What are the responsibilities and job description for the Recreation Director position at Valley County?
Valley County is seeking a dynamic and experienced Recreation Director to lead and manage all aspects of the county's parks, trails, recreation facilities, and programs. Reporting to the Board of County Commissioners, the Director is responsible for the strategic planning, development, implementation, and administration of a comprehensive parks and recreation system that enhances the quality of life for county residents and its visitors, and promotes responsible stewardship of our natural resources. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring a strong understanding of parks and recreation management, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and a passion for the outdoors.
Nestled in the heart of the stunning mountains of west-central Idaho, Valley County offers an unparalleled quality of life for outdoor enthusiasts. Our picturesque landscape boasts pristine lakes, winding rivers, vast forests, and abundant opportunities for year-round recreation. Residents and visitors alike enjoy amazing camping, exceptional trail hiking, biking, and ATV riding, world-class fishing, boating, and kayaking, and access to fantastic alpine and cross-country skiing and exhilarating snowmobiling during the winter months. Our close-knit community values its natural resources and is committed to providing exceptional recreational experiences.Typical Responsibilities
The Recreation Director is responsible for all of the following:
Strategic Planning and Development: Develop and implement a comprehensive strategic plan for the county's parks and recreation system, identifying current and future needs, establishing priorities, and outlining goals and objectives. Oversee the planning, design, and construction of new parks, facilities, and recreational amenities. Ensure the protection and conservation of natural resources within county parks, promoting environmental stewardship and sustainability.
Program Development and Implementation: Oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of a wide range of recreational programs, activities, and events that meet the diverse needs and interests of the community.
Operational Management: Direct and oversee the day-to-day operations of all county parks, recreational facilities (e.g., community centers, sports fields, trails), and programs, ensuring safety, cleanliness, and efficient resource utilization. Ensure the implementation of appropriate safety protocols and procedures to minimize risks and ensure the well-being of park users and staff.
Community Engagement and Partnerships: Build and maintain strong relationships with community organizations, user groups, volunteers, media, and other stakeholders to enhance program offerings, garner support, and address community needs. Serve as a liaison to relevant boards, commissions, and advisory groups.
Budget Management and Fiscal Responsibility: Develop, manage, and monitor the department's annual budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility and adherence to county financial policies. Prepare and present regular reports to the Board of County Commissioners on the status of departmental operations, projects, and finances. Seek and secure grant funding and other revenue sources to support departmental initiatives.
Staff Leadership and Supervision: Recruit, hire, train, and supervise paid and volunteer staff, fostering a positive and productive work environment. Provide leadership, guidance, and professional development opportunities to team members.
To view the official Valley County job description for this position, click here: Recreation Director.Typical Qualifications
The successful candidate will have a bachelor’s degree or higher in Parks & Recreation Management, Public Administration, Natural Resource Management, or a related field; or an equivalent number of years of progressively responsible experience in parks and recreation administration, including supervisory and managerial experience.
The successful candidate should also possess demonstrated knowledge of park planning, development, maintenance, and programming, knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and best practices in parks and recreation management, excellent communication skills, and a strong commitment to conservation and responsible stewardship of natural resources.
Possession of a valid driver’s license, and proficiency in computer applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, and social media, are also required.
When applying, please provide a resume or detailed work history that shows your relevant training and experience.
Nestled in the heart of the stunning mountains of west-central Idaho, Valley County offers an unparalleled quality of life for outdoor enthusiasts. Our picturesque landscape boasts pristine lakes, winding rivers, vast forests, and abundant opportunities for year-round recreation. Residents and visitors alike enjoy amazing camping, exceptional trail hiking, biking, and ATV riding, world-class fishing, boating, and kayaking, and access to fantastic alpine and cross-country skiing and exhilarating snowmobiling during the winter months. Our close-knit community values its natural resources and is committed to providing exceptional recreational experiences.Typical Responsibilities
The Recreation Director is responsible for all of the following:
Strategic Planning and Development: Develop and implement a comprehensive strategic plan for the county's parks and recreation system, identifying current and future needs, establishing priorities, and outlining goals and objectives. Oversee the planning, design, and construction of new parks, facilities, and recreational amenities. Ensure the protection and conservation of natural resources within county parks, promoting environmental stewardship and sustainability.
Program Development and Implementation: Oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of a wide range of recreational programs, activities, and events that meet the diverse needs and interests of the community.
Operational Management: Direct and oversee the day-to-day operations of all county parks, recreational facilities (e.g., community centers, sports fields, trails), and programs, ensuring safety, cleanliness, and efficient resource utilization. Ensure the implementation of appropriate safety protocols and procedures to minimize risks and ensure the well-being of park users and staff.
Community Engagement and Partnerships: Build and maintain strong relationships with community organizations, user groups, volunteers, media, and other stakeholders to enhance program offerings, garner support, and address community needs. Serve as a liaison to relevant boards, commissions, and advisory groups.
Budget Management and Fiscal Responsibility: Develop, manage, and monitor the department's annual budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility and adherence to county financial policies. Prepare and present regular reports to the Board of County Commissioners on the status of departmental operations, projects, and finances. Seek and secure grant funding and other revenue sources to support departmental initiatives.
Staff Leadership and Supervision: Recruit, hire, train, and supervise paid and volunteer staff, fostering a positive and productive work environment. Provide leadership, guidance, and professional development opportunities to team members.
To view the official Valley County job description for this position, click here: Recreation Director.Typical Qualifications
The successful candidate will have a bachelor’s degree or higher in Parks & Recreation Management, Public Administration, Natural Resource Management, or a related field; or an equivalent number of years of progressively responsible experience in parks and recreation administration, including supervisory and managerial experience.
The successful candidate should also possess demonstrated knowledge of park planning, development, maintenance, and programming, knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and best practices in parks and recreation management, excellent communication skills, and a strong commitment to conservation and responsible stewardship of natural resources.
Possession of a valid driver’s license, and proficiency in computer applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, and social media, are also required.
When applying, please provide a resume or detailed work history that shows your relevant training and experience.
Benefits
As a way of assisting our employees to live healthier, happier, and less worrisome lives, Valley County offers the best benefit package of any employer in the county.
Our benefits include:
- Retirement Membership in PERSI
- Medical Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Prescription Drug Insurance
- Personal Leave (22 days per year to start)
- Holiday Leave (11 days per year)
- Bereavement Leave
- Life Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Flexible Spending Account
And don’t forget about these benefits:
- A Positive Work/Life Balance
- Job Stability & Satisfaction
- Career Advancement
- A Casual Work Environment
- Physically Relaxed
- Mentally Stimulating
- A Chance to Make a Difference!
Hiring is done without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity and expression, pregnancy, or genetics. In addition, preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.
Salary : $34 - $45
