Parks Recreation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Sonoma
Updated:

Direct, manage, oversee and integrate the activities and operations of the Parks and Recreation
Department, including management of community services programs, and city cemeteries;
coordinate assigned activities, such as development of the City’s Parks Master Plan, with other
departments and outside agencies: foster cooperative working relationships with civic groups,
intergovernmental agencies and City staff; and provide highly responsible and complex
administrative support to the City Manager.

General administrative direction is provided by the City Manager. Responsibilities include the
direct and indirect supervision of management, supervisory, professional, technical, and/or
support staff. The Director must effectively collaborate with the City Manager, other department
directors, neighboring cities, and a variety of local and regional entities.

This class is a department director with responsibility for overall policy development, program
planning, fiscal management, and general administrative and operational direction of divisions
within the functional areas assigned. The incumbent is responsible for accomplishing the
departmental goals and objectives and for furthering City goals and objectives within general
policy guidelines. Work is performed with a maximum amount of independence within
established policies and procedures set forth by the City Manager and other relevant laws,
ordinances and regulations.

The duties, skills, and demands described here are representative of those that must be met by
an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with a disability to perform the essential
duties, skills, and demands.

Duties:

• Provide effective management and oversight of the Parks and Recreation Department, including
  developing organizational structures, processes, and policies to administer, coordinate and
  maintain, community services programs, parks and city cemeteries.
• Develop and implement department goals including a Parks Master Plan, to provide strategic
  objectives for the department in alignment with citywide priorities.
• Participate in the development and administration of the operations and Capital Improvement
  Program budget, and the Parks & Recreation Department budget, including Measure M and
  other sources of funding; direct the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment,
  materials and supplies; monitor and approve departmental expenditures; and direct preparation
  and implementation of budgetary adjustments as necessary.
• Select, train, and motivate, personnel; foster an atmosphere of collaboration and mutual
  respect; provide or coordinate staff training; conduct performance evaluations on a timely basis;
  implement discipline procedures; and maintain discipline and high standards necessary for the
  efficient and professional operation of the department.
• Contribute to the overall quality of the department’s services by developing, reviewing, and
  implementing policies and procedures that support a cohesive workflow among the various,
  often interdependent department divisions.
• Monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of department methods and procedures
  and administrative and support systems; identify opportunities for improvement; and direct the
  implementation of changes.
• Advise and consult City management and support staff regarding ongoing parks and recreation
  issues, initiatives and concerns facing the City.
• Provide technical assistance to develop and implement the City’s Urban Forest Management
  Plan (UFMP), fostering sustainability and environmental stewardship.
• Integrate parks and recreation goals with citywide infrastructure and development projects to
  ensure coordinated oversight of the maintenance, enhancement, and operation of parks, trails,
  recreation facilities, and city cemeteries.
• Administer and monitor the use of Measure M funds to enhance parks, recreation facilities, and
  programs.
• Serve as lead staff to the Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Commission and the Cultural
  and Fine Arts Commission, providing technical and administrative support.
• Oversee partnership with community groups, schools, and organizations to promote
  engagement and maximize resources to develop and expand diverse recreational programs and
  activities for residents of all ages and abilities.
• Plan and oversee the development of new parks and the enhancement of existing facilities.
• Promote sustainable practices in department operations, services and programs.
• Negotiate and oversee contracts with vendors, service providers, and consultants for projects
  and services and ensure compliance with City standards.
• Prepare and manage the department’s budget, including pursuing grants and other funding
  opportunities.
• Monitor expenditures and ensure financial accountability.
• Recruit, train, and manage department staff, fostering professional growth and excellence.
• Cultivate an inclusive and collaborative team environment.
• Support transparent and effective communication in dealings with City departments, elected
  officials, outside agencies and the public; explain and interpret departmental programs, policies,
  and activities; and effectively negotiate and resolve significant and controversial issues.
• Participate in and make presentations to the City Council, Parks Recreations and Open Spaces
  Commission, Cultural and Fine Arts Commission and a variety of boards and commissions;
  attend and participate in professional group meetings; and stay abreast of new trends and
  innovations in the field of parks, recreation and community services.
• Maintain and direct the maintenance of working and official departmental files, including
  accurate and complete records related to licenses, permits, maps, etc.
• Monitor change in laws, regulations, and technology that may affect City or departmental
  operations and implement policy and procedural changes as required.
• Conduct organizational and operational studies; recommend modifications to programs,
  policies, and procedures as appropriate.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Skills and Abilities:

• Develop departments, programs and new initiatives.
• Implement organizational and management practices to analyze and evaluate partnerships,
  programs, policies, and operational needs.
• Excellent leadership, strategic planning, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with other municipal departments and community stakeholders.
• Direct the gathering, organization, analysis, and presentation of a variety of data and
  information.
• Prepare clear, concise, and accurate records and reports. Evaluate, formulate, and develop
  recommendations on improvements to City operations, programs, and services.
• Provide advice and consultation to the City Council on the development of ordinances,
  regulations, programs, and policies.
• Communicate clearly and concisely orally and in writing during public presentations and
  meetings with internal staff, City Council and commissions and committees.
• Exercise supervisory and management authority tactfully and effectively.
• Effectively represent the City’s policies, programs, and services with the public, community
  organizations, City staff, and other government agencies.
• Exercise sound, independent judgment within established guidelines.

Working Conditions:

• Primarily office-based with frequent visits to parks, facilities, and outdoor sites.
• Occasional evening and weekend work required for meetings, events, or emergencies.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of public administration including administrative analysis, fiscal planning
  and control, policy, and program development.
• Principles, methods and techniques used in parks and recreation administration, and community
  services management
• Advanced principles and practices of horticulture, landscape, park facility design and use.
• Sustainable practices in department operations and programs.
• Compliance with local, state, and federal regulations regarding parks, recreation, and
  community services operations.
• Advanced principles and practices of leadership, motivation, teambuilding, and conflict
  resolution.
• Principles and practices of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
• Financial management practices and reporting requirements for Measure M or similar
  community funding initiatives.
• Proficiency in urban forest management practices and sustainability programs.
• Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet,
  and database applications.

Education and Experience:

Any combination equivalent experience and education that could likely provide the required
knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities
would be:

• Experience: At least 7 years of increasingly responsible administrative experience in parks and
  recreation program management, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Education: Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Parks
  and Recreation Management, Public Administration or a related field is desirable.