Parks and Recreation Director

Title:  Parks and Recreation Director

Department: Parks and Recreation

Salary Grade: L 

Salary Range:  $7,543 - 9,823 per month

FLSA Status: Exempt

For more information, see our Recruitment Website, or you can download our Recruitment Flyer pdf.  The full job description is attached below along with detailed instructions for applying for this position.  

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

The Parks & Recreation Director provides leadership, direction, and is responsible for oversight and management of the day-to-day operations of the Parks & Recreation department including senior services, recreation, park planning and maintenance, and building maintenance. The Director oversees the city’s community center and is responsible for implementing the city council’s visions and goals and the City’s plans for community park and recreational amenities, facilities, and programs. This position requires significant interaction and engagement with the public, co-workers, elected officials, volunteers, and outside agency personnel.

The Director is responsible for developing and managing budgets, applying for and analyzing grants, evaluating program effectiveness, managing projects, and overseeing and executing special events. The position requires specialized professional knowledge in the theory, principles, practices, and techniques of implementing parks and recreation programs and services, strategic planning, organization design and development, public budgeting and financial management, and personnel management.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for all Parks and Recreation Department services and activities including parks, recreation, trails, open space, community center, Community Campus, senior services, and the Community Center facility.
• Select, train, motivate, and evaluate Parks and Recreation Department personnel. Oversee and manage the development and administration of the Parks and Recreation Department.
• Appropriate service and staffing levels; monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; allocate resources accordingly.
• Plan, direct, and coordinate, through subordinate level managers, the Parks and Recreation Department’s work plan; assign projects and programmatic areas of responsibility; review and evaluate work methods and procedures; meet with management staff to identify and resolve problems.
• Represent the Parks and Recreation Department to other City departments, elected officials, and outside agencies; coordinate Parks and Recreation Department activities with those of other departments and outside agencies and organizations.
• Serves as a staff advisor to the Parks and Trails Advisory Board.
• Plans and directs the development and construction of City-owned parks, trails, open spaces, and community gardens. 
• Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of parks and recreation.
• Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints. Negotiate and resolve sensitive and controversial issues.

​JOB SPECIFICATIONS:

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, preferable with major course work in recreation, public administration, physical education, or a related field is required.  At least eight years’ experience, preferably in a park recreation environment or public administration, three of which must be in a managerial capacity. A Master’s degree is preferred and may substitute for some experience. Other combinations of education and work experience can be considered.

Highly qualified candidates should have at least five years of increasingly responsible experience in the administration, developing, planning and implementing of recreational programming and social and cultural programs.

Experience in park facilities planning and design is preferred. Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) credentials and experience with CAPRA Accreditation are preferred.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Requires in-depth knowledge of the theory, principles, practices and modern trends in the fields of recreation, leisure and community services programs.
• Requires the ability to plan, direct, and integrate the sub-functions within the department, including, but not limited to comprehensive park operations, recreation and sports programming, senior services, trail systems and building maintenance program.
• Requires basic knowledge of the full range of functions performed by the City, including general management, financial, and public policy issues. Requires in-depth knowledge of research and analysis methods.
• Requires well-developed communication and interpersonal skills to deliver presentations to large and diverse audiences in a public setting, present ideas clearly, resolve conflict, and manage and review performance.
• Requires the ability to understand, interpret, explain and apply all policies, laws, regulations, codes, and ordinances applicable to assigned community services in the City.
• Requires the ability to analyze, interpret and explain proposed legislation and programs and the implications and impact on departmental operations.
• Requires the ability to work cooperatively and effectively with senior citizens.
• Requires the ability to work as a contributing member of a team, work productively and cooperatively with other teams and external customers, and convey a positive image of the City and its services.

Special Requirements/Licenses:

Possession of or required to obtain a valid driver’s license within thirty (30) days of hire.  Must have a safe driving record.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)/AED/First Aid certification within sixty (60) days of hire.
Must be able to pass the department’s security clearance standards, including Reference check, Criminal History check.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Supervises all Parks and Recreation personnel and volunteers, delegating tasks as needed.

BENEFITS:

The City offers a full benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, sick and vacation leave, and PERS. Please see our website for more details. 

Equal Employment Opportunity

The City of Sandy will give consideration to all qualified applicants for appointment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, marital status, mental or physical disability, political affiliations, sexual orientation, or any other non-merit factor.

Veterans who meet the minimum qualifications for a position open for recruitment may be eligible for preference in employment under Oregon law. If you are a Qualified Veteran or Qualified Disabled Veteran and would like to be granted preference in the selection and hiring process for a specific posted job, please fill out this Veterans’ Preference Form and provide proof of eligibility by submitting a copy of form DD-214 or 215 (copy 4). This completed form and required supporting documentation must be submitted with your application in order for consideration for Veterans’ Preference.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:  You must apply via the on-line application and upload your Cover Letter, Resume and Answers to the following Supplemental Questions? Please limit your responses to 300 words or less per question.  First review of applications begins the week of August 9th.

1.    Describe your experience managing a large and complex public project such as a community park or recreational facility. 

2.   Give examples of your experience with recreation program development, marketing, and revenue generation. Describe how you evaluate program activities and results. 

3.    Describe your experience in developing and/or implementing comprehensive park and trail master plans.  

4.    Describe your experience with programs and support services for aging adults such as senior or community centers, congregate meals. Include any experience with grant management and reporting.