PARK PLANNER

PROJECT OFFICER (advertised as PARK PLANNER)

Req:                 47316

Position #:      22092111

Salary:             $40,340

Grade:             GS07

Location:         Arkansas Office of Outdoor Recreation, Little Rock, AR

Closing date:  Until Filled

About the Arkansas Office of Outdoor Recreation: The Arkansas Office of Outdoor Recreation works to leverage the state’s natural assets to grow the outdoor recreation economy. These efforts involve administering grant funds to cities, counties and state agencies to advance outdoor recreation access and infrastructure.

Job Duties: The Outdoor Recreation Grants Program (ORGP) Project Officer is a full-time position responsible for facilitating the administration, compliance, reporting and stewardship of grants received and administered by the Arkansas Office of Outdoor Recreation. The Project Officer will provide technical assistance and administer grants to local and state government entities for land acquisition and development of outdoor recreation facilities. Additionally, the Project Officer will work with the ORGP team to produce the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) and coordinate with government agencies, organizations, and interest groups on outdoor recreation priorities toward establishing the state’s future outdoor recreation needs. The successful candidate must have the skills and confidence to speak in public, conduct grant application and project management workshops, explain grant program rules and regulations, and conduct barrier-free assessments. Position is based in Little Rock, with required statewide travel for site visits and partner meetings. A state vehicle will be provided for statewide travel. Flexible work arrangements, including the potential for hybrid remote work.

Grant Administration:

· Manage the lifecycle of outdoor recreation grants, including application review and submission, award processing, project implementation, and closeout.

· Develop and maintain detailed grant records in accordance with requirements.

Compliance and Reporting:

· Ensure grant-funded projects comply with guidelines, including environmental review requirements and accessibility standards.

· Monitor grant recipients’ progress through site visits, audits, and regular communication.

· Prepare and submit required reports, including performance, financial, and post-completion inspection reports.

Outreach and Training:

· Conduct workshops and training sessions for potential grant applicants, focusing on guidelines, application processes, and compliance expectations.

· Collaborate with local governments and state agencies to maximize the impact of outdoor recreation grant funding in Arkansas.

Partnership and Collaboration:

· Coordinate with state and federal agencies to ensure program alignment and compliance.

· Build and maintain relationships with local stakeholders to support the effective use of grant funds.

Skills and Abilities:

· Meticulous attention to detail and organizational skills for managing complex grant requirements.

· Strong analytical skills for interpreting grant guidelines and ensuring compliance.

· Effective communication skills for reporting, training, and stakeholder engagement.

· Ability to work collaboratively with diverse partners, including federal agencies and local governments.

Minimum Qualifications: The formal educational equivalent of a bachelor’s degree in historic preservation, landscape architecture, resource management or a related field; plus, two years of experience in park planning, historical preservation, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications: The formal educational equivalent of a bachelor’s degree in public administration, recreation management, environmental science, landscape architecture, resource management or related field; plus, a minimum of two years of experience in grant administration, compliance, or management.

Other preferred qualifications include business administration experience, knowledge of park planning, design, and construction, familiarity with Arkansas’s outdoor recreation resources and community needs, proficiency in grant management software and tools and advanced degree in related field.

This position offers a full benefit package including paid holidays, annual and sick leave, health insurance and retirement pension.

EOE/AA/ADA Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

Applications accepted online only: https://arcareers.arkansas.gov

Please visit us on the web at https://adpht.arkansas.gov to find out more about us.

The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism has three major divisions: Arkansas State Parks, Arkansas Heritage and Arkansas Tourism. Arkansas State Parks manages 52 state parks and promotes Arkansas as a tourist destination for people around the country. Arkansas Heritage preserves and promotes Arkansas’s natural and cultural history and heritage through four historic museums and four cultural preservation agencies. Arkansas Tourism improves the state’s economy by generating travel and enhancing the image of the state.

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.