Boston Parks and Recreation Department (BPRD) is seeking a planner in the Design and Construction Unit to be responsible for the land use planning, including the acquisition of open space, and grant management by the Department.  BPRD is the 2nd largest landowner in the City of Boston. As Boston grows, so must resident’s access to equitable, high quality open space.  BPRD has recently restarted an active acquisition program and is seeking qualified applicants for its management, in addition to other property needs.

• Plans and manages the Department’s Open Space Acquisition Program. Includes identifying and evaluating properties for their existing and potential open space value, property research and contract development for due diligence, development and execution of program processes, negotiating and developing terms of Conservation Restrictions with third parties (where appropriate), collaboration on internal real estate transfers from other departments, grant seeking and management, and external communications. 
• Performs research, analysis, short and long term planning for the Department’s interest in promoting open space access and use.
• Seeks Federal and State grant funding for Capital Projects and Acquisitions. Includes all aspects of application development, coordination, reporting, records management, and close out.  Acts as the point of contact for reporting.
• Responsible for the thorough and timely completion of the city’s Open Space and Recreation Plan update to maintain eligibility for State grants. 
• Collaborates with other BPRD staff on parks planning projects.
• Contributes to planning work by other City departments in collaboration with Parks staff.
• Answers property based inquiries.
• Maintains accurate property file data using GIS and other records management resources. 
• Participates in developing and/or managing contracts related to the Department’s planning needs.
• Performs other duties as required.

• Valid Massachusetts Driver’s License
• At least three (3) years of full time or equivalent part-time professional experience in land use planning, urban planning, or environmental planning
• A Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree urban planning, geography, land use planning, environmental planning, landscape architecture or related field
• Demonstrated experience using geographic information system (GIS) software, a GIS-based asset management database, and/or a geodatabase to edit, maintain, and share data
• Strong computer skills using ArcGIS/ArcGIS Online (AGOL) and Microsoft Office/Google Suite
• Strong working knowledge of land acquisition processes, including eminent domain and the Community Preservation Act statute
• Excellent organization and communication (written and oral, including presentation) skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and contracts at the same time
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously
• Ability to exercise good judgment and focus on detail, as required by the job
• Ability to work independently and collaborate with others
• Demonstrated skill in thinking creatively and recommending solutions to complex problems
• Must have and maintain a valid Massachusetts Driver’s License

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience working with federal, state, and/or local governments
• Prior experience in parks and open space planning and design
• Experience writing and managing grants
• Proficiency in ArcGIS/AGOL and ArcGIS Pro, including familiarity with ESRI’s Web App Builder Application
• Proficiency in graphic design software (Adobe Creative Suite)
• Performs related duties as required

CORI check required.

Boston Residency Required.

Terms:

Union/Salary Plan/SENA Grade: MM1-7

Hours per week: 35