Park and Recreation Planner or Project Manager

MIG, Inc. is a national firm specializing in planning, design, communications, management, science, and technology. We believe that the environment around us has a profound impact on our lives and our shared vision is of a world where people, communities, and ecosystems thrive. For over 40 years, MIG has engaged the talents and vitality of top professionals who plan, design, and sustain environments that support human development. Our team members are passionate about their work and share a common desire to engage closely with our clients and the communities impacted by our work.

We are seeking an experienced Park and Recreation Planner or P&R Project Manager with the passion and skills to develop equity-based park system plans for cities, counties and park districts. You would join our diverse team of professionals in one of the following offices: Portland, OR; Berkeley, Pasadena or San Diego, CA. MIG supports a hybrid work-from-home/remote and in-office schedule and encourages in-person work for learning and team-building opportunities. Proof of up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination is required for in-person work.

Responsibilities – What You’ll Accomplish

• Project Types: You will be involved in many aspects of developing park, recreation, and open space plans for cities, counties, and park districts; plus conducting needs assessments; recreation facility studies; trail plans; and strategic plans for park agencies.
• Project Work: This work involves writing, developing, and analyzing content to create forward-thinking plans, reports, materials, and presentations. You will coordinate with and guide other planners, designers, and project specialists in producing graphically-illustrated reports and plans; preparing and making presentations; facilitating or attending meetings; conducting project research and synthesizing data; conducting site visits or assessments; and leading outreach and engagement activities. The position requires analyzing and developing recommendations related to park condition, demographics, trends, community needs, level of service, park access, recreation programs and events, maintenance and operations, capital projects, and funding/implementation strategies.
• Project Management: As a Project Manager, you would be leading planning teams to create bold, innovative, and equitable park planning and design solutions. You will oversee the development of work products; lead internal and external subconsultant and client teams; and develop and manage projects including scopes of work, budgets, and schedules. In addition, Project Managers at MIG maintain client relationships; represent clients at public hearings and meetings; and set standards for excellence, responsiveness, and accountability. You will help build and maintain a strong practice by developing leads, preparing proposals, attending and leading interviews, and presenting at conferences.
• Collaborative Teammate: You will work as part of a cross-office, cross-disciplinary team that brings together staff interested in in supporting equity and inclusion, urban planning, park and play area design, active transportation, historic preservation, and public engagement for public and private-sector clients across the U.S.

MIG works on projects nationwide. Some travel, evening, and weekend work will be required for meetings, engagement activities, and site evaluations. MIG encourages a work-life balance, and these excess hours can be offset during the week when possible.

Experience and Qualifications for Success – What We’d Like to See

To accomplish the responsibilities, you will be able to deliver quality work products, manage competing priorities, think critically and creatively, work as part of a collaborative team in an open environment, and maintain a sense of humor and camaraderie. In addition, you have some combination of the following qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in planning, urban design, parks and recreation management, recreation and tourism, geography, landscape architecture, or related field. (A Master’s degree is a plus.)
• This is a mid-level, experienced position which typically requires a minimum of three (3) or more years of urban park system planning, including developing need assessments and park system master plans. Experience producing park plan documents is required (consulting/private-sector experience is a plus).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Graphics skills are a plus.
• The ability to participate in or lead meetings, speak easily and clearly in front of groups, and facilitate or support public presentations, client and stakeholder meetings.
• Software proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Familiarity with park and recreation systems planning, trends, metrics and/or services.
• A willingness to join one of MIG’s identified offices to work directly with our teams and clients.
• An ability to develop collaborative, productive, and respectful relationships with community members, organizations, and partners.
• As a plus or required if applying for the P&R Project Manager, you have:
  • Relevant experience in managing public and private-sector projects, including maintaining compliance with project contracts, drafting and managing scopes and budgets, maintaining schedules, as well as working with clients and partners to execute project work.
  • The ability to actively participate in marketing and business development opportunities, create proposals for prospective projects, participate in interviews, and develop and maintain potential client and partner relationships.
  • You are bilingual.

How to Apply

If this position sounds like a fit for your skillsets and you are passionate about creating and improving communities, we would love to hear from you! Please email your resume, portfolio, and a descriptive cover letter as PDFs to [email protected].

MIG values diversity in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer; we encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Our teams enjoy a flexible work schedule, a rewarding work environment, and a creative atmosphere that allows for professional development and career advancement opportunities while promoting team spirit and genuine camaraderie. We offer a comprehensive benefits program including Paid Time Off, 9 paid holidays, medical, dental, vision insurance, FSA and HRA with generous employer contributions and 401K matching. This is a non-exempt, hourly position with eligibility for overtime compensation. The pay range for this position is $35-$55/hour ($73,000-$115,000 salary equivalent), commensurate with location, skills, certification/licensure, and experience. Candidates may be required to take a skills assessment in planning, conducting presentations, and/or budget and scope drafting.