DIRECTOR OF PARKS & RECREATION

JOB SUMMARY  

Performs a variety of supervisory, administrative, and professional work in planning, developing, scheduling directing and implementing a year-round, city-wide parks and recreation program. Provides staff assistance to Parks and Recreation Board and other boards and organizations involved in parks and recreation activities.  Exercises administrative direction over Building & Grounds Superintendent and Office Manager, and other support staff either directly or through subordinate supervisors.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1.  Manages and supervises parks and recreation operations to achieve goals within available resources; plans and organizes workloads and staff assignments; trains, motivates and evaluates assigned staff; reviews progress and directs changes as needed.
2. Provides leadership and direction in the development of short and long range plans and projects; gathers, interprets, and prepares data for studies, reports and recommendations; coordinates department activities with other departments and agencies as needed.
3. Provides professional advice to supervisors and other officials; makes private and public presentations to supervisors, boards, commissions, civic groups and the general public.
4. Communicates official plans, programs, policies and procedures to staff and the general public.
5. Assures that assigned areas of responsibility are performed within budget; performs cost control activities; monitors revenues and expenditures in assigned area to assure sound fiscal control; prepares annual budget requests; assures effective and efficient use of budgeted funds, personnel, materials, facilities, and time.
6. Determines work procedures, prepares work schedules, and expedites workflow; studies and standardizes procedures to improve efficiency and effectiveness of operations.
7. Issues written and oral instructions; assigns duties and examines work for exactness, neatness, and conformance to policies and procedures.
8. Maintains harmony among workers and resolves grievances; performs or assists subordinates in performing duties; adjusts errors and complaints.
9. Prepares a variety of studies, reports and related information for decision-making purposes.
10. Plans, coordinates and directs a diversified year round, city-wide parks and recreation program including the management of the municipal swimming pool, and various fields, parks and open spaces.
11. Coordinates the recreation program with other city departments, and outside organizations such as the school district and various community-based organizations.
12. Supervises the development  and implementation of  park and open space, and recreation facilities to meet the City’s needs and any inter-governmental agreements or requirements. Supervises and administers park and recreation programs and services pursuant to adopted plans, regulations and budgets.
13. Supervises and manages the planning of new parks, playgrounds and all of the amenities that would be necessary for the proper construction and maintenance of these facilities.
14. Reviews program areas, implements changes or new programs to meet recreational needs of the community; develops, maintains and implements a current parks and recreation master plan.
15. Develops and implements policies, procedures and standards for efficient and effective operation and maintenance of department operations.  Assures compliance with established policies and procedures.
16. Promotes interest in parks and recreation programs through publicity, joint program brochures with various community groups, and public contacts; speaks before citizens groups, students and other organization.
17. Prepares and administers budget for all areas under the parks and recreation department; orders all new and replacement equipment.
18. Prepares a variety of reports and maintains necessary operating records.
19. Supervises the control of, and is responsible for, all materials and supplies used in the maintenance, construction and repair of the city parks.
20. Prepares cost estimates to plan and provide for improvements in the park facilities; oversees construction projects and park improvements.
21. Maintains liaison with other departments as well as state, local, and other public officials.
22. Answers letters of inquiry and talks with visitors; addresses public and civic organizations to inform the public of policies, procedures and the availability of facilities for public use.
23. Supervises and manages the planning of new parks, playgrounds and all of the amenities that would be necessary for the proper construction and maintenance of these facilities.
24. Schedules and runs various physical and cultural activities throughout the year.
25. Performs a variety of miscellaneous duties such as answering phone, running errands, picking up supplies needed for activities, making arrangements for rental and use of facilities, setting up tables and chairs, etc.

PERIPHERAL DUTIES

Serves as a member of various city employee committees, as assigned.

Assists staff in the performance of their duties as required.

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in recreation, education, physical education or related areas is preferred including course work in organization and administration, and programming of recreational activities; and
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in parks and recreation programs; or
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of modern parks and recreation programs; Thorough knowledge of equipment and facilities required in a comprehensive park and recreation program; Extensive knowledge of the principles and practices of maintenance, construction, and use of public building and parks facilities; Considerable knowledge of community recreation needs and resources; Working knowledge of the principles and practices of office management, work organization and supervision;
• Skill in the operation of the listed tools and equipment;
• Ability to plan, organize, coordinate and implement a comprehensive community park and recreation program; Ability to coordinate, analyze, and utilize a variety of reports and records; Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; Ability to establish effective working relationships with supervisors, employees, other agencies and the general public.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Employee must have a valid drivers license or the ability to obtain one by date of hire. Employee must complete a certified pool operator course prior to the beginning of swimming season.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Personal computer, including word processing software; motor vehicle; calculator; phone; copy and fax machine; phone; mobile or portable radio; equipment for pool chemicals.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work involves talking, hearing, sitting, using hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls and reaching with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

The employee must occasionally push, pull, lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts, or in outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes, toxic or caustic chemicals.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the office, and moderate in the field.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job related tests may be required; drug screen; final selection and pre-employment medical examination.  NOTE:  Appointees will be subject to completion of a standard probationary period.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The City of Commerce is an “at will” employer.  The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.