Parks and Recreation Director

• Knowledge and level of competency associated with the completion of a baccalaureate degree in a course of study closely related to the occupational field.
• Experience sufficient to thoroughly understand the diverse objectives and functions of the subunits in the division/department in order to direct and coordinate work within the division/department, usually interpreted to require five years of related experience with at least five years in a leadership capacity.
• Certified Parks and Recreation Professional/Executive recommended.

This position directs the city’s public parks, campground, cemetery, spectator recreation, and recreation and aquatics facility operations as well as the city’s safety program.

Major Duties

• Maintains a physical presence and reliable attendance with the ability to respond at all hours when necessary.

• Directs, manages, coordinates, and evaluates the operations of the Parks and Recreation Department to include the Spearfish Recreation and Aquatics Center, park and trail systems, cemetery, campground, sports fields, and urban forestry.

• Develops, manages, and oversees the capital improvement plan for the department, to include managing, organizing, and developing CIP department projects.

• Serves as the safety coordinator for the city and develops policies and programs to improve workplace safety and to establish a positive and effective safety culture; serves as subject matter expert on the Safety Committee.

• Directs the preparation of agenda items for the city council and various committees and boards involved in the parks and recreation activities, presents agenda items as needed. Serves as the principal representative for the city on the Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Advisory Board.

• Works cooperatively with other community-related agencies to include Black Hills State University, Spearfish School District, senior center, food pantry, arts festival, and community athletic associations to assess current needs, plan for facilities, and evaluate future needs; promotes public relations by resolving citizen concerns and speaking at meetings of various public groups.

• Develops and implements policy and procedure guidelines for the department.

• Prepares, controls, and reviews department budgets to include operational and capital for the department. Parks and Recreation Director, Parks and Recreation

• Perform supervisory responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training/development of all staff within the parks and recreation division; appraising performance to include rewarding and disciplining employees; and addressing complaints and resolving problems; and planning, assigning, and directing work.

• Develops, directs, and manages comprehensive plan for parks and recreation divisions.

• Negotiates and administers leases and contracts with other governmental and quasi-governmental agencies, private business, and individuals.

• Performs related duties.