Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation

The recently CAPRA accredited Parks and Recreation Department of University Park is seeking a dynamic, responsive leader to be its next Assistant Director. Under the general supervision of the Director of Parks and Recreation, this position assists with oversight of the administration of the Parks and Recreation Department to include development, planning and renewal of the city's parks, parkways, streetscapes, urban forest, trails, and aquatic facilities. This position also provides direct supervision of daily operations to leadership positions in Aquatics, Recreation and Maintenance divisions. The Assistant Director works closely with community organizations, city leadership, and the public to enhance recreational opportunities.

Essential Responsibilities

• Provides executive-level staff assistance to the Parks and Recreation Director; participates on a variety of boards, and committees; prepares and presents technical reports and other necessary correspondence.
  

• Assist with the management, development and implementation of departmental goals, objectives, policies and priorities for each assigned service area.

• Works closely with leadership of Aquatics, Recreation and Maintenance to ensure departmental policies and procedures are followed, including hiring, training, and performance evaluations.

• Organizes and administers development projects, including new parks, trails, exhibits or other quality of life activities.

• Ability to effectively communicate with citizens, elected officials and employees in order to provide or gather information for the effective management of the park department.

• Develops and helps coordinate special events throughout the year such as Holiday Tree Lighting, 4th of July, and National Parks and Recreation Month activities, and supports a variety of community events, as needed.

• Evaluates Park and Recreation facilities, landscapes and recommend improvements to be made to such facilities.

• Assists the Director in administering and overseeing service contracts, use/management agreements, and other similar documents pertinent to the operation of a municipal park system.

• Compiles and submits required reports to federal, state, local and other agencies.

• Monitors possible federal and state grant opportunities.

Budgetary Responsibilities

• Assists in the preparation of annual budgets relating to parks operations, Aquatics Enterprise Fund, various Capital Improvement Program projects, Fleet Service Fund expenditures, as well as, review and process payment applications submitted by consultants and contractors

• Establishes budgetary goals and prepares budget forecasts and projections. Develops costs for capital improvements projects. Reviews purchasing paperwork prior to Director’s approval.

• Responsible for monitoring budget expenditures for the Parks and Recreation department, including capital improvement projects.
  
  

Minimum

• Bachelor’s Degree in Parks and Recreation Administration, Landscape Architecture, Urban Forestry, Turf Management, or closely related field required.
• A minimum of 5-7 years previous experience in Parks and Recreation required.
• A minimum of 2 years of supervisory experience.
• Ability to read and understand various professional publications in order to interpret new laws and regulations. Skill in the operation and maintenance of personal computers. Skill in the application and use of horticultural supplies such as fertilizers and pesticides. Ability to work with staff, elected officials, vendors and the public.
• Ability to make management decisions and develop operational policies and procedures relevant to Parks, Recreation, Aquatics and special events.
• Proficient in use of Microsoft Office, (Outlook, Word, Excel, Power Point and Access.)
• knowledge of municipal budgeting procedures and personnel management.
• Valid Texas Class C Driver’s License or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.

Preferred

• Verifiable experience with managing CAPRA accreditation requirements and reports.
• Experience in a municipal government highly desired.
• Must develop a general knowledge of City Code of Ordinances, State and Federal laws and regulations pertaining to general parks, recreation, and aquatic facility operations within six months from date of employment.

Physical Requirements

• Work is primarily performed in a climate-controlled office environment. Physical demands are both sedentary in nature with prolonged sitting, and the ability to work in outdoor environments, including extreme weather conditions. Must be able to life 25 pounds. Frequent walking, standing, bending, twisting, reaching, and occasionally driving a vehicle. May be required to attend functions and meetings in other buildings and other sites, including working evenings, weekends, and holidays for events.

Salary : $92,685 - $136,115