Parks & Recreation Director Government Job Dept-Parks & Recreation Full Time

Under the general supervision of the City Manager, the Parks and Recreation Director provides leadership, direction, and general administrative oversight to the Soldotna Parks and Recreation Department and the employees responsible for the development, maintenance, and operation of the City park system grounds, structures, and programming. Work involves significant community engagement and public involvement with elected officials, other policy makers, and citizens.

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Regular full-time Benefits

• Plans, organizes, directs, controls, and evaluates the work of the Parks and Recreation Department.  Oversees the management of the day-to-day administration of the department, including budget, capital projects, on-going maintenance, recreation, personnel, and customer services activities.
• Works with the Parks and Recreation advisory board, the City Manager, elected officials and other agencies to develop master plans and long-range plans for the acquisition, development, and maintenance of City parks and recreational facilities.  Facilitates and promotes ongoing research into new approaches and trends and recommends implementation of programs responsive to community needs.
• Develops, recommends, and oversees the administration of Parks and Recreation Department policies and guidelines.  Maintains policies and practices in accordance with the organizational needs of the City as well as with applicable federal and State laws, Soldotna Municipal Code, and the Soldotna Municipal Charter.
• Develops and maintains a workforce committed to, and with highly developed competencies in, customer service, results orientation, and teamwork. Appoints, supervises, provides for training and performance evaluation and development, and ensures accountability of Department employees. Establishes and maintains a working environment conducive to positive morale, quality services, and innovation. Provides for the training in, promotion of, and accountability for safe work practices and working conditions for employees. Ensures compliance with Citywide and Department policies and state and federal laws and regulations.
• Oversees all Parks and Recreation programs and projects for the City. Coordinates programs and activities of the Department with other City departments, local and regional agencies, and citizen groups to ensure that programs and activities are in place to meet the needs of all segments of the community. Participates directly in the planning and development of significant projects such as those involving multiple jurisdictions and long-term implementation and ensures these are consistent with the City’s goals and objectives.
• Ensures the financial well-being of the Department by establishing cost control measures and monitoring all fiscal operations of the Department. Prepares biennial operating department budget for submittal to the City Manager, and justifies budget requests and amendments. Ensures the efficient and economical use of departmental funds, manpower, materials, facilities and time. 
• Provides for staff support of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.
• Provides information and advice at the request of the City Manager on strategic planning and accomplishment of City goals and objectives. Coordinates the Department’s activities with those of other City departments and offices to ensure a consistent approach towards common projects and interests and the cost-effective delivery of services.
• Works under applicable federal, State, and local regulation and protection measures for protection of natural resources such as riparian habitat and forestland under the City’s jurisdiction. Represents the City before regulatory agencies which interface with the work of the Department.
• Other duties as assigned by the City Manager.

• Knowledge of municipal parks and recreation administration processes and management.
• Knowledge of Parks and Recreation Department work and operations, and maintenance of park lands, facilities, and community infrastructure.
• Knowledge of City legislative processes, fiscal and budget management processes, and applicable administrative policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, State, and local laws and regulations, including development regulations affecting the work of the Department.
• Excellent interpersonal skills for establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with staff, other departments, elected officials, the media, and the public.
• Highly effective team-building and leadership skills including consensus-building to resolve conflicts, negotiate agreements and gain cooperation among competing interests.
• Strong business and financial management skills.
• Skilled in problem analysis and decision making, adaptability/flexibility, and stress tolerance in a highly visible public environment.
• Excellent strategic planning, organizing, and time management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills including public presentations.
• Ability to conduct self at all times in an ethical, professional and respectful manner.
• Ability to work independently under general policy and strategic guidance.
• Ability to maintain consistent and punctual attendance.

Bachelor’s degree in parks and recreation, public administration, program management or a related field, and five (5) years progressively responsible experience in parks and recreation administration.  

Any combination of relevant education and experience which clearly demonstrates the knowledge, skill, and ability to perform the essential functions of the job will be considered.

Must have and maintain a valid Alaska driver’s license. Must have and maintain a good driving record.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: The work environment is typically in an indoor office setting and in public meeting rooms, adequately heated, lighted, and ventilated, although the employee must sometimes perform work out doors and in unsanitary or hazardous conditions.  Work duties will also require travel to other locations.  Duties are occasionally performed outdoors in a varied working environment, typically during day but occasionally in darkness, and sometimes in inclement weather and in extreme temperatures.  The employee is required to drive a vehicle and may be exposed to significant levels of noise as well as work in a facility where the use of chemicals is common.  Safety equipment will be provided to protect the employee and must be used in accordance with best practices, federal and state laws, and City/Department policies and operating procedures.  May be required to work extended hours including evenings and weekends.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, use hands, fingers, handle, feel or operate objects.  The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.  Employee must communicate clearly and effectively both orally, in person as well as on a telephone, and in writing.  Specific vision requirements include close, distance and peripheral vision, the ability to adjust focus, and the ability to judge distances and spatial relationships.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and is frequently required to drive to other locations.  

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

The City of Soldotna is an equal opportunity employer. Employment is based on qualifications free of personal and political considerations, with equal opportunity for all with no discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, changes in marital status, pregnancy, parenthood, genetic information or any other basis prohibited by law.