Join the City of West Linn as our next Parks and Recreation Director and help shape the spaces, programs, and experiences that bring our community together.
Under general direction from City Manager, plans, organizes and directs the Parks and Recreation Department. Oversees the delivery of parks and natural areas, recreational facilities, and a diversified community recreation and senior services program through short- and long-range planning, development and use of appropriate facilities, evaluation of services and programs, and trained personnel. Supervises staff in recreation program, park maintenance, facilities, and senior services; establishes programs, policies and procedures; develops and administers Parks and Recreation budget.
Examples of Duties:
(An employee in this classification may perform any of the following duties; however, these examples do not include all the specific tasks that an employee may be expected to perform)
As a Department Head, is a leader in the organization in contributing to a positive work environment.
Maintains a positive relationship with contacts specific to them and positions outside the City organization.
Develops, schedules, and implements work projects on a short and long-term basis including maintenance and new construction of parks. Communicates with community to provide proactive information about parks and recreation projects and programs. Supervises support staff including prioritizing and developing work plans, evaluating staff performance, monitoring progress on reports and projects, interpreting policies and procedures, , providing training and development for staff, and making hiring and termination decisions.
Works collaboratively with other City departments to advance projects and sets the tone of collaboration within the Parks and Recreation Department.
Addresses citizen requests and complaints, and resolves issues regarding the Parks and Recreation services and activities. Determine information to be disseminated and the approach for releasing information to the general public.
Serves as part of City Leadership team and relays information to Parks and Recreation Department staff.
Acts as a liaison with the City Manager, other department heads, City advisory board, elected officials, outside agencies, business and community representatives and other organizations regarding parks and recreation related issues.
Works with supervisors to plan, organize and implement programs within areas of responsibilities including stating goals and objectives, short- and long-range work plans, establishing policies and procedures and ensuring quality services.
Provides strategic and operational oversight to the Facilities department to ensure the safe, efficient, and well-maintained operation of City buildings and infrastructure. Coordinates maintenance, repairs and capital improvement activities. Collaborates with internal departments to ensure facilities support the delivery of high-quality public services. Ensures compliance with applicable safety regulations, building codes, and sustainability practices.
Prepares cost estimates, bid specifications and project management for new construction and design.
Prepares the annual Parks and Recreation Departmental budget. Is responsible for monitoring budgetary expenditures and ensuring that expenditures are within the established budget.
Oversees implementation, and enforcement of the City’s Tree Ordinance on City park properties.
Oversees the development and operation of the City’s parks and recreational maintenance and programs.
Oversees the acquisition of parks and maintenance equipment.
Oversees and coordinates short- and long-range planning efforts for parks and recreation facilities and infrastructure including land acquisition, concept plans and development, and system development charges. Oversees contracts including determining services needed, selecting consultants and contractors, working with architects in determining concepts and designs, conducting public processes.
Education and Experience:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Ornamental Horticulture, Park and Recreation Management, Public Administration or related field; seven (7) years of related work experience, including five (5) years in a supervisory capacity. Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the necessary knowledge and abilities is qualifying.
Training:
General familiarity with parks maintenance equipment, tools, materials necessary.
Requires skill in writing and public speaking in a clear, concise and effective manner.
Requires general knowledge of recreation programming, special event management.
Supervision: Received: Work is performed highly independently under direction of the City Manager or designee who gives broad policies and assignments with work reviewed for effectiveness, results obtained, and conformance with established rules and regulations. Exercised: Supervises all employees in the Parks and Recreation Department.
Communication:
Ability to work and communicate with local organizations, city officials, boards and commissions, staff, agencies and the general public.
Ability to effectively communicate with members of the general public, other employees, contractors and residents.
Contact with the City’s residents is oriented in community outreach but includes responding to requests, complaints, and phone inquiries. Attends approximately six (6) meetings per month with neighborhood groups and/or other public meetings. Meets with neighborhood residents before and during construction of new parks and major maintenance/redevelopment activities. Has close association with Athletic Association representatives during recreation season and with youth service groups.
Requires regular communication and coordination with local partners for special events and sponsorships.
Cognitive Functions:
Knowledge of State, Federal and City laws, ordinances, codes and OSHA requirements when supervising the application of: pesticides, installation of irrigation systems, plumbing, electrical and miscellaneous building repairs, equipment operation, etc.
Position has the responsibility for developing procedures, systems and methodologies for implementing Park and Recreation policies and plans.
Provides technical expertise for policy and plan development by Parks and Recreation Board and City Council.
Errors made in the normal course of work could result in citizen complaints, personal injury to staff or patrons, property damage to public or private property or lawsuits. Errors could be made regarding improper or unsafe use of equipment, or poor maintenance of play equipment or park facilities.
Innovation is required in the area of new park construction for landscape and irrigation systems design and installation. Innovative approaches to funding projects is important as well as developing more cost effective methods of providing service.
Working Conditions:
Adverse working conditions include occasional work in inclement weather and exposure to chemicals, nighttime meetings and at times, dissatisfied citizens and staff.
Physical risks exposed to include toxic substances, specialized equipment and some heavy lifting.
Resource Accountability: Administers the Parks and Recreation Department budget.
The job classification description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
The City of West Linn is a great place to live and work. Nestled along the Willamette River and just south of Portland. West Linn was ranked No. 8 out of 50 in Chamber of Commerce's Best Cities to Live in Oregon – 2019. Niche.com votes West Linn No. 2 out of 100 in their 2019 Best Suburbs to Buy a House in Oregon list. With an amazing library, excellent schools and abundance of parks and trails to explore, West Linn is a true gem.