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Job Description
Description
First Review after two weeks: 7/3/2025
Classification Summary
The Parks Planner plays an important role within the City of Kennewick’s Parks & Recreation Department. This position is responsible for the strategic planning of the Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan, and the Pathways and Trails Master Plan. The position reports to the Parks & Recreation Director and assists in long-range planning efforts and grant administration.
Physical Requirements:
To perform the essential functions of the classification, incumbents must be able to meet the following physical requirements:- Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing/listening, seeing/observing.
- Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
The initial work schedule for this classification will be full-time, Monday through Friday. Early mornings, evenings and weekend work may be occasionally required. Overtime may be occasionally required. This classification is exempt under the FLSA.
Examples of Work Performed (Illustrative Only)
The following list reflects the essential job duties and responsibilities of this classification, but should not be considered all-inclusive. The incumbent will be expected to perform other related duties as assigned.
Capital Improvement & Master Planning:- Lead the development and implementation of the Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan, and the Pathways and Trails Master Plan. Assist in the updates of each Master Plan.
- Oversee the planning, design, and implementation of turnkey projects, such as playground and splash pads that utilize state purchasing agreement, and coordination of Park facility upgrades.
- Act as the project planner for park development initiatives, ensuring projects stay on schedule and within budget.
- Assist in the preparation, administer, and monitoring of grant applications and funding reports, ensuring compliance with both City policies and external agency requirements.
- Coordinate with City Planning, Public Works, and other departments to ensure alignment with the City’s comprehensive planning efforts.
- Represent the department at public meetings, Parks & Recreation Commission meetings, and interagency collaborations.
- Generate regular reports and strategic plans for presentation to the Recreation Commission, Arts Commission, City Council, and other advisory groups.
- Utilize AI data programs to monitor project performance, track assets, and support decision-making.
- Maintain a comprehensive understanding of the Park Impact Fee process, and other applicable local, state, and federal regulations to ensure all projects meet legal requirements.
- Assist in developing long-range strategies for parks and recreation.
- Research emerging trends in park planning and recreational facility development to enhance service delivery and community engagement.
- Contribute to departmental strategic planning and budget preparation as required by the Director.
- Prepare supplemental materials, briefing documents, and presentations for internal and external audiences.
Employment Standards- Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Landscape Architecture, Parks and Recreation Management, Public Administration, or a related field.
- Experience:
- A minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in park planning, capital project management, or a related area.
- Skills:
- Proven experience managing capital improvement programs and multi-year planning initiatives.
- Excellent communication and project management skills.
- Proficiency in GIS, budget tracking, and digital reporting systems.
- Additional Attributes:
- Ability to work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders and adapt to evolving priorities.
- Demonstrated success in preparing grant applications and managing grant-funded projects.
- Must pass a criminal background investigation.
- Must maintain a level of mental and physical fitness required to perform the essential functions of this classification.
- Graphic information systems (GIS).
- Knowledge in the principals and practices of Project Management.
- Good knowledge of park and recreation facility design operations.
- Ability to work on multiple projects at one time.
- General understanding of competitive bidding process and construction management experience.
- Must maintain regular attendance and punctuality.
The benefits listed below are those currently enjoyed by full-time City of Kennewick Non-Contract employees. It is important to remember that over the course of time these benefits may change - they are not permanent. Benefits may change through City Council or administrative action or changes mandated by state and federal law.
Paid Holidays
12 per year (9 scheduled; 3 “floating”)
New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday, Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and three floating holidays selected by the employee. An employee will accrue one of the three floating holidays on each of the following days: February 1, February 12, and August 31. An employee will only accrue a floating holiday on these days if actually employed.
Paid Time Off (PTO)
The purpose of PTO is to compensate employees for absences due to injury, illness, vacation and personal business. In addition, the program is designed to provide employees with personal flexibility regarding the use of leave hours. PTO hours accrue based upon the actual number of regular hours worked.
Accrual per Month:
0-5yrs 6-9yrs 10-14yrs 15-19yrs 20-24yrs 25-29yrs 30+yrs
12 hours 15 hours 17 hours 19 hours 21 hours 23 hours 25 hours
Retirement Plan
All City employees are members of the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). The City and the employee both contribute toward the plan. PERS provides regular retirement and disability retirement benefits. City employees also participate in the Social Security Program. Rates effective as of 09/01/2024. ( www.drs.wa.gov )
PERS Employee Contribution Rate Employer Contribution Rate
Plan II 6.36% 9.11%
Plan III Employee Choice (see booklet) 9.11%
Deferred Comp
The City contributes an equivalent of 5% of your regular monthly salary to Mission Square Retirement (previously ICMA) deferred compensation program. No employee match required, but employees may contribute towards plan if desired. ( www.icmarc.org )
Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
The City currently pays the entire dental and vision insurance premiums for the employee and dependents. Employee current premium share is $200.00 per month for medical insurance to cover themselves and dependents.
Life Insurance
1.5 x annual salary (not to exceed $250K) provided by the City of Kennewick. Employee may purchase Voluntary Term Life Insurance for employee, spouse and/or dependents through New York Life (previously Cigna).
Long Term Disability
The City pays the entire long-term disability premium for employees through New York Life (previously Cigna).
Wellness Program
The Wellness Program has been established to encourage employee health and fitness, both at work and at home. A City Wellness Committee promotes and provides opportunities for healthy lifestyles. Employee fitness center is open to all employees and their spouses.
Employee Assistance
An Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) is provided by the City to assist you and family members, providing counseling and treatment in such areas as stress, drug and alcohol abuse and family counseling.
Other Benefits Offered- Flexible Spending Plan (Pre-Tax Deduction for Medical/Dental and Day Care)
- Aflac Supplemental Insurance
- Tuition Assistance
- Bereavement Leave
- Overtime
- Direct Deposit (paydays are 5th and 20th of the month)
Closing Date/Time: 7/17/2025 11:59 PM Pacific -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
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City of Kennewick
Show moreLocated in beautiful southeastern Washington State, Kennewick is the largest of the Tri-Cities Metropolitan Statistical Area and at the forefront of statewide growth. Benefiting from a talented labor force, steady job market and low cost of living, Kennewick is a thriving city attracting tourism and a reputation for fun.
The pursuit of happiness stretches 26 square miles and features a variety of sports and recreational activities, entertainment, the region’s retail shopping hub and a casual, easy-living vibe. Nestled in the heart of Washington wine country, Kennewick boasts over 160 wineries within a 50 mile radius. More than 300 days of sunshine and its location along the Columbia River provide a variety of recreational activities including world-class fishing, birding, bike trails and parks.
The City of Kennewick serve 85,000 citizens, administer 300 services over 12 departments, and employ over 400 employees. The City of Kennewick provides excellent public service, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our community and one another through the empowerment of each employee. We take pride in our dynamic team and have a vision of Leading the Way.
We are accountable to our community for innovation and collaborative efforts that anticipate needs, leverage resources, and deliver solutions. Join our team and the City of Kennewick family!
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