative and collaborative workplace

Build and continuously improve systems and processes.

Apply asset management principles and contribute to forecasting efforts

Attend monthly Board Meetings prepared to provide project updates as requested

Accurately track project cost expectations and audit/approve related invoices

Maintain working relationships with surrounding public entities

Set challenging performance expectations for the department, staff and self

Anticipate and resolve obstacles to ensure effective, high-quality and solution-oriented outcomes

Implement the agency’s Strategic Plan by aligning projects with organizational goals and community priorities

REQUIRED SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND QUALIFICATIONS:

Civil Engineering or Construction Management Degree

ADA Coordinator Certification preferred

At least five years of experience with Construction Project Management

Demonstrated knowledge of the public bid process

Experience with state and local grant funding

Experience with public cooperative purchasing programs approved by the State of Ohio

Aptitude for adapting and evolving strategies to achieve optimal service outcomes

Coach and challenge staff to meet performance goals

Ability to manage multiple projects

Stay abreast of park trends and opportunities

Monitor changes and recommend best practices in procedures and laws pertaining to government construction projects

Ability to read and interpret Engineering and Architectural plans, drawings, estimates, and specifications.

Proficient with ESRI ARC GIS preferred

Embrace and actively promote an inclusive and equitable work environment

Proficient in Windows-based computer systems

Be able to lift objects up to 50 lbs.

Ability to work well with others and as part of a team

Be able to read, write, and follow oral and written instructions

Pass a pre-employment drug test, physical examination and background check

Be insurable by Park District to operate vehicles

JOB FIT:

Ability to effectively communicate with engineers and contractors

Understand elements of practical park design to minimize park maintenance and repair needs while maximizing visitor satisfaction

Must be organized and have vision/understanding of construction projects

Understand construction scheduling, timelines and plans

Sporadic evening and weekend work, supervision, project visits, etc.

Ability to learn, grow, and adapt whenever necessary

Familiar with safety requirements and working around heavy equipment

Able to work in any weather or on any surface

IDEAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Ability to plan for continuous park improvements

Proactively seek out alternate funding opportunities

Be an active participant in general CWPD challenges and provide professional perspectives

Continuously pursue and consume opportunities for professional development, education, and expand competency

Actively engage various members of the community, both official and informal, in pursuit of partnerships, joint ventures and trustworthy input

Be a self-starter, one who needs little direction or encouragement, but rather one who understands the Mission and Goals of CWPD and initiates action toward their accomplishment

Ability to foster positive working relationships with Park District staff, contractors, and the public to promote cooperation, trust, and shared ownership of projects.

BENEFITS TO INCLUDE:

OPERS pension participation, with 14% employer contribution

Expansive and competitive health, dental, vision, and life insurance programs and AFLAC

Employer-paid life, accident and disability insurance

Employee Assistance Program

10 days of annually observed paid holidays and three floating holidays

Paid time off to include vacation and sick leave

Support for continued professional development, including tuition reimbursement