Manager Parks & Recreation

Oakland County•Waterford, MI

23h•Hybrid

About The Position

Oakland County seeks a Manager of Parks & Recreation to plan, develop, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive county-wide parks and recreation system. The position manages Oakland County Parks’ operating budget, revenues, and expenditures; participates in the development and revision of the county parks Master Plan; and works with local governments and officials throughout Oakland County. The manager ensures parks are safe and ready for public use and represents the division in policy matters at departmental, Parks Commission, and Board of Commissioners meetings. The role authorizes final budget proposals, reviews budget modifications, seeks alternative funding sources, and directs recreation programs that serve the county’s diverse populations. It also oversees in-service training and supports unit chiefs and supervisors with complex operational, logistical, and employee issues. The manager ensures concessionaires, vendors, and contractors meet contract specifications and uses county-wide or department-specific software to complete assignments. This position is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The manager continually evaluates and improves parks and recreation programs, services, facilities, and activities; plans and implements new programs and facilities; and supports the division’s Five-Year Parks and Recreation Master Plan, Strategic Plan, and other adopted planning documents. The role evaluates organizational structure, facilities, and equipment for effective, sustainable, and cost-efficient service delivery; coordinates with governmental, voluntary, and nonprofit agencies; oversees personnel transactions, assignments, safety practices, purchases, and expenditures; and periodically inspects park facilities, grounds, and utilities. The position represents the division in labor negotiations, implements agreements, settles grievances, and acts as department head when the Director is absent. It works with County departments and park supervisors to resolve operational and maintenance issues, responds to park emergencies including evenings, weekends, and holidays, and oversees concession operations and waterpark safety coordination. Additional duties include overseeing special projects, recreation and natural resources and sustainability programs, research and surveys, operations schedules, public outreach, consultant work on master plans and capital development, and coordination of the parks fleet. Most work takes place in a typical office environment, with field work required to inspect parks and programs and meet with staff at park facilities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; preferred majors include Recreation and Park Administration, Park and Recreation Management, Park and Recreation Resources, Planning, Urban Planning, Conservation Planning, Sustainability, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a closely related field.
At least five years of full-time work experience as a supervisor of a major park or recreation facility or department.
A master’s degree in one of the listed or related fields may substitute for two years of experience.
Valid United States motor vehicle operator’s or chauffeur’s license; out-of-country license holders must obtain an appropriate valid Michigan driver’s license before the hire date.
Must pass the complete examination, including the employment medical, established for the classification.
Must successfully complete a six-month probationary period.
Ability to communicate clearly and accurately and convey information with tact and diplomacy.
Ability to solve complex operational, logistical, and employee-related problems in a timely manner.

Responsibilities

Plan, develop, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive County-wide Parks and Recreation system.
Manage the Oakland County Parks operating budget, revenues, and expenditures; authorize final budget proposals, review modification requests, and seek alternative funding sources.
Participate in establishing and revising the Oakland County Parks Master Plan and assist with implementation of adopted planning documents, including the Five-Year Parks and Recreation Master Plan and Strategic Plan.
Work with cities, villages, townships, local officials, and departments across Oakland County.
Ensure parks are safe and ready for public use; periodically inspect facilities, grounds, and utilities to assess maintenance and operations.
Develop and direct recreation programs and related activities for diverse county populations; oversee special projects and recreation programs and services.
Continuously evaluate and implement improvements to existing parks and recreation programs, services, facilities, and activities, and plan and implement new programs and facilities.
Evaluate the division’s organizational structure, facilities, and equipment to support effective, sustainable, and cost-efficient services.
Coordinate division programs and activities with governmental, voluntary, and nonprofit agencies and work with other County departments.
Recommend, request, document, and approve divisional personnel transactions; coordinate and review work assignments and safety practices and procedures.
Review and approve purchases and expenditures for divisional units.
Represent the division in labor negotiations, implement negotiated agreements, and settle grievances.
Act as department head in the Director’s absence.
Meet with chiefs and supervisors to identify and recommend solutions to building, grounds maintenance, and operational problems.
Respond to park emergencies, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Oversee concessionaire operations and ensure vendors and contractors perform according to contract specifications.
Coordinate with Ellis & Associates to ensure waterpark areas conform to legal and safety requirements.
Oversee Natural Resources & Sustainability programs and services in coordination with core planning services, and review program plans and evaluations.
Address patron, staff, and Commissioner issues and complaints; provide staff with training and tools to serve visitors and communicate with the public.
Oversee research through county-wide surveys, gap analysis, and patron surveys.
Oversee operations schedules to maximize the efficient use of staff, equipment, and materials across the parks system.
Speak to civic organizations and interested citizens about Oakland County Parks and Recreation offerings.
Oversee consultant work on master plans and capital development programs for new and existing park areas and structures.
Liaise with County Vehicle Operations to coordinate vehicle use and replacements and serve as Parks and Recreation Fleet Manager.
Use current county-wide and/or department-specific software to complete assignments.
Remain on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.