Recreation Project Manager

Overview

Buncombe County offers in-office, hybrid, and remote positions. Employees in positions that are approved for remote work must work at a location within a 2-hour drive from the position's assigned Buncombe County facility.

Are you a Landscape Architect who wants to help shape the future of parks and recreation in Buncombe County? Would you like the opportunity to be a part of creating a new 342 acre park from concept to construction? This exciting opportunity allows you to lead the planning, design, and development of new and renovated parks, transforming community needs into vibrant, functional spaces.

You will report to the Parks Division Manager and serve as a project leader on complex capital improvement projects, developing high-level design concepts, coordinating consultants, and guiding projects through construction. If you thrive at the intersection of creativity, technical expertise, and public service, this role offers the chance to make a lasting impact on the places where our community gathers, plays, and connects.

Purpose of the position:

The purpose of this position is to perform and coordinate a variety of professional parks and recreation planning, design, and development from concept to completion, including responsible and professional work coordinating various medium-to-large or complex capital improvement engineering and architectural projects, for the County’s Recreation Services.

Minimum Education, Training and/or Experience (required at time of hire): Bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture/construction design, or related field and four (4) years of experience in project management and design, including two (2) years of project management and/or supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Additional Training and

Experience:

Certified Parks and Recreation Professional or American Institute Certified Professional accreditation preferred.

License or Certification Required by Statute or Regulation: Registration as a Landscape Architect. (Must obtain registration with the State of North Carolina as a Landscape Architect during the first six (6) months of employment, if not already registered with the State of NC). NC Driver’s License in good standing.

Essential Functions of the position:

• Develops and recommends concept, area, and facility plans based on strategic and master plans; performs park planning studies used for data analysis, policy recommendations, and project prioritization; confers with appropriate parties to solicit input and feedback; investigates potential park projects.
• Prepare concept design plans for parks and recreation related improvements such as park renovations, playgrounds, walkways and connectivity, parking, and other park amenities; and prepare and oversee preparation of site plans, scale models, construction documents, cost estimates, project schedules, and park and open space design studies; serve as project lead for the County’s Capital Improvement Projects (CIP).
• Develop, interpret, review, and evaluate plans, criteria, studies, and reports for parks and recreation planning and development projects related to facility improvements, maintenance, and renovation; review plans for environmental impact and historic relevance; prepare and monitor project budgets; and coordinate the design and construction of parks and recreation areas and facilities.
• Coordinate, oversee, and supervise the planning, design, and construction of County parks and recreational areas and facilities; manage and initiate review and/or design of engineering and architectural projects; provide technical advice and assistance to management, field personnel, contractors, and consultants.
• Develop Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Requests for Quotes (RFQs), and Requests for Information (RFIs); manage the selection of consultants; negotiate contracts and fees; administer consultant services; and serve as liaison with contractors, consultants, and County departments.
• Manage, monitor, and review contracts and contractors to ensure compliance with contractual obligations, including administering change orders and estimates.
• Coordinate contracting…