Job Summary

The Director of Parks is a full-time managerial, administrative, and professional position which oversees the administration and operations of the Village of Pleasant Prairie Parks Division’s wide ranging activities. The Director of Parks leads the planning, directing and coordinating of the maintenance of Village Parks and facilities, green spaces and athletic fields. This individual is responsible for identifying and implementing strategic methods of operation which will improve processes leading to the success of the organization. As a key member of the leadership team, this individual reports directly to the Village Administrator and Executive Director of Infrastructure Management and serves as an important contributor to the strategic direction of the Park Department. This position is scheduled Monday – Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. but requires regular attendance of applicable meetings, conferences, trainings, and Village-sponsored events.

Job Duties

• Accountable for the establishment and evaluation of departmental strategies and goals. Ensures that departmental goals and objectives are in alignment with Village wide goals and objectives.
• Plans, organizes, directs and controls activities of the Parks Department; providing leadership to reporting managers, and ensuring overall objectives are met on a consistent basis.
• Reviews and approves plans for projects according to the Master Plan strategy involving output, budget, labor and materials efficiencies, operational effectiveness, service, and utilization.
• Assists with the preparation, implementation and updating of the five-year Park and Open Space Plan.
• Works with Friends of Pleasant Prairie Parks to generate outside funding sources for park projects.
• Representative at the Park Commission meetings.
• Prepares bid specifications and documents for various capital construction projects.  Review bids and make recommendations to the Village Board based on best bids, competency of vendors and the selection criteria. Administer and monitor the work performance of approved contractors and conduct final walk-throughs.
• Accountable for long term maintenance, planning, and preventive maintenance programs.
• Responsible for managing the overall success of maintenance scheduling and completion of priority projects, park facility maintenance and inspections, the playground and park safety program, and special events/activities.
• Manages Parks budget inclusive of annual forecasting, actuals and monitoring to ensure strict adherence according to board approved plans.
• Prepares and manages grant applications for local, state, federal, and other aids for development and maintenance of parks and trail facilities.
• Manages the purchasing of departmental supplies, services and equipment in accordance with the Village’s purchasing policy.
• Works in coordination with all internal departments to reach overall strategic objectives of the Village.
• Ensures compliance with various federal, state and county laws and regulations regards parks operations. Must understand and implement Village policies and procedures, and Village codes and ordinances.
• Exercises significant discretion in developing, implementing, and enforcing policies and procedures necessary for the effective management and operation of the Parks Department.
• Receives input from community groups, neighborhood groups, and individuals regarding parks and recreation needs and utilizes such input for overall planning and evaluation.
• Adheres to and enforces OSHA safety procedures and safe work practices to ensure safe, effective, and efficient procedures are practiced by employees.
• Performs other duties and special assignments as directed within the scope of the Village and Parks Department.

Physical Requirements

• Requires frequent public interaction and the ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
• Primarily works in an office environment with noise level quiet to moderate.
• Occasionally requires movement about the Village of Pleasant Prairie boundary, worksites, and office spaces that will require regular standing, walking, sitting, pushing, pulling, stooping, crouching, kneeling, climbing, lifting and/or carrying a range of weight up to 85 pounds.
• May require the occassional exposure to an outdoor environment, in hazardous conditions, or in enclosed spaces for extended periods of time with potential exposure to noxious odors and smells, poor ventilation, wet or muddy areas, wind, precipitation, and high and low temperatures.
• Requires the capability to perform the essential job functions at a safe level with reasonable accommodations.

Requirements - educational, certifications and experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Park or Recreation Administration, Landscape Architecture, Natural Resource Management, Public Administration, or closely related field. Master’s Degree is preferred.
• Seven (7) years progressively responsible experience in parks/recreation maintenance and/or operations management.
• Three (3) years management experience, including departmental budgets.
• Solid understanding of modern management and leadership practices relating to the parks, recreation and leisure field, and the philosophy and principles of public parks and recreation services.
• Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) required; or ability to acquire within two (2) years of hire.
• Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) required; or ability to acquire within one (1) year of hire.
• Ability to develop and maintain working relationships with agencies, businesses and communities.
• Thorough knowledge of programs, laws, and processes required in municipal parks, recreation, and administration.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles and methods of parks and recreation planning and development.
• Considerable knowledge of land use ordinances, recreational, and parks needs.
• Valid driver’s license required; Commercial Driver’s License Class B with air brake endorsements preferred.
• Wisconsin Pesticide Applicators License required, or ability to acquire within six (6) months of employment.
• Ability to complete and maintain certification for First Aid – CPR training within six (6) months of employment.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving skills, and solid decision-making ability.
• Strong oral communication and interpersonal skills for working with a diverse population including employees, public officials, and the general public.
• Strong written communication skills for writing grants, reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and organizational communications.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• An equivalent combination of experience, education, and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered.

Village of Pleasant Prairie is an Equal Opportunity Employer.