Director of Parks and Recreation

Responsible for the Parks and Recreation Department, including but not limited to recreation facilities, parks/open spaces, special events, youth programs, and leisure/fitness activities. Responsible for quality-of-life opportunities for our citizens; provision of green space for future generations; and ensuring resources support the local economy through sport and recreation tourism. Director shall create policy and procedures to ensure the orderly, safe and customer-friendly operation of all city parks and recreational facilities . Starting annual pay $109,190+, commensurate with qualifications/experience. Provided benefits include but are not limited to health insurance, group life insurance, wellness program, and CERS retirement through Kentucky Retirement Systems. Paid time off includes vacation, sick time, and holidays (for eligible employees). Primary Essential Function(s) include but not limited to:

• Directs and oversees operations of 25 city parks, 960 plus acres of City owned property, the Parks and Recreation Administrative Center, Ben Hawes Golf Course, Hillcrest Golf Course, City Ice Rink, 2 City swimming pools, Jack C.

Fisher Park Complex, Dugan Best Recreation Center, Moreland Tennis Complex, Owensboro Tennis Complex, Travis Aubrey Skate Park, Smothers Park, 3 Spray Parks and Adkisson Greenbelt Park divisions

• Develops, maintains, and implements long-range plans, annual objectives, and departmental budget
• Manages operations of the Enterprise Fund Accounts, including Ben Hawes Golf Course, Hillcrest Golf Course, Ice Rink, Cravens Pool, Combest Pool, Jack C. Fisher Park Complex, Centre Court Tennis Facility; and operations of the General Fund Accounts Parks Administrative Center, Parks Maintenance, Dugan Best Recreation Center, Youth, Smothers and Sports
• Reviews and approves plans, technical reports, budget estimates, and proposed ordinances and regulations relating to Parks and Recreation
• Develops general policy, in consultation with appropriate department personnel and City officials, for expansion, modification, or discontinuance of various departmental programs
• Develops general rules, regulations, procedures, and policies for department administration

QUALIFICATIONS

(Required at time of application): Bachelor's degree in Recreation, Management, or other job-related field, AND minimum 6 yrs. top-level experience in public parks and recreation. Equivalent amount of education and/or experience is acceptable. Valid driver's license required.

TO APPLY

: Applications must be received no later than Sunday, May 24, 2026. Visit www.owensboro.org . Click "Join Our Team" and the position link. First-time users need to create an account as instructed. If you have questions or wish to confirm receipt of an application, call Elaine Timmel (270) 687-8540 or (888) 616-8540 prior to application deadline. Hearing impaired, call TDD/Voice (270) 687-4459. The City of Owensboro is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. EEO/AA—M/F/V/D ADA accommodation may be requested by calling (270) 687-8542.