Chief Parks & Recreation Health & Wellness

Oakland County•Waterford, MI

2d•$85,818 - $114,981•Hybrid

About The Position

Oakland County is more than just a workplace. It is a place where you can make a real difference. As one of Michigan’s leading public service organizations, we are committed to strengthening communities, delivering essential services, and improving the quality of life for nearly 1.3 million residents. When you join our team, you become part of a mission-driven workforce guided by integrity, innovation, and a passion for public service. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to do meaningful work that matters. Apply today and help shape the future of Oakland County, where we are All Ways Moving Forward. For more information about Oakland County benefits and employee perks, please visit: https://www.oakgov.com/government/human-resources/benefits/new-hire General Summary Location: Parks and Recreation Administrative Services - Waterford, MI Compensation: $85,818 - $114,981 Leads the Working Landscapes and Food Systems division and the Adaptive Recreation and Active Adult 55+ programming unit within Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission (OCPRC). Provides strategic direction for the Oakland County Farmers Market, Discovery Oaks (Bowers School Farm), working through subordinate supervisors responsible for day-to-day site operations. Directly supervises the Adaptive Recreation and Active Adult Supervisor, who oversees therapeutic recreation, adaptive programming, active adult, and veterans programming across the park system. Advances health, activation, and community connection outcomes of strategic plan. Utilizes current countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.

Requirements

Possess a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Recreation Administration, Parks and Recreation Management, Agriculture, Food Systems, Public Health, Social Work, Community Development, or a closely related field.
Have had at least five (5) years of full-time work experience in recreation administration, food systems management, farm operations, public programming, or a closely related field, including at least two (2) years of supervisory experience.
Possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s or chauffeur’s license.
Ability to communicate to accurately convey information, using tact and diplomacy.
Ability to operate a motor vehicle and/or be a passenger.

Nice To Haves

A Master’s degree in one of the fields described above, may be substituted for one (1) year of experience.
Considerable ability to estimate the work hours, techniques, tools, materials, and equipment required to complete a grounds and/or facilities maintenance project.
Considerable ability to work under pressure during an emergency.
Considerable knowledge of the use, maintenance, and repair of groundskeeping tools and equipment.
Considerable knowledge of the care of lawns, flowers, trees, and shrubs.
Reasonable ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, civic groups, agencies, and the general public.
Reasonable ability to communicate in writing as well as verbally.
Reasonable ability to train, direct and evaluate the performance of employees.
Reasonable ability to work under hazardous and difficult working or weather conditions.
Reasonable knowledge of proper ice and snow removal and pavement maintenance techniques using powered equipment.
Reasonable skill in applying effective methods and practices in construction and maintenance tasks.
Physical condition that would permit performing manual duties out-of-doors for extended periods in both very hot and very cold temperatures.
Some knowledge of the practical application of First Aid techniques.
Some ability to maintain accurate records and prepare reports.
Familiar with current word processing, spreadsheet, database, e-mail, and Internet software.

Responsibilities

Sets strategic direction for the Oakland County Farmers Market, Discovery Oaks (Bowers School Farm), and the working landscape initiative.
Manages and directs staff responsible for day-to-day operations at each site.
Manages staff using work plans, clarification of roles and project deliverables.
Identifies resource requirements, training needs and operational efficiencies as needed to meet organizational goals.
Oversees OCPRC operational and programmatic responsibilities at Bowers Farm under the interlocal agreement with Bloomfield Hills Schools, including Open Barn, seasonal events, camps, equine programming, farm store, and farm kitchen.
Maintains and develops the MSU Extension partnership at Bowers and positions OCPRC to expand that relationship to future working landscape sites, including potential integration of future partnerships, as the food system network grows.
Manages relationships with non-profit groups, including Oakland County Parks Foundation, Friends of groups and related partner organizations.
Leads planning and development work, including the future Farmers Market relocation and five-zone working landscape concept.
Coordinates with capital, planning, and operations leadership as the initiative advances.
Prepares and monitors budgets for assigned sites.
Manages revenue operations and identifies opportunities to improve revenue earned and reduce operating cost.
Supervises the Adaptive Recreation and Active Adult Supervisor.
Collaborates to set strategic priorities for therapeutic recreation, adaptive programming, Active Adult 55+ programming, and Veterans programming.
Monitors budget performance, program reach, and participant outcomes across the combined unit.
Monitors all functions within assigned units to ensure effective use of staff time and resources.
Assigns, reviews, and monitors the work of direct reports to ensure quality and quantity of work.
Meets regularly with direct reports to evaluate performance of full- and part-time staff and assist with coaching and discipline if needed.
Presents reports, findings, and analysis on a variety of topics related to Parks and Recreation to internal and external audiences, including the Executive Leadership Team and the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Maintains effective working relationships with community leaders, public agencies, private organizations, and the public.
Utilizes current countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.