Listing Summary

Job Summary

This position plans, organizes, promotes, directs and administers a comprehensive County Parks and Recreation Program; plans, organizes and develops the department's long-term strategies. 

Essential Functions

• Plans, organizes, promotes, directs and administers a comprehensive County Parks and Recreation Program; plans, organizes and develops the department's long-term strategies. 
• Maintains effective relationships with youth sports associations and related groups. 
• Ensures there are Parks and Recreation Programs and activities designed to serve citizens of all ages and abilities. 
• Ensures there are Parks and Recreation Programs and activities designed for and responsive to groups, teams and individual play. 
• Ensures that a variety of sports, recreation, and cultural programs are offered and available to meet the needs of the community and solicits community input to make recommendations to the Board of Commissioners regarding facilities and programs that are responsive to the community’s needs and in line with the goals of the County. 
• Coordinates the marketing and promotion of recreation programs and facilities. 
• Evaluates and monitors success of programs and activities offered and recommends changes, as necessary. 
• Evaluates facility usage and recommends changes, as necessary. 
• Provides reports to County Administrator regarding evaluation of programs and facility usage. 
• Plans, organizes, coordinates and assigns the work of subordinate personnel; conducts staff evaluations, recruits, hires and trains personnel.
• Ensures safe working environment. 
• Coordinates with Public Works Department to conduct inspections of grounds and facilities for short and long-term maintenance needs and to develop a maintenance plan for parks and associated facilities. 
• Prepares and administers departmental budget, monitors and controls expenditure of operating and capital funds; ensures the fiscal integrity of department. 
• Communicates with youth sports associations and the community regarding facility availability; coordinates and assists with departmental special events. 
• Coordinates with County Administration and the Public Works Department on the development and implementation of capital improvement projects for parks, recreation facilities, greenways and public lands. 
• Maintains current working knowledge of safety and hazards in the recreation industry; ensures compliance with all regulations governing grounds and facilities in the County; and provides for appropriate risk management practices and related staff training. 
• Ensures County rules are enforced, and complaints are properly handled. 
• Encourages and promotes a culture of excellent customer service.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for Job Performance 

• Comprehensive knowledge of all phases of community recreation activities and their administration; comprehensive knowledge of the principles and methods of park planning and development; comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration with special reference to personnel and budget administration; ability to develop and execute a well-rounded program of recreation activities; ability to cooperate with and interpret recreational philosophies to County authorities and private groups and agencies and the general public; ability to communicate complex ideas effectively, both orally and in writing; ability to prepare and present detailed reports; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with governmental officials, volunteers, community groups, associates and the general public.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Public Management, Leisure Services, Sports Administration, Physical Education or a related field is preferred.
• Extensive experience in the administration of Parks and Recreational Programs and in the development and planning of recreational facilities and administration including considerable supervisory experience is required.

Working Conditions/Physical Demands 

The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or while intermittently sitting, standing, stooping, walking, bending, or crouching. The employee frequently lifts light and occasionally heavy objects.

Work Environment

The work performed in an office and outdoor locations with exposure to outdoor weather conditions.