GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 

Under the direction of the Planning and Geospatial Resources Manager, this position is responsible for performing advanced state park planning services for new state park development projects.  Primary responsibilities include the performance of in-depth site analysis using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to evaluate a site for outdoor recreation and facility development potential, the drafting of public use plans and schematic designs for new state parks, and the coordination of planning services and supporting projects with several State Park programs and divisions across the department, including Natural and Cultural Resource Specialists, Region and State Park Leadership and Design/Project Managers in the Infrastructure Division.   

Additional planning services include the delivery of formal presentations and planning documents to different audiences throughout multiple stages of public use plan development.  These presentations and documents include the necessary graphics, plans, drawings, and narratives to advance a new state park property into design and construction phases.  Works as part of a multi-disciplinary team to successfully complete and implement a public use plan for a new park state park or state natural area.  Performs additional duties as assigned.  Complies with all Agency, Division, and Branch rules, regulations, and procedures.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

Education:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree or higher with coursework in Planning, Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Geography, or closely related field.

Experience:

Planner III: 

One year of professional experience in landscape planning or design, outdoor recreation planning, historical facility planning, land use or environmental resource planning, or commercial, residential or city planning. 

One year of professional experience in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or computer aided drafting (CAD) or closely related systems, or Adobe Graphic Design software or closely related system. 

NOTE: Experience may have occurred concurrently.  

Planner IV:  

Three years of professional experience in landscape planning or design, outdoor recreation planning, historical facility planning, land use or environmental resource planning, or commercial, residential or city planning;

Two years of professional experience in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or computer aided drafting (CAD) or closely related systems, or Adobe Graphic Design software or closely related system.

NOTE: Experience may have occurred concurrently. 

Licensure:

Must possess or be able to obtain, within 30 days of employment, a valid class “C” Texas driver’s license.

NOTE:  Retention of position contingent upon obtaining and maintaining required license

ACCEPTABLE SUBSTITUTIONS: 

Education:

One additional year beyond the required experience outdoor recreation planning, outdoor recreation facilities planning, historical facility planning, land use or environmental resource planning, or landscape design may substitute for 30 semester hours of the required education, with a maximum substitution of 120 semester hours.  

Experience:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree in Planning, Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Geography, Regional Planning, Urban Design or closely related field, may substitute for one year of the required experience in landscape planning or design, outdoor recreation planning, historical facility planning, land use or environmental resource planning, or commercial, residential or city planning.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

Education:             

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in in Planning, Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Geography, or closely related field.

Experience:

Planner III: 

Two years of professional experience in landscape planning or design, outdoor recreation planning, historical facility planning, land use or environmental resource planning;

Two years of professional experience in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or computer aided drafting (CAD) or closely related systems, or Adobe Graphic Design software or closely related system. 

Planner IV:

Five years of professional experience in landscape planning or design, outdoor recreation planning, historical facility planning, land use or environmental resource planning;

Five years of professional experience in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or computer aided drafting (CAD) or closely related systems, or Adobe Graphic Design software or closely related system.

NOTE: Experience may have occurred concurrently.  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Planner III:

Knowledge of landscape architectural and engineering design practices related to outdoor recreation facility development;

Knowledge of public use and maintenance standards for outdoor recreation facilities; 

Knowledge of digital cartography, GIS landscape analysis, and computer aided drafting (CAD);

Knowledge of principles, objectives, and procedures of planning, programming, and research for a governmental agency;

Knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations and policies as they relate to facility development and park operations, including the American with Disabilities Act (ADA);

Planner IV:

Knowledge of Planner III; PLUS:

Knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations and polices related to natural, cultural and historic resources, and their impact on park planning efforts;

Knowledge of governmental organizations, outdoor recreation programs, and statewide environmental issues;

Knowledge of Project Management principles for major facility development projects

Knowledge of Public Speaking strategies to communicate with different stakeholders

Planner III:

Skill in using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint);

Skill in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop);

Skill in using ArcGIS by ESRI or equivalent GIS software;

Skill in using AutoCAD by Autodesk or equivalent computer drafting software;

Skill in effective verbal and written communication;

Skill in writing and preparing concise reports and documents;

Planner IV:

Skills of Planner III; PLUS:

Skill in weighing the relative costs and benefits of a potential action;

Skill organizing and leading multiple projects with numerous stakeholders;

Skill in making independent, sound, and timely decisions

Skill in delivering participatory presentations to obtain feedback to guide project development;

Planner III:

Ability to provide planning services for facility development and/or resource management projects;

Ability to conduct geographic analysis using GIS to evaluate site specific, regional, and statewide data;

Ability to work as a member of a team; 

Ability to review design and construction documents;

Ability to conduct research;

Ability to develop planning reports and presentations so State Park leadership can make informed and strategic decisions regarding park acquisition, development and resource conservation projects:

Planner IV:

Abilities of Planner III; PLUS:

Ability to effectively organize and conduct public meetings and workshops with multiple stakeholders;

Ability to perform advanced planning, research and field work based in GIS analysis;

Ability to make compelling presentations to different groups of all sizes;

Ability to work under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.