Open Space Program Manager

Job Overview:

The City of Missoula, and Parks and Recreation has an exciting opportunity for an Open Space Program Manager. This position will perform projects and assignments requiring a high degree of knowledge and interaction with the stakeholders related to Missoula’s land use. We are looking for an outgoing professional who values partnership and develops and supports relationships to get things done.

For more information on Parks & Recreation at the City, view the Department website.

Core duties and responsibilities to include:

Coordinate and negotiate all phases of open space, park and trail acquisitions for the greater Missoula area as guided by adopted land use plans and specifically the Parks, Recreation, Open Space and Trails (PROST) Missoula Urban Area Open Space Plan, the Master Parks and Recreation Plan, and the Missoula Active Transportation Plan
Develop working relationships and negotiate details and terms of real estate transactions with landowners, attorneys, and other stakeholders
Coordinate and review work of consultants on surveys, title insurance commitments, Phase I Environmental Assessments, Mineral Remoteness Reports, water rights, appraisals, property management plans, as well as other necessary due diligence tasks
Draft and review legal documents, such as deeds, conservation easements, trail easements, encroachment easements, leases and land use agreements in partnership with the City Attorney’s Office
Act as staff liaison to the City’s Open Space Advisory Committee (OSAC)
Work with the volunteer City Council and Mayor appointed committee to assist in the vetting of open space projects and associated expenditures from the Open Space Bond and other City open space funding sources
Develop, implement, and update long range plans for parks, trails and open space
Provide support to Parks and Recreation staff and local agencies in review of subdivision, annexation, rezoning requests, growth policy and other active transportation and land use plan revisions and updates as they pertain to the mission and goals of the Parks and Recreation Department. Takes a lead role on parkland dedications and cash in lieu processes.
Participate in strategic planning, capital and operating budgeting processes for land acquisition and development
Work with Parks Department staff to create, maintain and obtain essential maps and records
Works as a member of the Parks and Recreation Department Planning and Projects Team and Development Review Team and Department Senior Leadership Team
Represent the organization at meetings, participate in community task forces and collaborative working groups and make oral and/or written presentations
Requirements for this job include:

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to seven (7) years of landscape architecture, community and/or open space planning experience or another relevant field
Experience in environment resources, real estate/land acquisition, or land use law, preferred
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of parkland, trail and conservation-related real estate transactions, including fee simple sales, bargain sales, and conservation easements, and other acquisition and development tools such as gifts, bequests, and grants
Knowledge of local, state and federal laws, rules, regulations and policies pertaining to open space, parkland and trail acquisition
Knowledge of Missoula Municipal code and regulations related to zoning, subdivisions, land use, open space, parks and trails
Knowledge of land use planning concepts relevant to urban parks, trails, open space and active transportation
Knowledge of current trends and issues related to community planning and natural resource management
Knowledge of the important role public lands perform related to climate
Knowledge of the importance of urban parks for child development, social equity, wellness for children to seniors, and over-all quality of life for citizens
Knowledge of City budgeting and capital improvement plan processes
Knowledge and ability to promote safe work practices and ensure compliance with City safety policies
Knowledge of citizen involvement techniques and processes
Knowledge and familiarity with applying the principles of social equity and justice, diversity, and inclusion in internal and external work functions
Skill in implementing complex projects or programs in partnerships with multiple organizations, land agencies, and citizen advocates
Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with contractors, consultants, other agencies, city employees and the public
Skill in using personal computers, word processing, database, presentation, mapping and scanning software
Skill in understanding, interpreting and applying complex laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and guidelines
Skill in conducting research and writing technical reports and grants
Skill in communicating clearly and concisely, in person, writing and in graphic work, with the proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse individuals
Skill in making professional presentations on complex planning designs and city operations
Skill in applying and a commitment to furthering the principles of social equity and justice, diversity, and inclusion
Ability to resolve conflicts and facilitate positive outcomes while maintaining a calm demeanor