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Parks Director Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Lifeguard

Lincoln City, OR · On-site

$16.05 - $18.55/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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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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 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 cities in Oregon are hiring for Parks Director jobs?

Cities in Oregon with the most Parks Director job openings:

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, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Public Works Director

Umatilla, OR

$115K - $141K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

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Job Openings >> Public Works Director
Public Works Director
Summary
Title: Public Works Director ID: 1254 Organization: City of Umatilla Location: Umatilla, OR First Review : 08/09/2026
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Description

PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
City of Umatilla, Oregon

First Review: August 9, 2026
Salary Range: $115,476 - $141,408 annually DOQ
View the Position Profile
Job Description
Benefits
Oregon Veteran's Preference Form
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The City of Umatilla, Oregon is seeking a Public Works Director for this growing community located along the banks of the Columbia River, about three hours east of Portland. Umatilla is one of the fastest-growing small cities in Oregon due to its strategic location near Interstate 82 and regional transportation corridors linking eastern Oregon with the Tri-Cities region of Washington. 

THE CITY OF UMATILLA 

Incorporated in 1864, the City of Umatilla serves a population of 8,617 across 5.4 square miles with a total annual budget of $143 million and a team of 81 FTEs. Operating under the Council-Manager form of government, the six-member City Council is elected at large to staggered four-year terms. Departments include Administration, Finance and Administrative Services, Community Development, Parks and Recreation, Police, and Public Works. 

THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR 

Reporting to the City Manager, the Public Works Director leads the Public Works Department, which operates with a 2026 budget of $85 million and a team of 19 FTEs across Parks & Facility Maintenance, Water, Wastewater & Sewer, and Streets divisions. Responsibilities include leading and coordinating activities related to engineering, streets, water, sewer, stormwater, irrigation, solid waste, parks, facilities, and fleet operations, as well as emergency response for snow, ice, flooding, and severe weather events.   

WHY APPLY

This is a unique opportunity for a forward-thinking Public Works Executive to help guide one of Oregon's fastest-growing small cities through a period of significant expansion and long-term investment. Umatilla has proactively positioned itself for substantial residential, commercial, industrial, and infrastructure growth already underway and anticipated over the next decade. 

The next Director will help lead major capital investments, regional water strategy initiatives, infrastructure expansion, organizational modernization efforts, and administer and facilitate large-scale private investment in a city that values innovation, collaboration, and long-range thinking. This is an opportunity to join a financially stable community with ambitious goals, strong and visionary executive leadership aligned with the City Council, and the resources to accomplish meaningful work. The role is ideally suited for a leader energized by building systems, delivering major projects, and helping shape the long-term future of a growing city with a big future. 


For questions on this position, please contact:
Dave Zabell
GMP Consultants
dzabell@gmphr.com
(509) 834-9343
Apply Now
 
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