DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION

The Director of Parks and Recreation is a position that includes administrative and managerial work, planning, organizing, and directing the activities of the Park and Recreation Department, under policies established by the Board of Supervisors. An employee in this position is responsible for planning, budgeting, coordinating and supervising recreational programming and maintenance in the District’s parks, trails recreational facilities and open spaces. The employee will work independently while keeping the District Executive Director informed of current projects or problems and will seek direction, as necessary.

Essential Functions

• Plans, coordinates, supervises, trains, directs and evaluates the work of Parks and Recreation personnel engaged in maintenance of and recreation in parks, trails open spaces and recreational facilities; sets goals and objectives and establishes guidelines for performance.
• Develops and implement short- and long-term plans for the parks and recreation system, and direct the collection and analysis of data to support planning.
• Develops, produces and analyzes the effectiveness of recreation areas, facilities and programming.
• Ensures appropriate staffing levels for the anticipated usage of facilities.
• Oversees marketing of park programs including the District website, park brochure, and social media
• Communicates current issues to the Executive Director and ensures that he/she stays abreast of any emergencies as they occur.
• Prepares reports and makes presentations to the Board of Supervisors, advisory boards, and the general public.
• Writes performance evaluations; handles employee complaints and; conducts interviews, and recommends the hiring, firing, and promotion of staff.
• Reviews existing practices and procedures to ascertain methods of improving work; consults with subordinate employees, contractors and other governmental units; analyzes cost and time records to improve cost effectiveness and performance.
• Plans maintenance projects and determines material, equipment and staff requirements with subordinate input.
• Makes necessary field inspections prior to and during construction to ensure compliance with plans or to provide technical assistance on unusually difficult or complex problems.
• Reviews and approves requisitions for repair parts, supplies, and related services and prepares purchase orders and recommends payment of invoices.
• Prepares or assists in the preparation of plans, bid specifications, and contracts.Reviews contractor invoices and approves payments according to contract/price agreement terms and conditions.
• Prepares initial annual budget for Department and administers budget for same, monitoring appropriations and purchases throughout the year.
• Meets the general public and answers questions regarding maintenance and construction projects.
• Facilitates partnerships with outside groups and agencies to offer a variety of recreational activity.
• Attends regular Parks and Recreation Committee meetings and reports recommendations to Executive Director.
• Complies with all District policies and procedures
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Parks and Recreation or related field.
• Certified Parks and Recreation Professional preferred.
• Certified Playground Safety Inspector preferred.
• 5 years progressive experience in the field of parks and recreation, including 2 years at the supervisory level.
• Any equivalent combination of related training and experience.
• Current First Aid & CPR certifications or ability to obtain within 6 months of employment.
• Knowledge of the nuances of local government within Palm Beach County is a plus.
• Pre-Employment Screening (i.e., Drug Test, Driver’s License, Criminal Background Check, etc.)

Preferred Skills

• Must possess the supervisory skills necessary to accomplish the District’s mission.
• Must be adept in personnel practices in order to perform managerial and supervisory functions, including resolving personnel problems and disciplinary matters.
• Thorough knowledge of planning, organization, administration, and management of parks, recreation, trails and open spaces.
• Ability to make independent decisions regarding method, material and repair.
• Must be able to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Work Environment

The employee works in an office setting at times, which may include long hours sitting in one place, utilizing a computer screen. However, the employee is also required to inspect job sites under various weather conditions, near machinery, or in high precarious places. The employee will likely be exposed to hot/wet/humid/cold conditions.

The employee will occasionally be exposed to fumes, airborne particles, chemicals, vibration and other potential hazards associated with the maintenance and/or construction of roads and drainage works and other types of construction. The noise level in the work environment is normally quiet, but can be moderately high under certain circumstances.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is performed in an office