Demo

DIRECTOR OF PARKS & RECREATION

County of Culpeper
Culpeper, VA Full Time
POSTED ON 10/30/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 12/29/2026

Responsible for supervising, monitoring, and evaluating the administrative direction and work in developing and directing recreational programs and County parks. Works to maintain the mission of the Culpeper County Parks and Recreation Department by enhancing the quality of life for citizens and visitors through recreation opportunities, experiences, and partnerships. Provides a variety of leisure, recreational, and sports programs for residents to improve their physical, social, and mental well-being. Responsible for the physical assets, revenues, and services of all programs, activities, facilities, and special events. Collaborates with PRAC, other county departments, government agencies, and elected officials to meet all goals and objectives.

  • Supervises, coordinates, and directs activities of the Parks and Recreation Department
  1. Directs the development and training of personnel, ensuring proper induction, orientation and training
  1. Ensures employees follow organizational/departmental/safety policies and procedures
  1. Communicates with staff, strives to develop and maintain good rapport, listens to complaints and suggestions and responds appropriately
  1. Effectively hires, disciplines and discharges personnel
  1. Observes work performance of staff, coaches employees and evaluates performance
  • Research, implement, and evaluate new parks and recreation policies and procedures for the County in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations
  • Identifies needs, obtains, and allocates resources for the Department; Prepares and administers the Departmental budgets and adjusts priorities as needed
  • Direct the preparation, review, and administration of the Parks & Recreation annual budget; prepare estimates analyses for budgets of parks and recreation improvement plans
  • Researches and analyzes community recreational interests and needs; researches and recommends acquisition of land and oversees the develops of programs
  • Oversee the preparation of reports and statements in order to produce the County’s long-range capital improvement plans and parks recreation development plans
  • Manages recreation projects; Develops bid specifications; reviews plans and contract documents; coordinates work
  • Develops the parks master plan
  • Prepares for and addresses the Board of Supervisors and other committees on projects; presents departmental annual report
  • Recruits and trains volunteers
  • Researches grant opportunities and makes application when available; Designs and implements various fundraising initiatives
  • Develops and implements marketing and public relations plans
  • Fosters relationships with internal and external agencies, organizations, and social groups to form partnerships
  • Develop and implement a corporate partnership plan and manage execution and fulfillment of sponsorship agreements and related elements
  • Work collaboratively with Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee (PRAC) as well as department staff, other county departments, governmental agencies, elected officials, and the public
  • Lead and direct the County's Sports Tourism Initiative in the areas of tournament/event recruitment, planning, and operation
  • Coordinate efforts to obtain citizen feedback on park planning documents, capital improvement projects and recreation program development

NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
  • Serves as ex-officio on various local, regional, and County committees as required
  • Speaks to public, professional, and service groups regarding parks and recreation offerings
  • Inspects equipment, facilities, and grounds
  • Prepares and directs the preparation of periodic and special reports
  • Respond to inquiries and complaints from the public
  • Keep current with National Playground Safety Inspector certification
  • Attends seminars and conferences to stay abreast of professional developments
  • Keep statistics on donations, volunteerism, and community service work as it relates to the department
  • Performs a variety of clerical duties
  • Performs related duties as required
  • Answers telephone and provides information and assistance to callers
  • Inventories all parks and recreation assets
  • Directs and assists with the selection, assembly, installation, repair, and safety inspections of park and play equipment
  • Prepares articles for County web page and media release
  • Coordinates with other municipalities and organizations for coordination and support of projects
Education and Experience:
Education equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in Parks and Recreation Administration, Community Services Administration, or a related field supplemented by 7 years of experience managing recreational programs, facilities, and parks.

Special Qualifications:
Must possess satisfactory results of a criminal history background check and child abuse clearance.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 
  • Considerable knowledge of local, State and federal laws, ordinances, rules and regulations governing recreational programs, public parks, and use and operations of public facilities
  • Ability to hire, supervise and evaluate subordinates
  • Ability to manage department to include evaluating departmental programs, develops goals, etc.
  • Ability to communicate and lead subordinates towards implementation of the County mission, vision and goals
  • Ability to analyze and ensure the department is meeting community needs
  • Ability to explain rules, regulations, and policies of department programs in terms understood by the general public
  • Ability to exercise considerable tact, courtesy, discretion, firmness, and fairness in contact with citizens, other agencies, community groups and the general public
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments
  • Ensures departmental safety standards are followed
  • Ability to effectively communicate ideas and proposals verbally and speak publicly
  • Ability to provide the highest level of customer service
  • Ability to provide guidance, assistance, and/or interpretation
  • Ability to operate a motor vehicle and various office equipment
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team environment
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This position classifies the physical exertion requirements as moderate. Must be able to lift 12-20 pounds. Must be able to operate office and computer equipment. May involve extended periods of time at keyboards or workstation. Must be able to communicate orally and perceive and discriminate colors or shades of color.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Essential functions are regularly performed in an office setting.Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions, however inspections at County parks, fundraising efforts at parks and other activities will be performed outdoor often.

Salary : $109,678 - $145,323

If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a DIRECTOR OF PARKS & RECREATION?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the DIRECTOR OF PARKS & RECREATION career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$63,439 - $98,257
Income Estimation: 
$76,398 - $126,034
Income Estimation: 
$81,449 - $125,178
Income Estimation: 
$63,439 - $98,257
Income Estimation: 
$76,398 - $126,034
Income Estimation: 
$81,449 - $125,178
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at County of Culpeper

  • County of Culpeper Culpeper, VA
  • Responsible for performing complex clerical and administrative duties for the Board of Supervisors. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Supervises the Assistant Deputy... more
  • Just Posted

  • County of Culpeper Culpeper, VA
  • Performs advanced professional, administrative, and supervisory work overseeing the County’s procurement operations. This role ensures compliance with the ... more
  • 5 Days Ago

  • County of Culpeper Culpeper, VA
  • The Commissioner of the Revenue serves as the chief assessing officer for local governments. Responsible for generating revenue for the County and Town of ... more
  • 6 Days Ago

  • County of Culpeper Culpeper, VA
  • Performs professional work involving roadside litter pickup by local offenders, placed on probation by the courts and ordered to complete community service... more
  • 7 Days Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other DIRECTOR OF PARKS & RECREATION jobs in the Culpeper, VA area that may be a better fit.

  • Town of Leesburg (VA) Leesburg, VA
  • Do you want to apply your expertise for a cause you can feel good about? Do you want to work for an organization that wants you to grow with it and offers ... more
  • 1 Month Ago

  • St. Mary's County Government Hollywood, MD
  • Job Summary Responsible for all on-site operations of the before and after school care center. Plan safe, enriching and developmentally appropriate activit... more
  • 4 Days Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!