Parks Director

Job Title: Parks Director

Department: Parks

Position Type: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Exempt

Pay Grade: 24

Reports to: Assistant City Manager

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

· Bachelor's degree, such as Parks and Recreation Management, Recreation Management, Urban Planning, Agronomy, Business Administration, Management, Horticulture, or another related field.

· 5–10 years' experience managing a parks system or grounds management.

· 3 years of supervisory experience.

· Valid Texas Driver's License.

· Certified Pool Operator License or the ability to obtain one within 1 year of employment.

Supervisory Duties: Yes. Responsible for the supervision of department staff.

JOB SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Assistant City Manager, plans, directs, manages, and oversees all activities and operations of the city's park system. Responsibilities include oversight of park grounds, equipment, the department fleet, and capital assets; coordination with community youth sports groups regarding use of park fields/facilities, oversight of the Canyon Aqua Park, and assigned city public facilities.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

· Provides continuous assessment of the city's park system and develops short- and long-term goals to address identified needs.

· Communicates plans to city management and parks team, and directs park staff to complete the plans, as assigned.

· Directs routine landscaping, turf management, irrigation management, arboriculture, horticulture, and other park system maintenance for the park system and other assigned city facilities.

· Directs waste collection operations for assigned city facilities and the square.

· Provide year-round maintenance and operational support to the Canyon Aqua Park.

· Directs snow/ice removal of assigned city areas when needed.

· Directs the seasonal installation and removal of decorations or banners in the square.

· Coordinates operations to support recreational sports leagues' usage of the parks system's athletic facilities.

· Manage equipment, fleet, and lifecycle replacement schedules.

· Recruit, hire, supervise, train, and evaluate all departmental personnel.

· Prepare and manage departmental budgets.

· Oversee all the park system's capital improvement and infrastructure projects.

· Proactively responds to stakeholder feedback regarding the park system.

· Monitor the park system's compliance with ADA requirements.

· Monitor the park system's compliance with safety requirements.

· Coordinates meetings and participates as an ex officio member of the city's Park Open Space and Recreation Committee.

· Monitors department workload and assists staff with tasks as needed.

· Assist other city departments when needed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge:

· Current best practices related to municipal and private parks/recreation system management, trends, and maintenance techniques.

· Current safety practices

· Grounds maintenance and turf management.

· Equipment and fleet management.

· Budgeting practices

· Pool operations, including maintenance and daily operations

Skills:

· Organizational skills

· Project management

· Supervisory/leadership

· Communication

· Assessment skills related to the park system operations

Abilities:

· Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects, and prioritize appropriately

· Communicate department information to local boards and citizens groups when needed.

· Properly train staff on the implementation of current best practices and safety principles.

· Remain focused on details while managing more than one project at a time.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those required of an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the Parks Director position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

· The position requires a combination of sedentary office work and active fieldwork. The employee may be required to sit for extended periods while performing administrative duties, including using a computer, attending meetings, and planning activities.

· The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and move about park facilities, construction sites, and recreational areas for inspections, evaluations, and supervision of operations.

· Regular physical activity, such as bending, stooping, reaching, kneeling, and climbing, may be required when inspecting equipment, facilities, and grounds.

· The employee regularly lifts and/or moves items weighing up to 30-80 pounds, such as equipment or supplies.

· Ability to operate standard office equipment (computer, phone, copier) as well as regularly operate or oversee the use of light maintenance equipment or vehicles.

· Vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus for reviewing documents, computer work, and outdoor inspections (turf care power equipment, and landscaping hand tools).

WORK ENVIRONMENT

· The work environment for the Parks Director is dynamic and varied, encompassing both office and outdoor settings. The position involves regular work in a standard office environment, including the use of computers, telephones, and other office equipment for administrative, planning, and managerial functions.

· In addition to office responsibilities, the Parks Director frequently conducts site visits to parks, recreational facilities, natural areas, and project locations. These duties require working outdoors in a variety of environmental conditions, including exposure to heat, cold, humidity, wind, and precipitation. Terrain may be uneven, and locations may include active construction sites, maintenance areas, and heavily used public spaces.

· The position involves regular interaction with staff, elected officials, contractors, community organizations, and the general public. Work may occasionally occur in high-traffic or high-noise environments, such as public events, recreation programs, or construction zones.

· The Parks Director may be exposed to moderate risks associated with outdoor environments, including insects, wildlife, machinery, and maintenance equipment. Appropriate safety precautions and adherence to established policies are required.

WORK HOURS

· The majority of hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8 am – 5 pm; however, the position may also require attendance at evening meetings, weekend events, and emergency response situations, which can extend beyond typical business hours.

TRAVEL

Some travel is required to attend conferences and training. Moderate local travel is required to obtain supplies and equipment as needed.

DISCLAIMER

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the job.

Click the link below to view the full brochure:

https://canyontx.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6399/Director-of-Parks-Job-Packet-2026