Director, Recreation & Parks - Howard County Government : Job Details

Howard CountyConveniently located in the heart of central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, Howard County offers the charm of a historic past mixed with the excitement of a cosmopolitan community.Howard County is a leader in innovation, sustainability, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work! We are looking for outstanding individuals to join our team.What are we looking for? We're looking for an exceptional full-time Director of Recreation and Parks with demonstrated experience in advancing major park and infrastructure projects, park maintenance, natural resources, and recreation programs that contribute to a community's overall quality of life and reflects the County's core values of inclusion and diversity.The Director will perform advanced administrative and coordinative work under executive level direction in the maintenance of 9,965 acres, more than 65 developed parks, and over 10,000 programs (including leagues, classes, and camps) each year. For our CAPRA accredited and NaCo award-winning departments, work includes assessing various aspects of economic, environmental, natural resources, historic, infrastructure, and agricultural sustainability, and advocating effective countywide programs, policies, and actions based on current community sustainability principles and best practices.What you will like most about working in Recreation and Parks at Howard County Government:

• We are committed to workplace excellence in Recreation and Parks and our entire County!
• We take great pride in offering our workforce the best benefits and compensation packages in County Government, and we think you will too. This includes great medical, retirement, wellness programs.
• Everyone at Howard County Government contributes to the development of programs, regardless of role. Your input will not only be heard; it will be encouraged.
• As a member of our Recreation and Parks team, you'll be driving our culture and what makes us an amazing place to work.

STARTING SALARY HIRING RANGE: $53.86 - $97.80 Hourly$112,034 - $203,424 AnnuallyESSENTIAL STATUS:This position sometimes requires evening and weekend work to monitor and supervise large public events and may also be designated as essential to help respond to County-wide emergencies.POSITION SUMMARY/CLASS DESCRIPTION:Directs the overall general operation of the Department of Recreation and Parks. Advises and provides information to the County Executive and County Council on recreation and parks issues and trends. Include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Utilizes exceptional communication, interpersonal and leadership skills in this highly visible position.
• Utilizes strong negotiation, conflict resolution, and decision-making skills that demonstrate sound judgment.
• Works and cooperates with co-workers and supervisors at all levels.
• Learns and performs all essential job functions accurately.
• Directs the general operation of all activities of the Department of Recreation and Parks. Plans and evaluates the work of all full-time and part-time personnel in the department; establishes short-term and long-term goals.
• Develops policy to carry out departmental responsibilities relative to the County Code, Howard County General Plan, Subdivision Regulations, Comprehensive Land Preservation Park & Recreation Plan, and all other officially adopted plans and accreditations.
• Interfaces with other County staff to accomplish mutual goals and objectives. Interfaces with other professional associates in governmental agencies, community groups, professional organizations and collective bargaining unit representatives.
• Recruits, interviews, hires, and terminates personnel.
• Appears and gives testimony before a variety of boards, agencies, County Council and State Legislature, promotes recreation and leisure services through meeting with various community groups and through a public information program.
• Required to serve on the Local Children's Board.
• Authorizes all departmental policies and procedures; authorizes all departmental capital and operating budget expenditures and administrative fees.
• Authorizes all actions concerning the acquisition, development, operation and maintenance of County park land; authorizes all recreational program offerings and services for a diverse population.
• Authorize and direct departmental staff for Office of Emergency Management tasks.
• Implements Risk Management policies for the Department.
• As the Agency's Appointing Authority is designated as having the authority and responsibility for the fiscal management of the Agency.
• Authorizes the operation and maintenance of the County golf course.
• Serves as Executive Secretary to the Recreation and Parks Board.
• Responsible for identifying and applying sound sustainability practices into all aspects of Department operations.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Manages four subordinate supervisors who supervise a total of 235 full-time and 300-800 contingent employees in the Bureau of Recreation, the Bureau of Capital Projects, Park Planning and Construction, the Bureau of Parks, and the Bureau of Administrative Services. Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of these units. Also, directly supervises one non-supervisory employee. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Bachelor's degree and ten (10) years of experience.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of public recreation and parks administration.

Thorough knowledge of public administration, including budgeting.

Thorough knowledge of supervisory and training principles and techniques.

Ability to plan, coordinate and direct the work of others.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Ability to express ideas effectively, both orally and in writing.

Knowledge of Emergency Management procedures for the County.

Appreciation for and experience in environmentally sustainable policy and practices.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical 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 disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand and walk. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS AND REASONING ABILITY:

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

REASONING ABILITY:

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

Certified Recreation and Park Professional (preferred, not required).

About the company

Howard County is located in the US state of Maryland.

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