Job Descriptions: Application Closing Deadline: For best consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. (MST) October 17, 2025. Hiring Range is $120,500 to $160,000 annually based on qualifications, education and experience as it relates to the position. Position Summary: Under general direction of the Executive Director, this position is responsible for all management and operations of the Planning, Design, and Construction Department. Primary responsibilities include but are not limited to overseeing the lifecycle of projects, from initial planning and design to final completion, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards. Responsibilities also include selecting, training, supervising, and evaluating department personnel, as well as delegating tasks appropriately. The role is responsible for preparing and administering the department budget and serves as the primary liaison with the communities within the district on all planning, design, and construction matters, attending community meetings as needed. This position must work collaboratively and cooperatively with other District departments and must represent the Department and the entire District in a knowledgeable and ethical manner. Essential Duties: + Establishes and communicates direction and objectives of the department, ensuring alignment with and support of broad District direction/goals. Oversees efforts to carry out the department’s vision, mission and goals. Promotes and fosters an organizational culture based on superior customer service, the guiding principles and values of the District, and its mission to the community. Provides leadership in monitoring progress and providing feedback to ensure accountability for performance. + Plans and leads the operations and staff of the department with a strong focus on providing superior customer service and ensuring consistency across the department. + Supervises, mentors and leads supervisory and technical personnel. Performs or oversees the hiring, instructing, training, assigning, reviewing and planning work of staff, and provides backup support as needed. Allocates staff, recommends promotions and salary increases. Ensures compliance with applicable personnel guidelines and employment law. Performs annual performance reviews of assigned staff. + Oversees the full project lifecycle, from conceptualization to closeout, including planning, design, bidding, and construction. + Develops and maintains design standards and quality expectations for physical improvements and communicates them to consultants, contractors, and others performing construction. + Cares for, plans and uses resources responsibly and efficiently. Reviews engineering and architectural plans/specifications for park and building development and renovation/remodeling projects. + Supports the Executive Director and leadership team in coordinating the process for master planning of park and building facilities, ensuring proper public and staff participation in the planning process. + Serves as technical adviser to the Executive Director for the planning, maintenance, renovation and construction of all District facilities, parks, open space and trails. + Works collaboratively with facility managers and Recreation Directors to prepare and coordinate planning and construction on remodel and renovation projects involving in-house Construction/Preventive Maintenance crews and private contractors. Manages appropriate capital project budgets and construction schedules. + Facilitates compliance of the District with accessibility requirements mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by understanding the requirements of ADA, reviewing the physical accessibility of District structures, facilities, and property, advising of deficiencies in meeting ADA requirements, and making recommendations for compliance which include the costs and scope of compliance modifications. Ensures that project designs are in compliance with city and county planning activities, building codes and ADA accessibility. + Researches, interviews and employs outside vendors/contractors to assist in the maintenance, repair and replacement of mechanical equipment and systems that cannot be maintained or repaired with in-house crews as needed. Creates, updates and maintains a list of qualified vendors and firms for use at each facility. + Makes decisions and obtains appropriate approvals concerning projects to bid, bid awarding, and change orders to ensure compliance with budget and design standards. + Researches and continually investigates alternative energy and energy-efficient solutions for District facilities. + Works to ensure proper safety and risk management procedures, including the treatment and the proper reporting of all incidents and accidents. + Assists with building management programs for all District buildings including, but not limited to, energy management programs, infrastructure maintenance and replacement programs, space utilization, etc. + Responsible for performing high-level decision-making on complex matters. + Serves as a strategic business partner as a member of the District’s executive leadership team. + Promotes and supports the District’s statement on sustainability by planning, designing, and constructing capital projects and physical improvements using sustainable principles. + Responds tactfully, respectfully and in a timely manner to inquiries and problems in person, by email, phone and mail providing helpful information and explanations in line with District policies and procedures. Thoughtfully handles confrontational or stressful interactions. This includes making presentations and recommendations to the Board of Directors and other organizations including City Councils and County Commissioners. + Represents the District with user groups, cities, counties, and other organizations related to planning, design, and construction issues. + Maintains or supervises the maintenance of systematic, complete, and accurate records of all departmental activities, services, and personnel + Attends and participates in District Board of Directors meetings. + Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the assigned area. + Serves on committees as requested to provide input and guidance regarding District operations and initiatives. + Attends work on a regular, reliable and punctual basis. This job description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive duties of the position. Incumbents may be required to follow any other instructions, and to perform any other related duties, as may be required. Education and/or Experience: + A Bachelor Degree in Landscape Architecture, Construction Management, Park Resources Management, Park and Recreation Administration or a related field is required. A Master degree is preferred. + A minimum of eight (8) years of experience in planning, design and construction management that includes three (3) years of supervisory experience of multiple full time staff. + Experience within the public sector including working with Boards, Commissions, community associations and/or partner agencies highly desired. + Any combination of experience, training and education that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position may be considered. Licenses, Certifications, and Other Requirements: + Must possess a valid Colorado Driver License or the ability to obtain upon hire and maintain an acceptable driving record. + Certified Construction Manager (CCM) and/or American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) and/or any other related professional certifications is preferred. Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: + Comprehensive knowledge of the theory, principles, objectives, and practices of architectural and engineering design standards and procedures, building codes, etc. used in the construction and refurbishing/remodeling of building and playground facilities is required. + Ability to interpret plans and specifications related to park, building, landscape, and general construction. + Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills. + Ability to prepare and analyze complex financial reports; maintain efficient and effective financial systems and procedures. + Excellent time management, planning, organizational, administrative, and computer skills. + Ability to exercise good judgment/discretion and make decisions quickly. Must be able to delegate authority efficiently and promptly. + Ability to think strategically; make high level decisions regarding complex issues; interpret and effectively apply applicable laws and policies. + Highly skilled in versatile communication, negotiation, consensus-building, supervision, and choosing appropriate leadership style depending on situation. + Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. + Ability to effectively supervise staff. + Must have exceptional written, oral, and presentation communication skills, and be able to guide and direct individuals and teams toward achieving common goals. + Ability to set priorities and make adjustments when the work load exceeds available staff capacities; manage a multitude of projects and organizational priorities; recognize and deal with problems in a constructive manner; + Ability to negotiate contract elements with consultants, contractors and private developers; express facts, data, and ideas clearly and concisely; build consensus with citizen groups and/or District personnel on project planning and design priorities; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with other Department Directors, employees, Board members, other organizations, and the public. Material and Equipment Used: + This position regularly uses a phone, computer, printer, and other standard office equipment. + This position is required to drive a motor vehicle to various District and off-site facilities. Working Environment: + Primarily works in a climate-controlled office environment subject to continuous interruptions and background noises. + Required to drive to and visit a variety of District facilities including those outdoors which may be subject to variable weather, ecosystems and landscape. + Occasional environmental conditions encountered may include loud noises, fumes, odors and exposure to various plants, molds and/or dust. Physical Requirements: + Sedentary work for long periods of time. + Occasional physical work lifting up to 20 pounds. + Occasional lifting, carrying, walking and standing. + Occasionally required to use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. + Frequent hand/eye coordination to operate personal computer and office equipment. + Vision for reading, recording and interpreting information. Vision acuity to see close-up and at a distance with the ability to adjust focus allowing a broad field of vision. + Speech communication and hearing to maintain clear and effective communication. Must understand and be understood. This list is not all-inclusive and represents examples of the work environment and physical demands. South Suburban Park & Recreation District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We’ve Got You Covered! South Suburban Offers: + Competitive medical, dental and vision plans + Disability and life insurance + Flexible spending accounts (FSA’s) Happy Employees Are the Best Employees + South Suburban provides an employee assistance program at no cost that includes: counseling, financial planning, legal assistance, and much more! + Our Employee Wellness Program gives covered staff the ability to reduce their medical premium by $360 annually Take Time Away to Do What You Enjoy + 10 paid holidays per year + 4 personal days per year + Earn 11.5 paid vacation days per year + Paid sick leave to rest, recover, and take care of yourself We’ve Got Your Back + Up to 9% 401(a) Employer contribution/match that vest after 3 years of service + Trainings to grow your professional and personal skill set + Tuition Reimbursement Program that covers up to $2,500 per year Play Where You Work + Employee engagement is a priority at South Suburban. Staff gatherings have included: pictures with the Stanley Cup, Chili Cook-Off, Ice Cream Social, Shuffleboard Tournament, Employee Appreciation Luncheon, just to name a few + Monthly wellness challenge opportunities and staff recognition honors We LOVE Our Facilities and So Will You: + Free daily admission to recreation centers, tennis courts, ice rinks and swimming pools + 50% off food at South Suburban restaurants + $5 to $10 for nine holes of golf at four different courses SSPRD offers an excellent comprehensive benefit package including but not limited to: Medical/Dental/Vision. For a more detailed overview please view the Benefits Guide for Full-Time Employees (https://careers.ssprd.org/portals/2/Full-Time-Employee-Benefits.pdf?undefined&frame=1) About Us Our mission is to foster healthy living through stewardship of the environment, parks, trails, and open space by providing recreational services and programs. We serve residents in Bow Mar, Columbine Valley, Centennial west of I-25, Littleton, Lone Tree and Sheridan and unincorporated portions of Douglas, Jefferson and Arapahoe counties. We operate four full-service recreation centers, golf courses, outdoor pools and restaurants, two ice centers and miniature golf courses, a botanical garden event center, a BMX track, a sports dome, batting cages, an entertainment center, a hotel and a nature center. In addition, we maintain nearly 3,800 acres of developed and open space land, including 119 multi-purpose athletic fields, more than 100 parks, nearly 80 miles of trails, 60 playgrounds, 56 tennis courts, and the 880-acre South Platte Park. Required Experience: Keyword: Director of Planning From: South Suburban Parks and Recreation