Project Specialist II (Parks & Recreation)

Project Specialist II (Parks & Recreation)

Salary

$78,486.84 - $100,171.44 Annually

Location

Fairgrounds-14405 179th Ave SE, Monroe, WA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

2026-CNR7139R-SEP

Department

Dept of Conservation & Nat Resources

Division

Parks & Recreation

Opening Date

09/18/2026

Closing Date

10/2/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Snohomish County Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Parks & Recreation Division manages over 12,000 acres of recreational and undeveloped land throughout the county, including the Evergreen State Fair Park in Monroe, Washington.

The Project Specialist II will primarily lead the development and implementation of a sponsorship and fundraising program that supports the Evergreen State Fair Park and the broader Parks system. This position will focus on identifying, cultivating and managing sponsorship opportunities that generate revenue, strengthen community partnerships and enhance programs, events and facilities across the parks system.

In addition to the sponsorship program, the Project Specialist II may implement special projects that support the mission and vision of the Parks Department. Responsibilities may include advancing strategic initiatives, pursuing long-term funding opportunities or grants, and managing projects that benefit Snohomish County residents.

The ideal candidate will be self-directed, strategic, creative, collaborative, an excellent communicator and ambassador and excited about this role. Please be aware that this position will require occasional evening and weekend work and will be required to support the eleven days of the annual Evergreen State Fair.

About the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR)

The Snohomish County Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) includes the Division of Surface Water Management, the Division of Parks and Recreation, the Office of Energy and Sustainability and the Office of Agriculture and aims to achieve high-priority environmental sustainability goals. Some of the greatest assets we have in Snohomish County are our unparalleled beauty and abundant natural resources. From the Puget Sound and five watersheds, to forestland, lakes, farms, ranches and parks, our quality of life, economic prosperity and future sustainability are dependent on protecting and improving our environmental resources. Visit the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources web page to learn more.

About Parks & Recreation

Parks & Recreation manages almost 12,000 acres of parks and open space; over 110 park properties; 100s of miles of trails and access to fresh and saltwater shorelines. Major regional park assets such as the Evergreen State Fair Park, Kayak Point Park, Lord Hill Park and the Centennial and Interurban Trail systems host local, regional and national events that draw over 4 million visitors each year to Snohomish County. Parks play a critical role in building livable and sustainable communities. They contribute to the health and wellness of individual citizens and communities by providing safe places to walk, swim, ride, run, recreate, connect with others and play. County parks, events, trails and open space are on the front line of regional economic development efforts. Each year the region receives more than 50 million dollars in positive economic impact through camping and overnight lodging, special events and tournaments, environmental education and tourism that take place in Snohomish County Park and recreation facilities. Snohomish County Parks & Recreation has one of the highest returns on investment of any parks system in the country and facilities such as the Fair Park provide revenue opportunities to help offset the cost of services. Opportunities exist for grants, sponsorships, public/private partnerships, donations and other methods to support the long-term financial viability of the Parks system. Some of the greatest assets we have in Snohomish County are our unparalleled beauty and abundant natural resources. From the Puget Sound and five watersheds, to forestland, lakes, farms, ranches and parks, our quality of life, economic prosperity and future sustainability are dependent on protecting and improving our environmental resources. Visit the Parks & Recreation Division web page to learn more.

About Snohomish County

Snohomish County, north of Seattle, is located in northwest Washington between the Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains. The county has rich scenery, numerous activities and a thriving economy. Snohomish County is a great place to live, work, play, and raise a family. When joining the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, you will work in an environment where innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement are highly encouraged and supported. We are proud to offer an outstanding benefit package to employees and their dependents. We are invested in your success and growth and offer competitive wages, job flexibility and stability, employer paid ORCA cards, and a friendly, diverse team atmosphere where employees are appreciated and make a real difference providing services for our citizens. We strive to not only provide a meaningful job, but a lifelong career.

Snohomish County - The Future We Choose

Benefits

Snohomish County will be invested in your success and growth. We demonstrate this by offering a generous compensation package to our employees. Your salary is only part of your Total Compensation Package. Our benefits include prorated:

• Retirement: County employees participate in the Washington State Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) administered by the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS).
• Medical benefits: The County offers a choice of three comprehensive medical insurance plan with low deductibles. The county's contribution to this benefit is significant.
• Sick leave: You will accrue 8 hours of sick leave per month.
• Vacation Leave: You will start out accruing 8 hours of vacation leave per month totaling 2.4 weeks of vacation in your first year. Your leave accruals increase based on your years of employment with the County.
• Holiday Pay: The County observes eleven (11) paid legal holidays per year and provides employees with two floating holidays annually.
• Other benefits include wellness, dental, vision, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, long term disability, and more.
• Deferred Compensation: If you choose to participate in the Deferred Compensation Plan (DCP), the County will match your contributions up to 1 percent of your base monthly salary.
• Pay Increases: Each year you will be eligible for a step increase until you reach the top step.
• Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA): County employees typically receive yearly cost of living adjustments.
• Flexible work schedules.
• Career development training.

Job Duties

STATEMENT OF ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

• Plans, develops and implements projects; identifies information required, chooses data collection methods and collects data; develops program options; prepares analysis, proposals and cost estimates; solicits departmental, stakeholder and public involvement and input.

• Assumes lead role for one large project and/or multiple small projects as assigned; coordinates with technical staff in the planning and implementation of projects; directs the work of other staff as assigned; ensures that completed work complies with applicable laws, regulations, ordinances and grant requirements.

• Prepares bids, requests for proposals and contracts; monitors the performance of various contractors, consultants and inter-local agreements; approves work in progress and on completion; approves billings for services received; prepares status reports as required.

• Prepares, submits and manages various grant proposals; drafts and monitors grant award contracts; coordinates and monitors work completed by grant funded subcontractors; administers non-accounting aspects of minor grants.

• Serves as staff representative on various interest groups; solicits support for programs from key individuals and groups; supports local groups in establishing programs; determines needs and provides promotional materials; arranges for presentations by other staff and agencies; delegates tasks and work assignments; takes minutes; coordinates the development of group policies, documents and reports.

• Gives presentations to various groups in Snohomish County; attends meetings and participates in or leads discussions; assists in preparation of presentation materials; prepares reports.

• When assigned to a specialized program area, provides support and guidance to environmental, infrastructure, or regulatory programs, including project facilitation, planning and reporting, implementation strategy, policy analysis, and stakeholder coordination.

STATEMENT OF OTHER DUTIES

• Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelors degree in environmental sciences/studies, natural resource management, public administration, or a related field; AND, one (1) year experience in work specific to the requirements of the job; OR, any combination of training and/or experience that provides the required knowledge and abilities. A Masters degree may be substituted for one (1) year of experience. Must pass job related tests.

Additional Information

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• the principles and practices related to program and project areas;
• research and data collection techniques;
• current literature, trends, regulations and developments in the assigned field;
• applicable processes and best practices relevant to program objectives; project management principles and practices;
• if assigned to field-based programs, have the ability walk over uneven terrain and carry field equipment (up to 30 lbs.)
• the use of personal computers.

Ability to:

• gather, evaluate and document technical data;
• independently prepare and implement comprehensive programs and projects, including time, strategy, resource and performance management;
• read, interpret and apply legal documents and descriptions;
• synthesize research results and use these results as a basis for recommendations;
• communicate effectively both verbally and in writing;
• establish and maintain effective work relationships with supervisors, peers, stakeholders, associates and the general public;
• read, interpret and apply federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations governing assigned duties;
• make effective group presentations;
• communicate effectively with people of all ages and from a variety of cultural, economic and ethnic backgrounds;
• manage contracts and oversee contractors;
• work with computers.

SUPERVISION

Employees in this class receive direction from a designated lead staff or administrative superior. The work is performed with considerable independence and is reviewed through meetings, periodic status reports and results obtained.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The work is performed primarily in an office environment. Depending on the assigned program area, work may also be conducted at various locations throughout the county, including community facilities, public venues, and field sites. Specific working conditions vary by assignment and may include outdoor environments, exposure to varying weather conditions, and physical demands such as walking over uneven terrain.

Snohomish County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer.

Accommodations for individuals with disabilities are provided upon request.

EEO policy and ADA notice

Snohomish County offers a comprehensive benefits package to employees that receive a regular appointment who work at least 20 hours a week.

Visit www.snohomishcountywa.gov/Benefits to learn more about the following benefits.

County Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Retirement
• Basic Group Term Life Insurance/ Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
• Long Term Disability (LTD)
• Commuting Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Partners for Health Employee Wellness Program
• Leave & Holidays

Voluntary Benefits

• Deferred Compensation 457(b)
• Supplemental Group Term Life Insurance
• Additional Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance (AD&D)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Supplemental Individual Insurance Policies

Healthcare Premiums

• Regular full-time employees: If you work 35 or more hours per week, you will pay these monthly premiums for medical insurance. The County pays the monthly premiums for vision, dental, and basic life insurance.
• Regular part-time employees: If you work between 20 and 34 hours per week, you will pay pro-rated monthly premiums for medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. The Countys contribution toward the premium for an employee in a regular part-time appointment will be pro-rated in an amount equal to the F.T.E. percentage the employee is assigned.

Note: Temporary employees, seasonal employees and paid interns may be eligible for medical insurance benefits. Review the Countys ACA Employer Shared Responsibility Guide to learn more.

01

Following is a series of supplemental questions designed to assess your job related experience and qualifications. Please note that as part of the screening process your responses will be reviewed in conjunction with your general online application. The employment history and education detailed in your general application must validate/support your responses to the supplemental questions. If your responses cannot be validated, you will not proceed to the next steps of the review/selection process.

A resume will not substitute for the general online application or supplemental questions; responses such as "see resume" or "see application" will not be considered.

Do you agree to answer each question truthfully and that your responses can be supported by your general application/work history and by your references?

• Yes
• No

02

What is your highest level of education in environmental sciences/studies, natural resource management, public administration, or a related field?

• No degree
• Associates degree
• Bachelors degree
• Masters degree or higher

03

How many years of experience do you have in work specific to the requirements of the Project Specialist II position; OR, any combination of training and/or experience that provides the required knowledge and abilities?

• No experience to less than one (1) year experience
• One (1) year to less than three (3) years experience
• Three (3) years to less than five (5) years experience
• Five (5) or more years experience

04

The following essay questions will be scored to determine whether or not you advance to the interview stage. You must score at least 70% to qualify for an interview. Candidates with passing scores will be ranked by supplemental score. The top scoring candidates will be invited to an interview.

IMPORTANT: Using AI to generate your responses may result in a lower score or disqualification from further consideration.

Do you understand that the scores on this portion of the supplemental will determine your eligibility and ranking for an interview, and all experience MUST be documented in your employment history?

• Yes
• No

05

Essay Question Please describe your experience, educational background and any relevant degrees, certifications, licenses, and/or training related to sponsorship development, fundraising, partnership building, marketing, and/or business. Please highlight any experience specifically related to parks & recreation, grant writing, or other fields that support your ability to develop and manage sponsorship opportunities. Please provide specific examples demonstrating your experience.

06

Essay Question Please provide an overview of your experience and knowledge of program or project management, including examples of goal setting, scope definition, resource allocation, status tracking, and team communication. If applicable, describe how you have applied these skills when coordinating events, programs, or initiatives involving sponsors, partners, or external stakeholders. Please provide specific examples demonstrating your experience.

07

Essay Question Describe your experience working with a team to complete a successful project. Please describe how you collaborated, set priorities, tracked progress and overcame challenges/obstacles. Please provide specific examples demonstrating your experience.

08

Essay Question Please describe your experience identifying, securing, and managing sponsorships or corporate partnerships. Include examples of how you have prospected potential sponsors, developed sponsorship packages, negotiated agreements, and maintained relationships with sponsors or partners. If you do not have direct sponsorship experience, please walk us through how you would identify and use data about a program, event, or product to develop sponsorship opportunities and connect with potential sponsors. Please provide specific examples demonstrating your experience.

Required Question

Employer Snohomish County

Address 3000 Rockefeller Ave M/S 503

Everett, Washington, 98201

Phone (425) 388-3411

Website http://www.snohomishcountywa.gov/2553