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Parks Director Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Public Works Director, Public Works and Parks Department staff. EXAMPLES OF WORK Essential Duties* ยท Manages special projects. Responsible for planning; both short term and long term. ...

PARK RANGER

South Padre Island, TX ยท On-site

$13 - $16/hr

Constant contact with Chief Park Ranger, Assistant Chief Park Ranger, Parks Director, Elected/Appointed Officials, Division/Department Heads, Co-Workers and other county Employees. Internal ...

PARK RANGER

South Padre Island, TX ยท On-site

$45K/yr

Constant contact with Chief Park Ranger, Assistant Chief Park Ranger, Parks Director, Elected/Appointed Officials, Division/Department Heads, Co-Workers and other county Employees. Internal ...

PARK RANGER

South Padre Island, TX ยท On-site

$13 - $16/hr

Constant contact with Chief Park Ranger, Assistant Chief Park Ranger, Parks Director, Elected/Appointed Officials, Division/Department Heads, Co-Workers and other county Employees. Internal ...

Foreman II - Parks

Temple, TX ยท On-site

$28.11 - $29.22/hr

Summary Foreman II - Maintenance, under the general supervision of the Parks Division Director, oversees the daily maintenance and operational integrity of park facilities, including direct ...

Summary Foreman II - Maintenance, under the general supervision of the Parks Division Director, oversees the daily maintenance and operational integrity of park facilities, including direct ...

Maintenance Worker (Parks)

Corinth, TX ยท On-site

$18.40 - $22.08/hr

Inspects parks grounds and facilities for damage, hazards and vandalism; performs basic parks and ... Responds as directed to perform emergency cleaning and maintenance work as required. * Enforces ...

Parks Manager

Joshua, TX ยท On-site

$52K - $67K/yr

... direct involvement in daily operations. Duties include supervising staff, managing budgets, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and overseeing and executing park operations. The Parks ...

Maintenance Worker (Parks)

Corinth, TX ยท On-site

$18.40 - $22.08/hr

Inspects parks grounds and facilities for damage, hazards and vandalism; performs basic parks and ... Responds as directed to perform emergency cleaning and maintenance work as required. * Enforces ...

Parks Manager

Joshua, TX ยท On-site

$52K - $67K/yr

... direct involvement in daily operations. Duties include supervising staff, managing budgets, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and overseeing and executing park operations. The Parks ...

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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 Texas?

The most popular types of Parks jobs in Texas are:

What are popular job titles related to Parks Director jobs in Texas?

For Parks Director jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Texas are hiring for Parks Director jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most Parks Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Parks Director job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Director of Parks and Recreation

City of University Park, TX

Dallas, TX โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Location : 4420 Worcola, Dallas, TX
Job Type: Full-Time Regular Employee
Job Number: UP00351
Department: Parks
Opening Date: 07/10/2026
Summary
Under general direction of the City Manager/Assistant City Manager, the Director of Parks and Recreation oversees, manages, administers, and directs operations divisions within the Parks and Recreation Department. As head of the Department, this role develops goals, strategies, and policies; establishes long term objectives to align with the City's strategic plan and initiatives; ensures compliance with City-adopted policies and procedures; presents information on projects, programs, and initiatives to a variety of stakeholders.
Duties
  • Plans, administers, manages, and directs the daily operations of divisions within the Parks and Recreation Department, including the Holmes Aquatic Center, while fostering a workplace culture that is consistent with city values.
  • Provides leadership and guidance to staff for the assignment, training, and supervision of assigned professional, administrative, and technical / field employees to ensure that department objectives are met.
  • Oversees performance management process, including performance evaluations, ensuring employees follow policies and procedures and maintain a healthy and safe working environment.
  • Collaborates with stakeholders for successful capital improvement projects.
  • Develops and negotiates agreements and contracts; monitors contract compliance and performance to ensure contract obligations are met.
  • Develops, implements, and evaluates departmental policies, procedures, strategies, and goals; maintains, updates, and ensures procedural compliance for programs.
  • Researches, analyzes, and makes recommendations for cost effective improvements in departmental operations. Designs, administers, and evaluates departmental programs and services.
  • Leads the development and administration of the Department budget; monitors annual budgetary projections and justifications and submits annual department budget requests; approves expenditures.
  • Develops long and short-range plans, goals and objectives to meet the demand for services.
  • Demonstrates active engagement with the City's leadership team and focuses on developing and maintaining effective relationships with other department directors and leaders.
  • Leads planning efforts for the City's special events.
  • Collaborates with other City departments and other key partners on behalf of the Parks and Recreation Department.
  • Provides staff support to the Parks Advisory Committee.
  • Proactively interacts with residents, elected officials, advisory committees and executive management teams providing technical advice, information, and recommendations in support of department and organizational goals and objectives.
  • Prepares and delivers presentations at public venues including meetings of the City Council and various associations, groups, and organizations.
  • Responds to inquiries and complaints from residents, vendors, contractors, and consultants.
  • Plans and directs various department wide programs and initiatives related accreditation through the National Recreation and Parks Association and internal process improvement.
  • Prepares and maintains all appropriate records as required by law or as directed by the City Manager and Assistant City Manager.

Qualifications
Minimum
  • Bachelor's Degree in a related field required. Five (5) years of leadership experience in parks and recreation or a related field, including at least three (3) years of supervisory experience required.
  • Must pass a pre-employment drug screen, work related physical and background check.
  • Must possess a valid State of Texas Driver's License.
  • Knowledge of practices and principles related to parks maintenance, aquatics, recreation programs and special events.
  • Knowledge of management and administration of a parks and recreation department.
  • Knowledge of computers and related equipment, hardware and software.
  • Knowledge of City policies and procedures.
  • Knowledge and skill in effectively managing capital projects.
  • Skill in effective oral and written communications.
  • Skill in planning and implementing departmental procedures and objectives.
  • Skill in effectively supervising and delegating duties to assigned staff.
  • Skill in resolving customer complaints and concerns.

Preferred
  • Preference for experience with in municipal parks operations and maintenance.
  • A state of Texas Registered Landscape Architect designation or Certified Parks and Recreation Professional is preferred.

Supplemental Information
Work is primarily performed in a climate-controlled office environment. Physical demands are sedentary in nature with prolonged sitting. Work may cause fatigue of eyes, fingers, and other facilities because of fairly continuous use of motor senses. Position requires regular and consistent attendance to functions and meetings in other buildings and other sites, and subject to responding to emergencies on an on-call basis. Requires moderate physical effort in carrying/moving 5-10 pounds. Includes walking, standing, reaching, bending, and occasionally driving a vehicle.
View the Director of Parks and Recreation Recruitment Brochure for additional information about the position and the University Park community.
Eligible University Park employee benefits include, but are not limited to:
  • Medical, dental and vision insurance
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Dependent Care FSA
  • Life and AD&D insurance
  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability insurance
  • Voluntary Accident and Critical Illness insurance
  • Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) retirement benefits
  • 457 Deferred Compensation accounts
  • Accrued paid vacation and sick leave
  • Paid holidays
  • Employee tuition reimbursement
  • Higher education learning partnerships for employees and their dependents
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Employee wellness program with up to a $600 annual wellness incentive
  • Travel assistance