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Parks Director Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

City of Waukee

Parks Laborer - Seasonal

Waukee, IA · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Work efficiently and safely with little direct supervision. Understand and internalize the ... Uphold the Waukee Parks & Recreation Mission Statement with integrity and professionalism.

American Cruise Lines

Travel Director

Davenport, IA · On-site

Travel Director/Adventure Guide - National Parks American Cruise Lines is seeking Travel Directors to join our shipboard team for the 2026 cruising season. The Travel Director role is responsible for ...

American Cruise Lines

Travel Director

Davenport, IA · On-site

Travel Director/Adventure Guide - National Parks American Cruise Lines is seeking Travel Directors to join our shipboard team for the 2026 cruising season. The Travel Director role is responsible for ...

Genesis Health Clubs

Aquatic Director

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$40K - $52K/yr

Prepare and discuss weekly aquatic report with aquatic director * Promote all classes and events ... We now operate a family of brands that includes trampoline parks, water parks, ice skating rinks ...

Genesis Health Clubs

Maintenance Director

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$40K - $60K/yr

We now operate a family of brands that includes trampoline parks, water parks, ice skating rinks, meal prep services, and baseball tournament venues. But we're more than just a gym, we're a movement ...

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Parks Director information

What does a parks director do?

A Parks Director is responsible for managing and overseeing the operations, maintenance, and improvement of public parks and recreation facilities within a city or municipality. Their duties include planning and implementing recreational programs, managing budgets, supervising staff, and ensuring parks are safe, clean, and accessible to the public. They also collaborate with community organizations and government agencies to enhance park services and facilities, promoting community engagement and outdoor recreation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a parks director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Parks Director, you need expertise in public administration, park management, budgeting, and typically a degree in parks and recreation management or a related field. Familiarity with facility management software, GIS mapping tools, and relevant certifications like CPRP (Certified Park and Recreation Professional) are often required. Strong leadership, communication, and community engagement skills help build consensus and manage diverse teams. These abilities are essential for ensuring safe, sustainable, and well-maintained parks that meet community needs.

What are some common challenges a parks director faces in balancing community needs and budget constraints?

A Parks Director often encounters the challenge of meeting diverse community expectations for recreational facilities, green spaces, and programs while working within limited municipal budgets. This requires prioritizing projects, seeking alternative funding sources like grants or partnerships, and engaging with the public to ensure resources are allocated effectively. Successful Parks Directors are proactive in fostering collaboration with stakeholders and transparent in communicating decisions, helping to build community trust and maximize impact.

What is the difference between Parks Director vs Recreation Coordinator?

AspectParks DirectorRecreation Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's degree in parks and recreation, public administration, or related field; often requires experience in park managementAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in recreation, leisure studies, or related field; certification may be preferred
Work EnvironmentOversees parks, facilities, and staff; manages budgets and policiesCoordinates recreational programs and activities; works directly with community members
Employer & IndustryMunicipal parks departments, government agenciesCommunity centers, parks, recreational facilities

The Parks Director typically holds a higher-level management role, overseeing entire park systems and staff, while the Recreation Coordinator focuses on planning and implementing recreational programs. Both roles require related credentials and work within public recreation settings, but the Parks Director has broader administrative responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Parks jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Parks jobs in Iowa are:

What job categories do people searching Parks Director jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Parks Director jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Parks Director jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Parks Director job openings:

Parks Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Parks Director job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Parks Laborer - Seasonal

City of Waukee

Waukee, IA • On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Assist in maintenance and repair of park facilities, including mowing, brush cutting, tree trimming, landscape maintenance, watering, weed eating, and trash pick-up.

  • Perform routine maintenance on buildings, restrooms, structures, and grounds, including cleaning, sanitizing, painting, shingling, weatherizing, and other repairs.

  • Participate in park construction and maintenance activities as required.

Job description

JOB PURPOSE The City of Waukee is looking for Parks Laborers to assist the Full Time staff in development, operation and maintenance of parkland, park facilities and bike trails. Duration: 2 to 3 months Tentative Start Date: September Work Hours: Up to 40 hours per week Work Schedule: Weekdays: 7:00am - 3:30pm Weekends: Some weekend hours Possible Holidays Flexibility depends on Parks needs. Wages: $17.00 - $19.00 Must be 18 years of age

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & SUCCESS FACTORS ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (Order of Essential Functions does not indicate importance of functions.) Assists in maintenance and repair of park facilities including mowing, cutting of brush and trimming of trees, landscape maintenance, watering, weed eating, and trash pick-up. Performs routine maintenance on buildings, restrooms, structures, and grounds including cleaning and sanitizing restrooms, painting, shingling, weatherizing and other miscellaneous repairs and maintenance. Participates in park construction and maintenance activities as required

Keeps equipment, shop and storage areas clean and well-maintained. Reports any damaged or broken safety or mechanical equipment or vandalism to the appropriate supervisor. Performs other duties or assumes other responsibilities as apparent or assigned.

SUCCESS FACTORS: Create and participate in a team environment. Display honesty, trustworthiness, dependability and respectfulness at all times. Display willingness to listen and learn.

Show initiative to seek other work upon completion of a task. Perform work in a safe manner complying with all applicable safety rules, regulations and procedures while protecting self and all others from injury. Work efficiently and safely with little direct supervision.

Understand and internalize the importance of seeking resolution to problems and concerns by bringing them to the direct attention of supervisor in a timely manner. Uphold the Waukee Parks & Recreation Mission Statement with integrity and professionalism. Attentive to the City's standards for customer service, accuracy, quality, efficiency and all City policies and procedures ensuring that all work performed meets those standards.

QUALIFICATIONS QUALIFICATIONS: High school diploma or GED preferred. Must be 18 years of age. Must possess a valid Iowa Driver's License and meets the requirements of the City's motor vehicle policy.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Able to lift, carry, push and pull up to 50 pounds and frequently lift and/or move more than 100 pounds. Able to spend the majority of work related time outdoors. Able to maneuver in undeveloped areas on uneven surfaces for up to one mile in various types of weather.

Able to effectively communicate orally (in person and over the telephone) and in writing (using electronic devices and handwritten) in English with other employees, vendors and the community. WORKING CONDITIONS: Position requires outdoor work where heat, cold, precipitation, and the results of weather and nature may be encountered. During summer months outside temperatures can be over 100 degrees for entire scheduled work day.

During different job duties the noise inside or outside can become very loud May be exposed daily to odors, dusts and gasses that may be uncomfortable or hazardous if proper procedures are not followed. Position requires travel within and outside of the City which imposes common travel hazards. Standard work hours will be Monday - Friday 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM with additional evening or weekend hours as required.

To successfully fulfill the essential functions of this position, employee must maintain standard work hours within Waukee Public Works Building. There is no residency requirement for this position.

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