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Director of Parks and Recreation

City of DeSoto
City of DeSoto Salary
De Soto, TX Full Time
POSTED ON 4/25/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/25/2026

This position will remain open until filled, with applications reviewed on an ongoing basis. This job posting may be removed at any time without prior notice. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible for full consideration.  First review of applications will begin on May 11, 2026.


The purpose of this position is to oversee, plan, direct, and manage the activities and operations of the Park and Recreation Department. The position is responsible for operating and managing the Aquatic Recreation Center (ARC), maintaining, and implementing the Parks and Recreation Master Plan; coordinating activities with other departments as well as with schools, organizations, government entities, and tournament groups; and providing highly responsible and complex administrative support to a Deputy City Manager.

  • Directs the activities of the Park and Recreation Department, which includes planning, coordinating, administering, and evaluating programs, projects, processes, procedures, systems, standards, and/or service offerings; ensures compliance with federal, state, and local laws, regulations, codes, and/or standards;
  • Supervises staff, which includes prioritizing and assigning work; conducting performance evaluations; ensuring staff is trained; ensuring employees follow policies and procedures; maintaining a healthy and safe working environment; and making hiring, termination, and disciplinary decisions or recommendations;
  • Directs the development and implementation of departmental goals, objectives, and policies;
  • Establishes appropriate service and staffing levels; monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of services offered by the department; and allocates resources accordingly;
  • Assesses and monitors workload, administrative and support systems and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement; and directs and implements changes;
  • Leads the development and administration of the department budget; approves the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; approves expenditures; and implements budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary;
  • Manages and operates the full operation, programming, and strategic management of the Aquatic Recreation Center (ARC), a state-of-the-art facility, with a focus on revenue generation and full cost recovery; develops and implements innovative programming, partnerships, and events to maximize facility utilization; attracts and cultivates regional and national partnerships, tournaments, and sponsorships; and ensures a high-quality customer experience while maintaining operational efficiency and financial sustainability;
  • Provides executive level staff assistance to a Deputy City Manager; participates on a variety of boards, commissions and committees; and provides support to assigned boards and commissions; 
  • Performs other assigned duties.
  • Master’s Degree in Parks and Recreation Administration, Public Administration, Sports Management or related field;
  • Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in parks and recreation including three (3) years of management and administrative responsibility related work experience;
  • Or equivalent training, education, and/or experience; and  
  • Valid Texas Driver’s License.


Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

  • Knowledge of City policies and procedures;
  • Knowledge of supervisory management practices;
  • Knowledge of budgetary management practices;
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Skill and knowledge of recreation and parks approaches and systems which affect the design and implementation of major programs and processes organization wide;  
  • Skill in the operation and use of standard office software which includes databases and presentation programs, along with standard Microsoft products;
  • Skill in communicating effectively both orally and in writing; 
  • Ability to apply independent judgment and decision-making abilities necessary to apply technical skills effectively; 
  • Ability to read and interpret plans and specifications; 
  • Ability to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing, with co-workers, the public, and elected and appointed officials; 
  • Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with City administration, other employees, and the general public.

Salary : $123,099 - $184,649

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