Planner
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Skills
About the role
Description
Benefit type: Full time exempt, benefitted
Benefits available: For a full description of our benefits, please click here.
OPEN UNTIL FILLED: first review of candidates will be Thursday November 26, 2026
Hiring Range: $85,262.48 - $105,730.47/yearly
Salary Range: $85,262.48 - $118,252.55/yearly
About the job:
The Planner position is responsible for conducting research, analysis, and presentation of highly complex data that may concern the physical, environmental, or economic conditions of the District. This classification advises planning commissions and committees and coordinates planning activities with local governments, other agencies, and citizen groups.
A day in the life:
Duties may include but are not limited to the following:
- Manages projects or programs, including coordinating and overseeing the work of consultants; developing and managing a budget and ensuring projects or programs meet the scope and budget specifications; conducts research on specialized topics such as growth management, environmental sustainability, and park and recreation issues.
- Analyzes a variety of complex data to evaluate potential impacts on current and future properties, including parks, trails and recreation facilities, and makes recommendations concerning future planning to promote quality and maximize value to the District.
- Coordinates with developers and government agencies on pending land use applications and development plans to assure District interests and goals are addressed.
- Serves as technical expert in or more functional planning areas, such as land use, transportation, energy management, or economic development; presents research and reports to the District and/or community groups, government agencies, or committees.
- Assists in the preparation of comprehensive plans for selected District programs or project to ensure the efficient use of resources and compliance with long-range District goals.
- May coordinate with other agencies and citizen groups to present research and gather information; prepares various written correspondence in response to public and agency inquiries.
- May participate in preparing grant applications and administering grant funds;
- Acts as a Mandatory Reporter; reports incidents of child abuse/neglect.
- Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
Schedule and Hours:
- Exempt position, schedule is varied based on work load and schedule needs
- Weekday evenings and occasional weekends work are to be expected.
Requirements
What you'll need for success:
Strong Knowledge of:
- Principles and practices of comprehensive park, trail and urban planning and contract administration;
- Project management;
- Grant writing;
- Substantial knowledge and understanding of applicable city and county codes, state and federal laws and relevant land use and development regulations;
- Principles and practices used in park and facility development, maintenance, construction, and asset management;
- Budgeting principles;
- Principles of public and community outreach, meeting facilitation and public meeting laws; and
- Positive and effective customer service principles;
- Basic math, English grammar and composition, and technical writing, and techniques of public speaking; and
- Web management concepts, tools and software.
Skill and ability to:
- Independently manage and coordinate planning projects, studies and activities;
- Facilitate meetings and input processes from outside contributors, including the public, other organizations, and volunteer groups;
- Communicate effectively and persuasively in both verbal and written form, including public speaking;
- Exercise good judgment, demonstrate initiative, meet deadlines, and make good decisions;
- Excellent interpersonal, creative problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills;
- Excellent planning and organization skills;
- Proficiently operate computers and software relevant to word processing, presentations, and spreadsheet applications;
- Ability to plan, organize, and work with others to accomplish overall goals and objective to address the park and planning needs;
- Evaluate services and make necessary adjustments;
- Use independent judgment and initiative;
- Work cooperatively and successfully with other departments, community groups, and regional and state organizations;
- Work effectively in a collaborative, team-oriented environment; and
- Create and maintain a positive, constructive, and respectful relationship with staff and the general public.
What we’re looking for:
Minimum Required Education, Experience, and Training:
- Bachelor’s Degree required, preferred in Planning, Park Resource Management, or related field; AND
- Five (5) years progressive work experience in planning; OR
- Any satisfactory combination of education, experience and training.
License and certifications:
- Possession of, or ability to obtain valid Oregon driver’s license within 30 days with an acceptable driving history as defined by district driving policy.
Position Specific Requirement
This position may require reporting to additional sites throughout the workday, typically achieved in a motor vehicle OR other modes of transportation. If choosing a personal vehicle, possession of, or ability to obtain valid Oregon driver’s license within 30 days with an acceptable driving history as defined by district driving policy.
If you do not have a driver’s license or have an unacceptable driving history, it does not disqualify you from this position, only from driving a vehicle for district business.
Supervision Received:
Works under the supervision of a Principal Planner. Follows standards and procedures without supervision but confirms changes to standard practices and significant decisions in advance.
Supervision Exercised:
Supervision is not normally a responsibility of this classification; however, provides direction and guidance to consultants and contractors, and may provide direction and guidance to District staff or volunteers on assigned programs or projects.
Working Conditions:
- Work is primarily performed in an office environment and requires the ability to work and maintain focus in a work environment with moderate noise (i.e., working around others making periodic phone calls or having conversations) and with frequent interruptions.
- Must be able to travel to locations in, around, or outside the greater Bend area.
- Duties are periodically performed outdoors in varied weather conditions and uneven terrain.
- Requires working some long hours, including attending evening meetings and some positions may be required to attend weekend events.
- Remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) for extended periods of time, move about the office occasionally.
- Ability to maintain sustained concentration on computer screens; use keyboards and variety of peripherals.
- Making substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers, while operating computer keyboards, telephone, and standard office equipment.
- Physical exertion includes walking, traversing uneven terrain, and the ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds unassisted, pushing, and pulling, grasping, reaching, bending, crouching and kneeling in the course of conducting site inspections.
Selection Process:
Applicants are screened based upon their relevant knowledge, abilities, skills, experience, and training and willingness to learn the skills required for the position. An offer of employment is contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by Bend Park & Recreation District policies, including a background check and a driving history review when driving is required for position.
Veteran Preference Status
Under Oregon law, veterans who meet minimum qualifications for a position may be eligible for employment preference. To qualify for veterans’ preference, you must submit required documentation prior to the closing date of the recruitment. Veterans’ preference cannot be awarded without required documentation. Beginning January 1, 2026, certain preferences will also apply to current and former members of the Oregon National Guard. For more information on if you qualify for veterans’ preference visit https://www.oregon.gov/boli/workers/pages/veterans-preference.aspx
Equal Employment Opportunity:
Bend Park and Recreation District is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Bend Park & Recreation District Core Competencies:
All positions with Bend Park and Recreation District are subject to district and position competencies. Below is a list of the most critical competencies for this position. Additional competencies are required for the position and may change based on district needs. A complete list of the competencies is available from Human Resources.