Parks and Recreation Director

Job Description

Parks and Recreation Director (132)

(Unclassified)

Education and Experience

Education equivalent to graduation from college or university with a degree in Recreation, Physical Education or related field; and
Five (5) years of broad and extensive experience in all major phases of community recreation and/or park management, including at least two years in a management capacity.

License

Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License is required at time of application and for the duration of employment.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is a Department Head position in the Unclassified Service responsible for managing the City's Parks & Recreation Department, made up of the Parks & Playgrounds, Recreation and Cemetery divisions. An incumbent in this classification exercises independent judgement and discretion; manages, controls and directs employees; formulates administrative policies for the effective use of staff; and acts as the staff liaison to the Parks & Recreation Commission, Youth Commission, and the Senior Advisory Commission.

As a member of the City’s Unclassified Service, this is an “at-will” position. The incumbent serves at the discretion of the City Manager. An incumbent in this classification: demonstrates strong ethical, professional, and service-oriented leadership and interpersonal skills; sets a good example; and correctly applies the tenets of the City’s Code of Ethics and Values.

Typical Duties

This description may not include all the duties listed below, nor do the examples cover all duties that may be performed.

Under general direction:

Plans, directs, manages and coordinates a comprehensive program of recreation and park activities;
Carries out the mission of the Parks and Recreation Department through and in response to the assessment of community needs and desires;
Acts as staff liaison to the Park and Recreation Commission, Youth Commission and the Senior Advisory Commission;
Directs the park development portion of the Capital Improvement budget;
Oversees preparation and administration of operating, enterprise and capital budgets, and fundraising programs, partnerships, grants and other funding sources;
Coordinates the activities of the department with the programs of other local recreation agencies, and cooperates with such agencies in recreation programs, preparing publicity releases and speaking before interested community groups;
Plans space layout and general design of facilities, including parks, playgrounds and recreation buildings;
Studies and recommends needed improvements or modifications to existing facilities;
Administers the operations of the Cemetery division;
Conducts staff meetings for purposes of implementing the department's programs and staff development;
Develops and maintains cooperative working relationships with other City Departments, boards and/or commissions, and public and private agencies;
Reviews the plans and suggestions of staff members;
Inspects recreation, park and cemetery facilities and reviews the work of maintenance staff;
Manages the operations and maintenance of park and recreation areas and facilities;
Oversees provision of staff support to assigned boards and commissions;
Prepares correspondence, fiscal records and reports on departmental activities;
Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of:

Principles and practices of human resources and public administration;
Effective leadership and management principles and practices;
Principles and practices of municipal labor relations;
Principles of organization and management, including conflict resolution, and employee development;
Principles and practices of budgeting (operating and capital), communication, contracting, information technology, project management, outreach, performance standards, and records management, and the use of resources to achieve outcomes and expectations;
Federal and local laws and regulations related to recreation services and park management;
Operation of City government and citizen advisory boards and commissions; and
Office safety practices, procedures and standards.

Ability to:

Effectively and efficiently plan, organize and manage all Parks and Recreation Department activities;
Provide the leadership and management of the department through coaching, enabling and facilitating employees working in a team environment;
Analyze community needs as related to departmental programs and formulating goals and objectives;
Administering contracts and developing and analyzing budgets;
Create a culture that is conducive to change and that is one that is able to select, recruit, retain, develop and motivate a skilled and talented workforce where everyone knows their mission, role, and job;
Establish clear goals and objectives in order to create an organization that delivers excellent customer service through ethical leadership standards, establishes an atmosphere of respect for employees consistent with the City’s Code of Ethics and Values;
Build constructive relationships by promoting effective partnerships with department peers, employees, citizens, and others contacted in the course of work;
Represent and speak for the department and its work, e.g., presenting, explaining, promoting, defining, and negotiating to those within and outside the department by making clear and convincing oral presentations to individuals and groups, by listening effectively and clarifying information and by facilitating an open exchange of ideas;
Prepare clear, complete, accurate, concise, and logical written and oral reports;
Effectively handle multiple priorities, organize workload for self and others, and meet strict deadlines;
Ensure compliance with complex legal environmental and code requirements;
Work in a team-based environment to achieve common goals;
Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing;
Exercise good judgment in structuring and organizing work and setting priorities, and readily readjusting priorities to respond to current and future needs; and
Walk or stand for extended periods of time and bend, stoop, crawl, climb, and lift as necessary to perform assigned duties.

Supervision Received

Works under administrative direction of the City Manager..

Supervision Exercised

Manages the Recreation Superintendent, Parks Superintendent, Cemetery Operations Superintendent and other professional, technical, and administrative staff as assigned.

Other Requirements

Must be able to perform all of the essential functions of the job assignment.

Conflict of Interest

The Incumbent in this position is required to file a Conflict of Interest statement upon assuming office, annually and upon leaving office, in accordance with City Manager Directive 100.

Adopted, March 2008