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Parks Planner

Raleigh, North Carolina, United States

McAdams is a full-service land planning, landscape architecture, civil engineering, transportation, and geomatics firm located in North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, and Florida. We seek to partner with our clients to create meaningful experiences through inspired design. Our employees are what make McAdams different. We bring experiences to the forefront of everything we do, and to do that takes special people.

Position Overview

A Parks Planner at McAdams will play a key role in helping to lead the development of system-wide and site-specific parks and recreation plans that support equitable, sustainable community goals. You’ll analyze data, prepare reports, and collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams to deliver projects on time and within budget. The role also involves leading community engagement efforts, mentoring junior staff to support their growth, and actively contributing to business development to help expand the Firm’s impact.

 

Key Responsibilities

  • Conduct comprehensive, long-range parks and recreation planning for towns, cities, and counties, including preparation of system-wide plans and site-specific concepts.
  • Research and analyze demographic, environmental, and land use trends to inform planning decisions and ensure alignment with local policies and community goals.
  • Perform site visits and assessments to evaluate existing conditions, land use patterns, and environmental factors impacting projects.
  • Prepare thorough due diligence reports that integrate relevant data and findings to assess project feasibility and regulatory compliance.
  • Develop and refine comprehensive site plans and layouts that balance environmental, social, and aesthetic considerations.
  • Conduct complex GIS analyses to identify gaps and opportunities within park systems and communicate findings clearly.
  • Perform statistical analyses and development calculations such as level of service benchmarks and peer community comparisons.
  • Interpret and apply applicable codes, ordinances, regulations, and planning documents to ensure project compliance.
  • Collaborate with senior planners, landscape architects, engineers, and other professionals to ensure cohesive, integrated project development.
  • Manage project budgets, schedules, and resources to ensure profitability, coordinate internal teams effectively, and deliver projects on time and within scope.
  • Develop and implement community engagement plans; organize and facilitate input meetings, public workshops, and presentations to gather feedback from stakeholders, advisory boards, elected officials, and residents.
  • Actively participate in business development initiatives by identifying and pursuing potential project leads, while collaborating with the client management team to effectively relay insights and strategic opportunities that align with organizational goals and client needs
  • Provide guidance and mentorship to junior planning staff, helping to foster their professional development
  • Stay current on emerging trends, best practices, and innovations in parks and recreation planning, design, and community engagement.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

 

Skills + Experience

  • Bachelor’s or advanced degree from an accredited program in Landscape Architecture, City/Community /Regional Planning, Urban Planning, Parks and Recreation, Tourism Management or other related field
  • Minimum 4+ years of relevant experience in Parks and Recreation Planning, Urban/Community planning, or related design field.
  • AICP and/or CPRP Certification (or working towards it) is required.
  • Proficiency with GIS mapping and analysis as well as experience with SketchUp and Adobe Creative Suite is required. Working knowledge of AutoCAD is a plus.
  • Demonstrated experience developing system-wide parks and recreation plans as well as site-specific concept plans and master plans.
  • Demonstrated expertise in analyzing land use trends, demographics, and community needs to perform level of service benchmarks and peer community comparisons that inform planning decisions.
  • Strong technical writing skills for producing clear reports, plans, and supporting documents.
  • Effective verbal communication and presentation skills for meetings and public workshops.
  • Ability to work effectively on multidisciplinary teams with planners, landscape architects, engineers, and other professionals.
  • Experience organizing and facilitating community outreach, public meetings, and workshops.
  • Strong organizational skills; able to manage tasks, track budgets and schedules, and deliver quality work on time.
  • Passion for creating equitable and sustainable park systems that benefit diverse communities.
  • Self-starter with strong drive for personal growth and a commitment to continuous improvement

 

Work Environment + Physical Demands

The characteristics described below are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this position. When properly requested and when feasible (without undue hardship to the company), reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

  • Work will primarily be in an office setting and project-specific off site work including community engagement events, staff meetings, council presentations, etc. that will need travel.
  • Work will be primarily working with fingers by picking, pinching, typing, and grasping often with repetitive motion.
  • Must have visual acuity for viewing a computer screen, the ability to talk, hear and sit for extended periods of time.
  • Must be able to carry, lift and push/pull up to 5 pounds frequently and up to 30 pounds occasionally.
  • Additional physical duties may be required as necessary.

McAdams is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard for race, color, religion, gender (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran's status, or any other legally protected status.

If you need assistance with our online application system process, please contact the Human Resources Team at 919.361.5000 or hrteam@mcadamsco.com. 

Please read these notices for important information regarding applying for work with McAdams.

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