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Parks Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Parks and Recreation Director City of Sonoma Updated: Summary Direct, manage, oversee and integrate the activities and operations of the Parks and Recreation Department, including management of ...

Kent County is accepting applications for seasonal employees to work at the Parks Department. Successful candidates will provide superior customer service to visitors and assist with the care ...

Park Ranger - Parks and Recreation

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$29.59 - $40.51/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Join our team at Parks Tacoma to put your skills to use serving your community and making Tacoma a vibrant, healthy, and welcoming place to live Who We Are Parks Tacoma is a CAPRA-accredited and AZA ...

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Director of Parks and Recreation

Burleson, TX · On-site

$150 - $190/hr

  • Retirement

THE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT The Burleson Parks and Recreation Department delivers exceptional experiences to its community through quality public spaces, trails, and recreational ...

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Parks information

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How much do parks jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for parks in the United States is $15.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a parks worker?

Parks workers are professionals responsible for the maintenance, care, and improvement of public parks and recreational areas. Their duties often include landscaping, planting trees and flowers, maintaining playgrounds, cleaning park facilities, and ensuring the safety and cleanliness of park grounds. Some may also assist with organizing community events, repairing equipment, and providing information to visitors. Parks workers play a vital role in keeping public spaces welcoming and safe for everyone to enjoy.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a parks manager?

To thrive as a Parks Manager, you need knowledge of park operations, environmental management, and a background in recreation or natural resources, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with geographic information systems (GIS), facility maintenance tools, and budgeting software is commonly required. Leadership, problem-solving, and strong interpersonal skills are vital for overseeing staff and engaging with the public. These skills ensure parks are safe, well-maintained, and enjoyable for the community while meeting regulatory and conservation standards.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in park management, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in park management often face challenges such as balancing conservation efforts with public access, managing limited budgets, and addressing environmental issues like invasive species or climate impact. These challenges can be addressed through proactive planning, community engagement, and by seeking partnerships with local organizations. Strong communication and adaptability are key, as park managers regularly collaborate with maintenance teams, educators, and local government to ensure the park remains safe, accessible, and sustainable.

What is the difference between Parks vs Recreation Workers?

AspectParksRecreation Workers
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certifications in park managementHigh school diploma; certifications in recreation or activity-specific areas
Work EnvironmentOutdoor parks, natural settings, public spacesCommunity centers, recreational facilities, outdoor and indoor venues
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, parks departmentsMunicipalities, community organizations, private clubs

While both Parks and Recreation Workers serve in community and outdoor settings, Parks primarily focus on maintaining and managing natural outdoor spaces, whereas Recreation Workers organize and facilitate recreational activities and programs for the public. Understanding these differences helps job seekers target the right roles based on their skills and interests.

More about Parks jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Parks jobs?

The most popular types of Parks jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Parks jobs?

The top employers for Parks jobs are:

What states have the most Parks jobs?

States with the most job openings for Parks jobs include:

Infographic showing various Parks job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,663 per year, or $15.2 per hour.

Parks & Recreation Planning Superintendent

City of Tampa

Tampa, FL

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


City Of Tampa rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

595th of 846 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Job Introduction This is highly responsible, professional and managerial work involving parks and recreation planning/design, contracting/construction, comprehensive planning, development review and natural resource services. Nature Of Work The employee in this class manages tasks of considerable difficulty and is responsible for the efficient management of parks and recreation strategic planning, policy initiatives and master plans that guide the overall development and improvements of the municipal parks and recreation system. The responsibilities involve the planning, organizing and implementation of a wide variety of professional services including landscape, architecture, contract administration, comprehensive planning, land acquisition, grant writing, horticulture and natural resource activities.

The employee would manage, direct, coordinate and oversee the professional service functions of the Planning, Design and Natural Resources Division, promoting efficient operations and implementation of the planning, natural resources management, design and construction of quality parks, recreation facilities, greenways and trails, and resource based parks. Important aspects of work in this class include ensuring that parks and recreation planning, design and constructions activities are coordinated with operations personnel, other city departments, government agencies and special interest groups, preparing departmental capital improvement budget requests, and overseeing the review and approval of development plans for compliance and permitting/approval. The employee is expected to keep abreast of parks and recreation development and administration principles, practices and trends.

Considerable initiative and independent judgment are required in the performance of personnel management tasks and coordination of assigned projects. Work is accomplished under general direction and reviewed through conferences, reports submitted and results obtained. Examples of Duties Plans, organizes, directs, and reviews parks and recreation facility development and design activities; reviews and approves, disapproves or modifies landscape architectural and architectural plans and specifications; coordinates design activities with operations personnel in order to ensure that plans are feasible, sound and practical from a maintenance and recreational program perspective; ensures that landscape designs are coordinated with horticultural and arboreal personnel and resolves any resultant problems; prepares departmental capital improvement budget requests, including parks and recreation facility development programs, and presents to superiors.

Analyze and plan for future park development and land acquisitions; facilitate and coordinate related agreements/contracts for Parks and Recreation facilities, greenways and trails, neighborhood beautification and conservation properties. Assist, consult and monitor in the fiscal management of the capital project budget of the Parks and Recreation Department to ensure efficient, goal-oriented use and proper utilization of appropriate funds. Develop, plan and review agreements and contracts.

Coordinate with Legal Budget, Contraction Administration, Purchasing, Real Estate and local and state agencies. Formulation and implementation of the Planning and Design Division goals, objectives and program policies and procedures. Oversees, directs and reviews the collection, assimilation, analyzing and interpretation of data and indicators regarding Parks and Recreation conditions and determination of consistency and concurrency with the City's Comprehensive Plan.

Direct, oversee and consult the development and updating of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, City's Comprehensive Plan, and the updating of the City Strategic Plan and Performance Measures, and land development regulations as related to Parks and Recreation projects and acquisitions. Responds to citizens' inquiries, provide information, plans and schedule of proposed and current projects. Initiate, prepare and participate in public meetings for citizen and community input and consensus.

Performs administrative duties for division; formulates division budget requests and presents to superiors; recommends employment, promotion, discipline, demotion and dismissal of subordinate employees as necessary; responds to employee grievances, completes employee performance evaluations and reviews those completed by subordinate supervisory personnel; reviews personnel actions initiated by subordinate supervisory personnel and approves, disapproves or modifies; responds to employee leave requests; ensures that subordinate employees receive appropriate orientation and training. Performs related work as required. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Extensive knowledge of: the principles, practices and trends in parks and recreation development, design and construction.

Considerable knowledge of: the principles, practices and trends in parks and recreation administration; capital improvement project management and budgeting; effective supervisory techniques; urban and comprehensive planning; natural resource management. Ability to: manage the work of a diversified staff effectively; plan, organize and coordinate parks and recreation development, design and construction activities; review landscape architectural designs for soundness and completeness; prepare oral and written reports and impart them effectively; establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinate personnel, other employees, municipal officials, and the general public; prepare and analyze capital improvement project and grant documents. Physical Requirements Mostly sedentary, indoors, occasionally outdoors and lifting, requires extended use of computer, typing and viewing a monitor.

Minimum Qualifications Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in parks management, parks and recreation administration, public or business administration, landscape architecture or a related field and five (5) years of experience in parks administrative activities, including parks development and fiscal management, project planning, project leadership and completion; and three (3) years of supervisory experience. OR An equivalent combination of education (not less than possession of a high school diploma/GED), training and experience that would reasonably be expected to provide the job-related competencies noted above. Licenses or Certifications Possession of a valid Florida driver's license required.

Examination Evaluation of education and experience. Drug testing is included in all pre-employment processing. Comments During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.

Conclusion HELPFUL HINTS FOR COMPLETING YOUR APPLICATION: Please register before you begin the application process. This will enable you to view and re-use information from previously submitted applications to complete and submit any future applications. Please make certain your application is complete and the information you provide clearly demonstrates that you possess the minimum job qualifications as stated in the job announcement.

Resumes can be submitted in support of an application, but not in lieu of an application. Resumes and copies of certifications or other required documents may be attached to your online application.


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