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Parks Director

Job

City of Federal Way

Federal Way, WA (In Person)

Full-Time

Posted 2 weeks ago (Updated 1 week ago) • Actively hiring

Expires 6/12/2026

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Job Description

•The first review of applications will be on June 1st• Under the direction of the Mayor and City Administrator, oversee the Parks Department including staffing and budget; plan, organize and direct the acquisition and development of parks; manage the operation, maintenance and development of the City's comprehensive Parks and Recreation programs, services, and facilities. Plan, organize, direct, and evaluate the City's Parks function; supervise and manage the operation, maintenance and development of the City's comprehensive Parks and Recreation programs, services and facilities, including leisure time programs, cultural arts, parks, municipal buildings, special population groups, municipal and open space programs and the coordination of services for City residents in need. Establish department goals, objectives, and priorities; set goals and performance criteria for divisions within the department; monitor and measure attainment of objectives and goals; implement corrective actions in project phases and objectives as necessary. Oversee design of parks facilities; plan, organize, and direct the acquisition and development of land necessary for expansion of parks; manage open space acquisition negotiations. Implement and coordinate the development and revision of the City's Parks, Recreation and Open Space Comprehensive Plan; develop and implement strategies to execute the Plan. Supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned staff; interview and select employees; provide training for staff to maintain current professional knowledge and skills; recommend transfers, reassignment, termination, and disciplinary actions as appropriate within established guidelines. Evaluate situations to determine consultant requirements; select consultants and negotiate contracts; oversee and coordinate special projects; administer contracts for services according to established guidelines; assure that contracted services are provided efficiently and effectively. Prepare annual budget recommendations for the department; analyze and review budgetary and financial data; develop purchasing and budgetary policies and guidelines for the department; control and authorize expenditures in accordance with established limitations. Analyze community needs and demographics, and develop appropriate programs, facilities, and services; organize and allocate departmental resources to provide optimum services in a timely and efficient manner. Meet with and provide technical expertise, information, and assistance to the Mayor, Council, advisory commissions, contractors, and other groups regarding assigned functions; assist as needed in the formulation and development of administrative policies, procedures and programs. Prepare a variety of narrative and statistical reports, records, and files related to departmental operations, activities, budgets, contracts, grants, insurance claims, committees, and departmental goals and objectives. Serve as a member of the Management Team, task forces, and committees participating in the City's strategic planning efforts in addressing City-wide policy and management issues. Present departmental issues and recommendations to the Mayor and City Council. Coordinate Department activities with those of other City departments and offices to assure a consistent approach towards common projects and interests. Prepare and write grants, reports, policies, and procedures; develop, implement, and enforce the comprehensive Parks and Recreation Plan and Trails Master Plan. Enforce a variety of policies, regulations, and procedures regarding the operation and use of parks and recreation facilities; assure compliance with established City and departmental policies. Develop and implement programs for special population groups, including senior citizens' activities and programs and services for the disabled and disadvantaged. Handle emergency or crisis situations; may be required to perform emergency care. Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance. Any combination of education and experience equivalent to bachelor's degree in Parks and Recreation Administration or related field and eight (8) years increasingly responsible experience in a broad range of municipal parks, recreation and human services programs and operations, including contract management and at least three (3) years in a supervisory capacity.
Licenses and other requirements:
Successful completion of employment reference and background check. Valid Washington driver's license.
Knowledge of:
Modern principles and practices related to the planning and administration of comprehensive municipal parks, recreation, and human services programs Community needs, resources and issues related to parks, recreation and human services operations, programs and activities Modern principles and practices related to the maintenance and renovation of parks and building facilities Acquisition process as applied to parks and municipal open spaces and facilities Grant application development and completion, funding sources, and related legislation City and governmental purchasing policies, procedures, and requirements Budget planning, development, and control Principles and practices of administration, supervision, and training Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy Local governmental organization, operations, policies, and objectives Laws, codes, regulations, and City policies governing the operation and use of parks and recreation facilities Oral and written communication skills Ability to: Plan, organize, and direct the operation, maintenance and development of the City's comprehensive Parks and Recreation programs, services and facilities and Human Services programs Develop and implement a variety of recreation programs and services which meet community needs Assist City administrators and elected officials and provide technical expertise regarding parks, recreation and human services facilities, services, programs and operations Develop and maintain productive relationships with elected officials, business leaders, advisory boards, the news media and the general public Supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned staff Negotiate and administer contracts with outside vendors and service providers Resolve conflicts and gain cooperation among competing interest groups Plan, develop, and administer an annual operating budget and long-range Capital Improvement Programs Research, evaluate, and determine present and future City space and facilities maintenance needs and parks and recreation service delivery system needs Prepare, submit, and administer grant applications Read, interpret, apply, and explain codes, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action Meet schedules and time lines Prepare comprehensive narrative and statistical reports Direct the maintenance of a variety of records and files related to parks, recreation and human services operations, activities, and budgets Prepare and deliver oral presentations Work long, irregular hours including evenings and weekends Physical ability to perform the essential job functions Demonstrated ability to positively and effectively interact with diverse individuals to accomplish a common goal Work closely with elected leadership
Environmental Conditions/Physical Effort:
Work is performed primarily in an office environment and may require travel to a variety of locations to attend meetings or perform site visit work. Performs sedentary work exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.

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