Director of Parks

Harris County (TX)•Houston, TX

67d

About The Position

Working at Harris County Precinct 4: You will be surrounded by team members who bring "heart, hustle, and higher standards" to work each day. These leaders advance opportunity and justice as they deliver services to and advocate for the residents of Harris County. The team you will be joining is innovative, dynamic, and forward-looking. What you will do for Harris County Precinct 4 (HCP4) Harris County Precinct 4 is seeking a visionary and results-driven Director of Parks to lead the strategic direction, operations, and stewardship of one of the most expansive and diverse park systems in the region. With 62 parks, over 14,000 acres of greenspace, 98 miles of trails, and 180 sports fields, the Director will oversee a premier park system that is vital to recreation, conservation, and community well-being. The Director of Parks provides high-level leadership and direction for all aspects of park operations, capital improvement projects, safety and compliance, community partnerships, and environmental stewardship. This role requires a balance of strategic vision and hands-on operational expertise, ensuring that every park and recreational facility embodies Heart, Hustle, and Higher Standards in service to the public.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university
Minimum of five (5) years of leadership and personnel management experience, including at least two (2) years overseeing facilities, infrastructure, or program planning, design, or maintenance.
Demonstrated success in managing budgets, personnel, and complex projects.
Must possess a valid Texas driver's license and maintain a good driving record.
An updated cover letter, résumé, and writing sample are required for all applicants.
Strong written communication skills are essential. Applicants must submit a writing sample that demonstrates their ability to convey information clearly and professionally. Preferred formats include a memo, standard operating procedure (SOP), project summary, manual or similar document that reflects the applicant's ability to communicate technical or operational information effectively.
Strong leadership and strategic planning abilities with a proven track record of operational excellence.
Comprehensive knowledge of park planning, design, operations, maintenance, programming, and environmental best practices.
Familiarity with applicable federal, state, county, and city laws, codes, and regulations.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with diverse audiences, including staff, the public, community partners, and elected officials.
Analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to make data-informed decisions.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams) and relevant management software.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in Parks and Recreation Management, Public Administration, Environmental Science, or a related field of study from an accredited college or university (preferred)
Experience with grant writing and administration. (preferred)
Previous experience managing large-scale park systems and capital improvement programs. (preferred)
Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) designation from National Recreation and Park Association. (preferred)
Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) certification. (preferred)
Affiliations with local, state, and/or national organizations that promote and share the state of the industry information and best practices supporting parks. (preferred)

Responsibilities

Lead the development and implementation of a long-term vision for Precinct 4 parks, ensuring alignment with precinct-wide goals, community priorities, and environmental sustainability.
Participate in the planning, design, and execution of major capital improvement projects, park enhancements, and infrastructure upgrades.
Develop and implement policies, programs, and initiatives that promote equitable access, community engagement, and environmental stewardship.
Build and sustain strategic partnerships with municipalities, HOAs, MUDs, community organizations, nonprofits, and other agencies to expand impact and resources.
Serve as the precinct's liaison to external partners including U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on all park-related matters.
Champion the precinct's core values and represent the parks department at public meetings, community events, and with elected officials and stakeholders.
Provide executive oversight for all daily park operations, maintenance, programming, security, and asset management.
Ensure that parks and facilities are safe, well-maintained, and meet or exceed regulatory, safety, and service standards.
Collaborate with internal divisions-including General Services, Operations, and Compliance-to ensure seamless service delivery.
Direct emergency preparedness and response for parks before, during, and after disasters; lead after-action reporting and implementation of emergency action plans.
Monitor and analyze performance metrics to assess operational effectiveness, identify efficiencies, and drive continuous improvement.
Actively manage and prioritize projects through effective coordination with the Operations Project Manager and other internal partners.
Develop, manage, and monitor the department's operating and capital budgets.
Oversee the administration of contracts, MOUs, agreements, and vendor partnerships to ensure compliance and fiscal responsibility.
Prepare reports, presentations, and recommendations for senior leadership and Commissioners Court.
Develop, maintain, and update departmental job descriptions, policies, and procedures.
Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
Build, mentor, and lead a diverse team of professionals committed to high-quality service and operational excellence.
Establish staffing plans and schedules that support departmental priorities and optimize resources.
Foster a workplace culture that values accountability, innovation, safety, and collaboration.
Invest in professional development and training for staff to strengthen skills and grow departmental capacity.

Benefits

Harris County employees receive a competitive salary plus medical, dental, and vision insurance at no cost to the employee after the first two months of full-time continued employment.
Vacation, sick-time, and floating holidays allow our employees to recharge and balance work and personal time.
Mandatory participation in our retirement program allows employees to save for retirement.
Various other benefits and discounts lead to the satisfaction and engagement of our employees.
Medical Coverage
Dental Coverage
Vision Coverage
Wellness Plan
Life Insurance
Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
One (1) floating holiday per year
Paid Parental Leave
Sick Leave
457 Deferred Compensation Plan
Professional learning & development opportunities
Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
Flexible work schedule
METRO RideSponsor Program