Job Title: Parks & Recreation Director
Department: Parks & Recreation
Reports To: City Manager
FLSA Status: Exempt
Prepared by: Human Resources
Prepared Date: March 2022 (revised)
SUMMARY
The nature of the work involves the management and coordination of a variety of to plan, develop, coordinate and direct a comprehensive program of community recreation, cultural, athletic, social and human service programs; to provide highly responsible, professional and technical assistance; and to do related work as required.
NATURE OF WORK
Individual in this job supervise, coordinate, and direct the work of recreation staff involved in the day to day operation, administration, construction, and maintenance of a park, recreation area, field office, or public access site. The employee works within general methods and procedures and exercises considerable independent judgment to select the proper course of action. The work requires thorough knowledge of the policies, procedures, and regulations of water sites management and development, City Park and Recreation programs, supervisory techniques, and personnel policies and procedures.
ILLUSTRATIVE TASKS
Plan, organize, and implement recreation programs by overseeing a variety of sports and recreation programs, ordering supplies and collecting registrations.
Work independently and be responsible for overseeing activities at all park locations.
Includes setting up and take down at facilities and areas for special events, including weekends, holidays and evenings.
Prioritize job tasks and complete them within specified time frames meeting strict deadlines.
Assists in recruiting, training, supervising, directing and evaluating seasonal, volunteers and participants.
Collects activity and registration records and prepares routine and complex program plans and requirements well in advance for budgetary recommendations; prepares reports describing and evaluating programs at completion of activity and identifies methods and areas to improve
Maintains supplies, equipment and materials in support of athletic and recreation programs and advises Facility Manager in advance of program equipment and supply needs.
Perform necessary manual labor and skilled tasks that may require use of lifting heavy objects, stooping, bending and twisting.
Assists in overseeing Swim operation (lifeguards, swim classes, and party rentals), including the physical maintenance.
Monitors the day -to-day operations of athletic and recreation programs including making site visits, handling and resolving complaints and ensuring that programs have required materials and supplies, and formulates and organizes program plans and schedules for seasonal and/or year-round activities
Enforces city policies, procedures and park rules for staff, instructors, volunteers and contracted facility renters as well as enforcement of safety and operating procedures and provides for maintenance needs including compliance with health and safety codes and building codes.
Works to achieve professional development goals, which will facilitate the successful completion of department al objectives that will contribute to the City’s vision statement.
Performs other such duties as may be assigned
KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Knowledge of general management and practices to include budgeting, policy and procedure development, and personnel management and supervision.
- Knowledge of modern principles and practices of recreation program planning and execution and facility maintenance.
- Knowledge of recreation activities for children, adolescents, adults, senior citizens, community diversity and/or special patrons.
- Knowledge of principles, practices, and methods of short and long range planning.
- Knowledge of the organization and functions of elected officials, appointed boards and commissions.
- Skill in planning, organizing, assigning, and coordinating the activities of professional and technical staff.
- Skill in analyzing and evaluating information.
- Skill in dealing constructively with conflict.
- Skill in delegating effectively, planning, organizing and controlling
- Skill in motivating and effectively leading other employees.
- Skill in analyzing problems, identifying alternative solutions, projecting consequences of proposed actions, and implementing recommendations in support of goals.
- Skill in the use of various office machines to include phone, fax copiers, computers, and calculators.
- Skills in applying appropriate public relations techniques as situations warrant.
- Skill in researching, evaluating, and using new methods and techniques for operational improvements.
- Skill in responding with tact, composure and courtesy when dealing with individuals who may be experiencing significant stress.
- Ability to work cooperatively with other employees, elected officials, community leaders and the general public including groups of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds.
- Ability to express ideas clearly when providing oral and written reports and recommendations on administrative, financial, and technical issues.
- Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends
EDUCATION
Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Recreation or a related field; Master’s degree is preferred.
EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING
Ten (10) years’ experience in parks and recreation organizational administration including seven (7) years of supervisory and park management experience, or any equivalent combination of training and experience. ORA knowledge
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Certification as an Instructor in a specialized activity preferred
American Red Cross First Aid / CPR certification required
Possess a valid, Florida driver's license with acceptable driving record
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
On a continuous basis, sit at desk and/or stand at counter for long periods of time. Frequently required to walk, see, hear and talk with the public and read presented documents. On occasion required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, taste, or smell; intermittently twist and reach; lift or carry weight regularly of 10 pounds and on occasion weight of up to 40 pounds. Specific vision required includes close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Recreation, or a related field
- Master's degree
- Ten years of experience in parks and recreation organizational administration
- Seven years of supervisory and park management experience
- American Red Cross First Aid and CPR certification
- Valid Florida driver's license with acceptable driving record
- Certification as an instructor in a specialized activity
- Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends
What We Do
The City of Opa-locka is the municipal government serving residents of Opa-locka, Florida. It provides general administrative services, police and public safety, transportation, street and infrastructure maintenance, parks and recreation, cultural activities, water and wastewater, sanitation, and planning and zoning. Its stated mission is to enhance quality of life, the environment, and safety through courteous, high-integrity, quality service to the local community.
