Posting Date
11/10/25Application Deadline
11/15/25Pay Range
$75000 - $116500 annuallyJob Type
UnclassifiedDepartment
Parks and RecreationAbout the Position
The Senior Park Planner is responsible for leading and managing complex planning and development projects for parks trails open space and recreational facilities. This position plays a key role in long-range planning master planning capital project development grant acquisition and public engagement. The Senior Park Planner provides expert guidance and coordination with internal departments external agencies and community stakeholders to ensure park projects align with strategic goals community needs and environmental best practices. Additionally the Senior Park Planner will supervise the growing Natural/Cultural Resource Division.
About Us
Welcome to the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department! Maricopa County parks offer visitors the best of the Sonoran Desert from hiking on a barrier-free trail to horseback riding along a creek to testing your mountain biking skills and abilities on a competitive track.
At approximately 120042 acres of parkland and 651 miles of trails Maricopa County is home to one of the largest regional park systems in the nation. Currently there are twelve parks in Maricopa Countys regional park system. Each is unique and offers its visitors a wide variety of recreational opportunities.
In addition to the parkland the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department oversees the Maricopa Trail a 315-mile trail system that encircles the valley and links all of the regional parks together. The department is staffed by a team of passionate employees park hosts and volunteers who are dedicated to providing park visitors with the best customer experience possible. Join us today!
Proud to Offer
Work with a greater purpose
Tuition reimbursement
Exceptional work-life balance with a hybrid work schedule option
Opportunities for growth and development within Maricopa County
Low-cost high-value healthcare for you and your qualifying dependents
Child care benefits including access to our on-site center Maricopa County Kids Club dedicated to serving Maricopa County families exclusively
Paid vacation sick time and parental leave
Extensive wellness program including healthcare premium discounts
Maricopa County participates in the Arizona State Retirement System. This defined retirement benefit requires a 12% monthly contribution rate and includes a 100% employer match on Day 1
Learn more at Work With Us Maricopa County AZ
We Require
Three years of progressively responsible professional experience in park or open space planning including at least one year in a supervisory role
Bachelors degree in Urban Planning Landscape Architecture Parks and Recreation Management Environmental Design or a related field
A masters degree or higher in a related field may substitute for up to two years of the experience requirement
We Also Value
American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification
Supervisory experience in a public agency or multidisciplinary team setting
Experience managing staff performance mentoring planners or leading project teams
Strong project management skills including budgeting scheduling and coordination
Proficient in GIS AutoCAD Adobe Creative Suite or related planning/design software
Strong written and verbal communication skills including public presentations and report writing
Ability to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines
Knowledge of environmental regulations ADA compliance and sustainable design principles
Experience in interagency collaboration or working in a public-sector environment
Job Contributions
Lead and manage park planning projects including master plans feasibility studies resource management site analysis and development plans including cost estimates and capital improvement phasing
Coordinate the development of long-range strategic plans trail connectivity studies and open space preservation efforts
Monitor planning trends best practices and regulations related to parks recreation land use and environmental sustainability
Collaborate with internal and county staff to align planning with implementation
Facilitate public engagement processes including community meetings stakeholder interviews and surveys
Draft and review technical documents such as RFPs RFQs and scopes of work for consultants and contractors
Manage resource staff consultant contracts project timelines and deliverables
Oversee grant applications and compliance for federal state and local funding programs
Present plans proposals and updates to boards commissions and elected officials
Other job duties as assigned
Working Conditions
This position is eligible for hybrid flexibility after a brief training period
Exerting 20 - 25 pounds occasionally 10 - 25 pounds frequently or up to 10 pounds constantly
Position is typically office or administrative work and is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions
Incumbent may be subjected to extreme temperatures wetness/humidity respiratory hazards and noise and vibration
Incumbent may be subjected to moving mechanical parts vibrations fumes odors dusts poor ventilation chemicals oils extreme temperatures inadequate lighting workspace restrictions intense noises and travel
Machines tools equipment software and hardware
Microsoft Suite GPS ArcGIS and Adobe
Selection Procedure
Only the most qualified candidates will be considered
Consideration will only be given to candidates who submit online applications
Candidates will be contacted primarily through email and their Workday online application profile
Must pass a pre-employment background and/or fingerprint investigation as required by statute or policy including drug and alcohol testing requirements for positions designated as safety-sensitive
Maricopa County is an equal opportunity employer.
Apply Now!
Welcome to Maricopa County, the 4th populous county in the nation with over 13,000 employees working together to continually improve residents quality of air, environment, public health, human services, animal shelters, roads, planning & development, elections, courts, parks, and more ... View more