Description
This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of one of the nation’s largest and most diverse park systems. Montgomery Parks is seeking a dynamic and well-rounded leader with a proven record of park and outdoor recreation planning and experience with, and passion for, natural and cultural resource stewardship.
The Park Planning and Stewardship Division Chief reports directly to the Parks Deputy Director of Administration. The position is responsible for planning for a large and diverse park system that includes long range master planning and conceptual site planning for parks and trails, real estate and acquisition management, stewardship of natural resources, and the stewardship and interpretation of cultural resources. The position plays a meaningful role in balancing the needs for recreation and conservation – and achieving excellence in both. This is a highly visible position and will work closely with residents, partners, and Parks staff and leadership, and the Park and Planning Board while developing plans and policies that will shape the future of Montgomery Parks. The Division Chief will take a leadership role in implementing the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan (PROS) and candidates should be familiar with it. https://montgomeryparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/2022_Montgomery-County-PROS_PLAN_FINAL-1.pdf (Download PDF reader).
Given the wide range of work done by the Park Planning and Stewardship Division, it is impossible to be a specialized subject matter expert in all aspects of the Division’s work programs. Therefore, we are looking for an experienced organizational manager and leader who has a track record of exercising excellent judgement, exhibiting high-level problem-solving skills, working well with others, and passionately advocating for parks, the environment, and public spaces. If that is you and you want to make an impact, this is the position for you!
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is a six-time National Gold Medal Award Winner. Behind the vast and diverse Montgomery Parks system is a career staff complement of over 800 employees, 419 parks and more than 37,000 acres of park land that serves a diverse population of more than one million residents in the Washington, DC metro area.
Go to our website to learn more: https://www.montgomeryparks.org/
Very competitive and flexible benefits programs available!
Please Note: The salary range listed above represents the earning potential for this position. Salary is commensurate with experience.
Examples of Important Duties
The Park Planning and Stewardship Division Chief will:
- Manage and lead a staff of 62+ employees while promoting a diverse workforce.
- Develop and manage the division’s $9 million operating budget.
- Oversee seven sections: Long Range Planning, Site Planning and Trails, Resource Analysis, Natural Resources Stewardship, Cultural Resources Stewardship, Cultural Resources: Museums, and Real Estate Management.
- Manage park and trail planning efforts for park master plans, park concept and site plans, programs of requirements for park facility plans and park refreshers, the development review process for regulatory applications, area master plans, and park functional plans.
- Develop priorities and implement strategies for investments in recreational facilities and implement the most recent PROS Plan while developing the 2027 update.
- Ensure that there is diversity, equity, and inclusiveness in the park planning process.
- Manage the development of real estate acquisition targets for new parkland and development short-term plans for their use and operations.
- Direct the stewardship of natural resources including aquatic resources analysis, and vegetation and wildlife ecology management.
- Manage efforts to identify, avoid, minimize, or mitigate the negative effects of land-use change on natural resources on parkland.
- Direct the stewardship and interpretation of cultural resources on parkland, including museums, historic sites, historic structures, and archeological sites.
- Coordinate with other administrative and operating divisions in the department to advance the priorities of the Parks Department and deliver exceptional parks for our residents.
- Meet with citizens, community groups, Planning Board, County Council, and representatives to advance the Department’s work and advocacy efforts.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable Federal, State, and County laws, regulations, and programs.
- Develop strategic plans for the park priorities as set by the Director, Deputy Directors, and the Planning Board Chair.
The successful candidate should have:
- a passion and vision for parks,
- demonstrated leadership experience,
- superb writing and presentation skills,
- the ability to make data-informed decisions and manage staff delivering complex data and mapping projects,
- the ability to lead a diverse team and convey to staff the critical importance of their work across all disciplines and areas of focus, and
- a commitment to equitable access to parks.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Planning, Geography, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Parks and Recreation, Transportation, Urban Design, Engineering, Environmental Science, Public Policy, Economics or any related field.
- Eight (8) years of a broad range of planning or regulatory related experience that includes four (4) years of lead or supervisory experience.
- An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total twelve (12) years.
- May require a valid driver’s license (depending on area of assignment) in accordance with both State and Commission rules and regulations. Driver’s license must be unencumbered by restrictions, revocations, suspensions, or points that could limit the employee’s ability to drive Commission vehicles or perform driving duties required by the position of assignment.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s Degree in Planning, Parks, Architecture, Engineering, Environmental Science, or related subjects
- AICP Certification a plus.
- Bilingual/multi-lingual preferred!
