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