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Parks Director Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

City of Salem, OR

Parks Maintenance Operator

Salem, OR · On-site

$28.84 - $35.09/hr

Parks Maintenance Operators direct the work of volunteers, inmate labor, or community service workers. Additional information on job responsibilities: * Maintain facilities such as playground ...

City of Salem

Parks Maintenance Operator

Salem, OR · On-site

$28.84 - $35.09/hr

Parks Maintenance Operators direct the work of volunteers, inmate labor, or community service workers. Additional information on job responsibilities: Maintain facilities such as playground equipment ...

CITY OF LINCOLN CITY

Lifeguard

Lincoln City, OR · On-site

$15.55 - $18.05/hr

Part-Time Lifeguard Parks and Recreation Department--Community Center Non-Represented/No Benefits ... Questions about the recruitment should be directed to: Nina Graham, Human Resources Supervisor ...

American Cruise Lines

Travel Director

The Dalles, OR · 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

The Dalles, OR

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 ...

CITY OF LINCOLN CITY

Lifeguard

Lincoln City, OR · On-site

$15.55 - $18.05/hr

Description Part-Time Lifeguard Parks and Recreation Department--Community Center Non-Represented ... Questions about the recruitment should be directed to: Nina Graham, Human Resources Supervisor ...

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Parks Director information

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 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 most commonly searched types of Parks jobs in Oregon? The most popular types of Parks jobs in Oregon are:
What are popular job titles related to Parks Director jobs in Oregon? For Parks Director jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Parks Director jobs in Oregon look for? The top searched job categories for Parks Director jobs in Oregon are:
What cities in Oregon are hiring for Parks Director jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Parks Director job openings:
Parks Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Parks Director job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Parks & Recreation Director

CITY OF LINCOLN CITY

Lincoln City, OR • On-site

$117K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 hours ago

Job description

Description
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Parks and Recreation Director
Annual Salary: $117,582 - $150,093
Plus excellent benefits
Full Time--Non-Union/Exempt
This position will remain open until filled, with a first look at applications on August 5, 2026.
Under the general supervision of the City Manager, the Parks and Recreation Director manages, directs and coordinates the activities of the Parks, Open Space and Recreation Department which includes parks planning, wetlands, beach accesses and open spaces, parks maintenance and forestry program areas. Coordinates activities with other city departments and outside agencies. Serves as an advocate for the City's parks and open space systems and provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the City Manager. The Director supervises department personnel and volunteers, through subordinate supervisors, in the performance of their duties, and communicates with the public in matters of safety and concern related to parks and recreation functions.
This is an on-site position based in Lincoln City, Oregon, and is an at-will employment relationship.
TO APPLY:
  • Complete the City's online application at www.lincolncity.org
  • Résumé required
  • Cover letter required-include a cover letter with your résumé that explains your interest in the position and highlights your qualifications

All required items must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on August 5, 2026 to be included in the first application review process.
Questions about the recruitment should be directed to:
Abigail Edwards, Director of Human Resources
aedwards@lincolncityor.gov
541-996-1201
Requirements
JOB QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS: Requires the equivalent of a four-year degree in Parks and Recreation Administration, Recreation Resource Management, Business/Public Administration, or related field, and eight years of related experience including recreation program supervision and management, park system planning, personnel supervision, or any satisfactory combination of experience and training which demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential job duties.
Considerable knowledge of supervision, training and staff utilization principles. Working knowledge of budgetary and accounting processes of department. Proven ability to plan, organize, supervise and evaluate the work of employees as well as engage in intergovernmental relations. Excellent human relations, customer service, communication (verbal and written, including public speaking), computer, organization and time management skills.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS/LICENSES: Possession of a valid driver's license and good driving record. Ability to obtain within 6 months of hire: National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) Certified Parks and Recreation Executive (CPRE) and obtain CPR/First Aid/AED certification.
DESIRABLE QUALFICATIONS: Completion of a master's degree in Parks and Recreation Management and successful supervisory experience in municipal or district governance is desirable.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF POSITION: While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to stand, sit, bend, stoop, balance, communicate, reach and manipulate objects, tools or controls. The position requires mobility, including travel on uneven terrain and construction/unfinished sites. The position requires mobility. Duties involve moving materials weighing up to 15 pounds on a regular basis and occasionally weighing up to 75 pounds. Manual dexterity and coordination are required over 75% of the work period while operating equipment such as computer keyboard, motorized vehicle, calculator, hand-held radio, and other standard office equipment. Duties require regular operation of a motorized vehicle and occasional use of hand and power tools. The ability to maintain certification to wear a respirator mask is required as job duties and safety necessitate.
WORKING CONDITIONS: Usual office working conditions. The noise level in the work environment is typical of most office environments. Approximately 20% of the work period takes place outdoors and includes exposure to all weather conditions, noise, fumes, traffic and typical hazards associated with maintenance work.

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