Operations Director

Responsible for the complete administration of maintenance, safety, planning and development of public parks and recreation facilities.  Areas of responsibility include city landscaping, cemetery maintenance, park, facilities and trail maintenance, urban forestry, natural resource management and risk management.  Responsible for project management, supervision of personnel and budget development and management. 
Responsible for asset management of division facilities. Including construction management, overseeing maintenance and repairs and managing asset replacement plan. Prepares and submits capital improvement recommendations.  Maintains a department Capital Improvement Plan recording investments in each facility and projections of future capital needs.
 
Prepares and submits division portion of annual budget request, administers division portion of budget upon approval.  
 
Manages the project design process for departmental projects including the development of Requests for Proposals, facilitating public comment, formulating scope of work, negotiating fees and contractual requirements, coordinating the selection of design consultants and review, preparation of contractual materials and exhibits for Park Board and various City Commission approvals, approval and processing of contract billings, payments and changes in scope of work as required. Obtains or consults with contractors to secure proper permits for projects.
 
Manages project construction for assigned departmental projects by serving as construction inspector, attending progress meetings, reviewing, processing and approving change orders, applications for payment, shop drawings and other documents.  
Serves as department representative on a variety of inter-departmental committees including the Development Review Committee (DRC), and Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). Conveys Department position regarding potential impact and public need for park services for most private developments submitted to the City and County Planning departments.
 
Oversees, supervises and directs full time professional Division staff, including hiring, training and regularly evaluating employee performance.
 
Administers and manages the Park and Recreation Department’s comprehensive risk management program per NRPA CAPRA accreditation standards.
Serves as the department’s point of contact for evaluation and remediation of environmentally contaminated park/project sites either owned or considered for purchase by the department.
 
Takes all reasonable steps to maintain a safe work environment.
 
Evaluates and prepares grant opportunities such as from Community Development Block Grants, Land and Water Conservation Fund, and the State Alterative Transportation program.
  
On a rotation with the other Division Directors, performs duties of the Parks Administrator in his/her absence.
 
Occasionally travels to state, regional and national meetings and workshops.
 
Performs related duties as required.Bachelor of Science Degree in Parks and Recreation Administration, Landscaping Architecture, Urban and Environmental Planning, Park and Resources Management, or related field .or equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential duties of the position required, master’s degree preferred.
 
Minimum experience of five years in Parks and Recreation.
 
Knowledge of the full range of theories and principles accepted in the field of park and recreation administration, development and operation/maintenance, risk management, general construction, and park design standards.  
 
Knowledge of the principles and techniques of budgeting. Ability to prepare and maintain accurate financial records and reports.
 
Ability to interpret and understand construction blueprints.
 
Knowledge of department functions and ability to direct division related operations and staff consistent with program goals.
 
Ability to legally operate a motor vehicle.
Work is performed primarily in a modern office environment, though frequent travel is required within the community to the various facilities that the division operates.   Position holder is often required to work during evenings and weekends and makes frequent presentations.  
 
Responsibilities require outdoor work in inclement weather.
 
Maintains flexible schedule, being on call as needed. Attends park board and related meetings as requested.  Note:   On Call implies that other than time off I must be reachable and be able to respond to a call or incident.  The Operations Superintendent has this responsibility currently.  If called I do answer the phone and try to remedy the situation but I see this being different than a requirement that this position be “On call” 24/7.


Maintains frequent contact with department administrator, staff, other city departments, consultants, local, state, and federal officials, and members of the general public for the purpose of coordinating the acquisition, development, and operation/maintenance of parks and facilities.  Contact also assist with the addressing risk management responsibilities, solving citizen complaints, and implementing Department policies. Incumbent needs to express thoughts and ideas in a clear and effective manner, both orally and in writing.