Sr. Parks Planner; Planning & Development Specialist, Sr

About Seattle Parks & Recreation (SPR):

Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is a national leader and innovator in the services and programs we provide to residents who enjoy our parks, community centers, gardens, and swimming pools. Our mission is to equip employees and the public for well‑being as we support healthy people, a thriving environment, and a vibrant community. We provide safe and accessible spaces for residents and visitors to work, recreate, rejuvenate, and enhance quality of life for children, teenagers, adults, and seniors.

Delivering excellent customer service to all is a core value.

Seattle Parks and Recreation commits to advancing equity and social justice in our department and in every neighborhood by growing a dynamic and diverse workforce, developing strong investments, growth opportunities, and beneficial partner strategies as we acknowledge and pledge to close disparities created by historical practices which hinder workforce development, environmental justice, access to quality open spaces, programs, and facilities.

The importance of parks and recreation to Seattle residents cannot be overstated. The city has a world‑class parks system and recreational programming. SPR staff understand the responsibility they carry as stewards of these resources. We pride ourselves on meeting high expectations in a work environment that is friendly, professional, and compassionate. SPR offers a range of career opportunities with competitive pay and benefits, generous leave programs, and the satisfaction of contributing to Seattle as a great place to live, work, and play.

About Planning And Capital Development Branch (PCD):

The Planning and Capital Development Branch (PCD) of SPR is responsible for planning for the long‑term maintenance and availability of assets within Seattle’s park system, designing and developing new park facilities, managing renovations and improvements, and creating capital improvement plans to support all of the above. This work is guided by community partnerships and engagement and involves multi‑disciplinary coordination with other departments and agencies.

Planning Unit Team:

This position is within the Planning Unit of PCD. The unit focuses on community building and engagement, asset management, capital planning, and capital project management from initiation to design concept development. The team emphasizes data collection and analysis, equitable investment, climate change planning, and learning from the communities served. The unit comprises project managers, designers, environmental scientists, geospatial specialists, funding strategists, and planners.

For the 2026 calendar year, the Planning Unit will oversee completing 2025 capital projects, initiating 2026 projects identified in the 2023–2028 Park District Cycle, implementing the first round of Park Community Fund projects, and completing studies for the Parks and Open Space Plan. This lead role will help SPR remain a leading example for climate change adaptation, equitable data‑driven public investment, and proactive asset management.

We are seeking a candidate with strength/experience in the following areas to bolster our team’s expertise (see Qualifications for details):

• Land use development and/or regulations
• High‑visibility community engagement
• Resilient and adaptable land management practices
• Guiding entry level staff on the above

Job Responsibilities

For this position, the candidate will support SPR’s work by:

• Leading the development, management, and implementation of parks planning projects to secure professional services, engage the public, create schematic designs, and manage assets to support the Department’s Capital Improvement Program work.
• Developing goals, objectives, and criteria for projects and programs and evaluating/monitoring programs and processes.
• Preparing RFPs, consultant contracts, coordinating and monitoring the work of consultants, and participating in the selection of consultants.
• Serving as a liaison with other City departments and agencies, business interests, and community groups to coordinate planning activities, including the public involvement process.
• Providing reports and maps to…