Description

Responsible for planning, organizing and directing the work of the Parks and Recreation Department.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

DUTIES

• Plan, organize, and direct the development of parks and recreation programs and facilities to meet the needs of the community.
• Coordinate the department’s activities with other local agencies and meet with groups, organizations and individuals to discuss parks and recreation programs and facilities that need improvements.
• Coordinate departmental training and utilization of personnel.
• Coordinate and cooperate with other City departments to effectively and efficiently provide total City services to the public.
• Develop and implement strategies to secure both City and non-City funding as necessary to accomplish the business and service objectives of the City, as related to parks and recreation department functions.
• Prepare annual reports and maintain permanent records for evaluation.
• Attend and participate in public functions and meetings to explain and promote departmental programs.
• Plan and develop policies for the operation and maintenance of the various departmental facilities including parks, recreation centers, civic centers, swimming pools, athletic facilities, and horticultural and gardening areas and street medians.
• Coordinate with and advise the Parks and Recreation Board on programs, facilities, maintenance and capital improvements; plan, coordinate, and administer capital improvements, federal grants, and aides.
• Coordinate activities between the Denton Independent School District and the City of Denton regarding joint utilization of school and community facilities.
• Provide leadership to innovative approaches.
• Coordinate the City’s Capital Improvements Program (CIP) which includes the planning and construction of new City facilities.
• Work with other community groups or agencies to ensure they are adequately informed about our services; develop and maintain cooperative arrangements with these groups.
• Evaluate current organizational and community needs and make suggestions for modifications within our organization to better serve the citizens of Denton.
• Coordinate, chair, and participate in various internal and external committees.
• Solve problems and address citizens’ concerns that arise from citizens, City Council, City management, City staff, or outside groups or agencies.
• Develop and recommend short and long-range plans and programs for the entire parks and recreation department.
• Develop and approve subordinates’ recommendations regarding organizations procedures and guidelines; assure full distribution, understanding, and integration of adopted procedures and guidelines within the department.

SUPERVISORY/BUDGET RESPONSIBILITIES

• Select, train, supervise, and evaluate staff; recommend assignment/assignment change, retention, discipline, and dismissal.
• Develop, manage, and monitor budget; maintain accurate budget reporting; ensure that operations are cost-effective, and funds are managed wisely. 

OTHER DUTIES

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.  

SAFETY

• Ensure equipment is in safe operating condition; perform preventive maintenance on tools and equipment, as appropriate and/or notify leadership immediately of needed repairs.  
• Follow established safety procedures and techniques to perform job duties, including lifting and climbing; operate tools and equipment according to established safety procedures.
• Promptly report unsafe conditions in the work area and/or any conditions that are not immediately correctable to leadership.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Safety Sensitive (Subject to random drug testing): No. 
• Standard office equipment, including computer and peripherals; use of motor vehicle.  
• Posture: Prolonged sitting and standing; occasional stooping, squatting, kneeling, bending, pushing/pulling, and twisting. 
• Motion: Frequent repetitive hand motions, including keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching. 
• Lifting: Lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds). 
• Environment: Works in an office setting; occasionally outside with exposure to sun, heat, cold, humidity, and inclement weather, noise, dust, no/low light, insects, poison oak/ivy, debris, confined spaces, mold, chemicals, odors, heights, potentially hazardous conditions, steep slopes, uneven ground, and rough terrain; occasionally requires irregular and/or prolonged hours. 
• Travel: Travel to City of Denton buildings and professional meetings as required. 
• Attendance: Regular and punctual attendance at the worksite is required for this position. Must be able to work after normal business hours, holidays, and weekends, as needed.  Must be able to work overtime, as needed.  Must attend regularly scheduled and special meetings.
• Mental Demands: Maintains emotional control under stress; works with frequent interruptions. 

CORE VALUES

• Inclusion 
• Collaboration 
• Quality Service 
• Strategic Focus 
• Fiscal Responsibility  

TOP TIER BENEFITS

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage in addition to life and disability insurance plans  
• Employee Health Clinic  
• Paid Vacation Days and Paid Holidays
• Retirement Plan  

EEO STATEMENT  

The City of Denton is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the City of Denton to prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to any protected class, status, characteristic, or activity. All employment decisions, including decisions regarding recruitment, selection, hiring, compensation, benefits, training, advancement, discipline, discharge, and other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment are made without regard to any lawfully protected class, status, characteristic, or activity.  

ADA/EOE/ADEA
 
This job description is not an employment agreement, contract agreement, or contract.  Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.  

E-Verify: The City of Denton participates in the federal E-Verify program in order to verify a new employee's authorization to work in the United States. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work in the U.S. 

Requirements

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

• Master’s Degree from an accredited college of university in Parks and Recreation Management, Public Administration or related field; and,
• Five (5) years’ experience in business administration, public administration, local government, parks & recreation, or related field; and, 
• Three (3) years’ experience in a management or supervisory capacity;

OR            

• Any combination of related education, experience, certifications and licenses that will result in a candidate successfully performing the essential functions of the job.

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES

• An individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The list below represents the knowledge, skill, and/or ability to perform this job successfully: 
• Knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and Local Government laws, ordinances, and regulations. 
• Knowledge of project management principles, including the ability to review and recommend project improvements based on scope and budget. 
• Knowledge of effective research-based strategies, theories, techniques, and methodologies.  
• Skill in analyzing, researching, interpreting, and understanding policies, laws, and regulations and to provide workable recommendations and solutions that maintain compliance. 
• Skill in complex problem solving; identifying problems and reviewing related information to develop, evaluate options, and implement solutions.  
• Skill at the intermediate level, working with applicable Microsoft Office 365 products, and other software systems to complete work.  
• Skill in providing exceptional service to internal and external customers.  
• Skill in interpersonal relationships, including using tact, patience, and courtesy.  
• Ability to communicate effectively, both in oral and written forms, for the needs of the audience. 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective interpersonal relationships. 
• Ability to handle records and complex situations of a confidential nature.  
• Ability to handle difficult and stressful situations with professional composure and confidentiality.  
• Ability to work independently and/or with team environment while handling multiple tasks and changing priorities with attention to detail.  
• Ability to support controversial positions, negotiation of sensitive issues and/or presentations with internal and external stakeholders.  
• Ability to motivate, mentor, and train through direct and indirect influence to promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.  
• Ability to develop, understand, interpret, and apply rules, policies, and procedures operations.  
• Ability to prepare budget documentation and to monitor expenditures to implement fiscal control and maintain budget compliance. 

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Must have and maintain a valid Class “C” Driver’s License and valid state required minimum automobile liability insurance prior to employment (must obtain Texas Class “C” driver’s license and state required minimum automobile liability insurance within 90 days of hire per state law).
• Must pass a drug test, driver’s license check, criminal history background check, employment history verification, and social security number verification.