Planner I & Contractor Diversity Specialist

Duties: Under the direction of the Superintendent of Planning, Design, and Construction, the Planner I & Contractor Diversity Specialist is responsible for:

• Work with concerned local and neighborhood groups and related governmental agencies as related to park development planning and design.
• Implement a district-wide preventative maintenance program, designed to efficiently and effectively utilize limited resources to prolong our existing facilities.
• As part of a design team, formulate design concepts for site development, new and/or renovated buildings and structures, and building interiors.
• Prepare design development drawings and estimate construction project costs.
• Provide project administrative support for senior Planning staff as requested.
• Prepare construction contract documents, specifications, and related materials.
• Manage consultant design contracts.
• Manage construction projects from concept through completion.
• Perform field observation and documentation as directed.
• Assist in project budget preparation, maintain accurate records, and approve payments to contractors.
• Collect and organize all forms, paperwork, and data as required by Park District Policy and Park District Administrative Procedures.
• Preserve and maintain orderly departmental plan files and project contract files.
• Perform field surveys and field photography as necessary for project information.
• Develop and implement strategies to increase the participation of minority and women-owned businesses as well as minority and female laborers on Park District construction projects.
• Track, audit, and report progress relative to minority and women participation goals on District construction projects.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings with the public to ensure interested contractors are knowledgeable of the District’s goals for minority and women participation.
• Evaluate contractor bids to ensure compliance with the requirements of the District’s policies.
• Review contractor employment and payroll records to ensure compliance with District minority and women participation goals; address instances of non-compliance.
• Prepare and present status reports on percentages of District goals on construction projects at monthly Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Committee meetings to the Executive Director and members of the Committee, including members of the Board of Trustees.
• Monitor projects on site to ensure the contractors are meeting obligations according to the District’s Policy.
• Responsible for on-site compliance reviews for contractor projects.
• Follow all safety procedures that pertain to the duties performed.  Support all aspects of the park district safety program.
• Perform other duties as assigned:
  • which are reasonably related to the duties described above;
  • which need to be performed promptly to avoid safety hazards or to protect District property or personnel;
  • which are not generally described in other job descriptions; and
  • when the amount of work exceeds the availability of District employees within the appropriate job classification.

Essential Functions:

• Ability to lift up to 45 pounds.
• Ability to reach, pull, walk, squat, kneel, and bend at the waist and knees.
• Ability to operate machinery related to job duties.
• Ability to understand and complete paperwork relative to job duties.
• Ability to drive a motorized vehicle.

Education: A bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited college in Landscape Architecture, Civil Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or a related field.  Although a degree is preferred, experience in a similar position with similar duties and responsibilities may be substituted for all or part of the educational requirement.

Experience: Zero to two years of experience in landscape architecture, civil engineering, architecture, construction management, park planning or related field preferred.

Knowledge and Ability:

• Basic knowledge of planning, site development, construction, and building construction procedures.
• Ability to accept responsibility and handle assigned projects with minimum supervision.
• Abillity to communicate effectively utilizing graphic, oral, and written skills.
• Ability to work effectively with park district personnel, consultants, and contractors.
• Ability to prepare and make formal presentations to staff, Park Board, and committees.
• Knowledge of personal computers and software utilized in planning, design, and construction applications.
• Ability to be professional, respectful, accountable, innovative, to follow safety procedures, and be equitable to both internal and external customers.
• Personal: Work record that shows reliability, initiative, tact, productivity, and resourcefulness.

Benefits and Perks:

• Paid sick days, vacation days, and holidays.
• Longevity bonus program and wellness program.
• Pension and retirement programs and Social Security participating.
• Exceptional health plan.
• Paid Life Insurance.
• Disability Insurance.
• Full-time employees and dependents enjoy discounted recreation classes and free admission to select Park District facilities.

The Peoria Park District hires without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, pregnancy, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service, protected veteran status, or on the basis of any characteristic protected by law.  

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.  

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.