Parks and Recreation Director
City of Ashland
Job Description
Under the direction of the City Administrator, this position is responsible for all municipal park activities, recreational programming, and natural resources management within the City of Ashland. This includes management of the Bretting Community Center, city parks, campgrounds, ballfields, beaches, community recreation programs, trails, and green spaces. This position coordinates programs and facilities internally with other City departments and externally with community organizations including schools. This position is responsible for future planning for parks, green space, outdoor recreation, recreation programs to promote the City’s mission, and for seeking and securing grant funding for parks projects.
Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required at the time of hire or for continuation of employment.
* Management and administrative methods and procedures of a parks and recreation department.
* Grant writing and grant administration experience involving parks and recreation.
* Understanding of federal and state environmental regulations and standards related to land management and permitting processes.
* Principles and practices of the design, maintenance, and operation of public parks and recreation facilities.
* Ability to maintain positive relationships with city officials, subordinates, and the general public.
* Strong communication skills in order to express ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
* Demonstrated organizational, time management, and leadership skills.
* Knowledge of municipal organizational structure.
* Principles of supervision for techniques and procedures used to measure and improve productivity.
* Principles, techniques, and procedures used to evaluate individual, work unit, and agency performance.
* Budgetary procedures and fiscal management practices for public entities.
* Ability to work independently under broad organizational guidelines to achieve department objectives.
Skilled in:
* The use of computers and software used for database management, data analysis, word processing, and report generation as well as other administrative and related applications in departmental operations.
* Responding and resolving citizen complaints.
Ability to:
* Supervise and coordinate the activities of a complex organization.
* Exercise sound judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions in emergency situations.
* Communicate effectively to large groups.
Essential Functions
The duties described below are indicative of what the Parks and Recreation Director might be asked to perform. Other duties may be assigned.
* Directs a diversified recreation program to ensure the needs of the public are met in an efficient and effective manner while supporting and encouraging new programs.
* Assist Parks and Recreation staff in planning and organizing recreational programming and community events to meet the needs of the City.
* Responsible for long-range planning and development of park property as required.
* Development and updating of Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan and the Parks Master Plan in coordination with Public Works and Planning Departments and City Administration.
* Plan, budget, and schedule work to efficiently achieve recreational objectives. Coordinates with other department heads within the City. Maintains regular contact with the Park & Recreation committee, City Administrator, and Public Works Department.
* Assists with office procedures including, but not limited to, record keeping, answering phones, answering questions, giving directions, handling complaints, and general clerical duties.
* Develops and maintains an effective department.
* Develops plans to meet projected staffing needs, obtains approval for positions as necessary, and selects proper training for employees.
* Ensures that safety standards are being met and maintained, and ensures effective utilization of all department personnel.
* Supervises and evaluates staff. Maintains required payroll records, monitors seasonal staff hours and wages paid.
* Ensure proper utilization and maintenance of all department recreational equipment.
* Determines equipment needs and develops recommendations for Committee and/or Council action.
* Works with the Facilities Maintenance Sub-foreman and other Public Works staff to develop and implement proper preventive maintenance programs to ensure proper use and prompt repair of all equipment.
* Assist with the coordination of plans and specifications and bid documents for major equipment purchases.
* Coordinates and attends Parks & Recreation Committee meetings. Attends Common Council and other community organization meetings as requested.
* Performs required administrative duties including budget preparation, budget review, grant writing, and personnel-related issues.
* Manages funding sources for the department including grants, donation programs, fees and charges, sponsorship, and other funding sources.
* Coordinates with other departments on grant writing for parks projects.
* Directs the development and implementation of policies and procedures for the department.
* Coordinates with Department of Public Works on parks construction projects.
* Plans, organizes, and directs the operations to include but not be limited to the Bretting Community Center, and all other recreational facilities and properties.
* Stay abreast of developments in Parks and Recreation within the State of Wisconsin by attending State/National conventions and conferences and attending classes that are related to the field as directed and as the budget permits.
* Use public relation skills to coordinate marketing efforts and develop cooperative planning and working relationships within the City government and local agencies and organizations interested in local parks and recreation issues.
* Other duties as requested or assigned.
Physical and Work Environment
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met in order for an individual to successfully fulfill the essential functions of the position of Parks and Recreation Director. Reasonable accommodations may be offered to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The duties of this job include physical activities such as stooping, kneeling, standing, reaching, walking, lifting (up to 25 pounds), and grasping, talking and hearing/listening, seeing/observing, and repetitive motions.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a Parks and Recreation Director may encounter while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
* The noise and lighting levels can vary depending on the activity in the facility.
* Temperatures in the facility usually maintain a comfortable setting.
* The employee may be exposed to dust, dirt, and fumes from cleaning materials, and high noise levels.
* Work is primarily in an office setting which requires the frequent use of personal computer and various software programs, calculator, telephone, copy machine, and fax machine.
* Travel to employees’ job sites and City parks/trails is essential throughout the year.
* Occasional work outdoors will expose the employee to outside weather conditions such as extreme cold, extreme heat, wet, or humid conditions.
* The employee may occasionally be required to negotiate semi-rough or rough terrain.
* This is a full-time 40-hour salary-based exempt position and shall include all aspects of the duties outlined in this position description.
* Days and hours may vary throughout the year depending on needs.
* The City has a robust benefits package and is a participating employer of the WI Retirement System/Employee Trust Funds.
* Benefits include health, dental, and life insurance, flex benefits cafeteria plan (HSA/FSA), and income continuation insurance (similar to short/long term disability).
Qualifications
Education/Training:
* Bachelor’s degree in Parks and Recreation Administration, Natural Resources Management or closely related field, or equivalent work experience required.
* At least 5 years’ experience in a related field of expertise.
* An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. Certified Parks and Recreational Professional (CPRP) or willingness to become a certified CPRP (and maintain certification) within 1 year of hire.
* Certification as a CPR/First Aid or willingness to become certified in CPR/First Aid (and maintain certification) within 90 days of hire.
* Experience with youth, recreational programming, and supervision of employees.
* Accounting experience related to tracking program revenues and expenditures.
* Government experience preferred. Experience with Federal, State and local grants required.
* Valid Wisconsin driver’s license with an acceptable (insurable) driving record.
Salary/Salary Range
$60,000 - $70,000
Apply To
Application Package Instructions: Please download our official application via the City’s website and email the completed application package to jobs@coawi.org. Printed copies are also welcome to be mailed to: City of Ashland, ATTN: Human Resources, 601 Main Street West Ashland, WI 54806. Only full application packages will be considered.
Application Package Requirements:
* Cover Letter
* Resume
* Official City of Ashland Application
Closing Date
April 8, 2025
Date Posted
March 18, 2025
Wisconsin Park and Recreation Association
6737 W. Washington St., Suite 4210
Milwaukee, WI 53214
Phone: 414-423-1210
office@wpraweb.org
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