Parks Manager

The Parks Manager leads the planning, management, and oversight of Door County’s park system, ensuring the safe, sustainable, and accessible use of public outdoor spaces. This position provides strategic and operational leadership over park maintenance, programs, capital projects, and regulatory compliance. The role requires collaborative coordination with internal departments, community stakeholders, and governmental agencies. This position must also act in a backup capacity in the absence of other managerial staff for the overall Department.

• Oversees daily operations of County park facilities, ensuring functionality, safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Develops and administers the parks division budget in collaboration with the Facilities & Parks Director.
• Develop maintenance and repair activities for park grounds, buildings, equipment, and related infrastructure.
• Coordinates the recruitment, training, supervision, and evaluation of regular and seasonal parks staff.
• Leads the preparation, submission, and administration of state and federal grants that support park initiatives.
• Collaborates on updates and implementation of the County’s five-year Outdoor Recreation Plan.
• Serves as a liaison to the oversight committee and recommends policies related to park usage and public access.
• Administers state and federal land lease/license agreements and prepares required reports for governmental agencies.
• Coordinates capital projects related to parks, including construction, dredging, development, and land acquisition.
• Maintains a current inventory of supplies and equipment necessary for park operations.
• Responds to community inquiries and complaints regarding park services, policies, and programming.
• Represents Door County as the Snowmobile Trails Coordinator, managing related state funding and compliance.
• Engages with advisory boards and external organizations to advocate for and enhance the park system.
• Participates in public meetings, professional conferences, and community initiatives supporting recreational development.
  
  

Key Competencies & Skills

• Leadership & Supervision: Directs staff and resources effectively across multiple facilities and functions.
• Project Management: Oversees complex infrastructure and capital projects from planning through execution.
• Regulatory Compliance: Applies knowledge of federal, state, and local laws governing parks and public lands.
• Grant Administration: Identifies funding opportunities and manages competitive grant processes.
• Public Engagement: Communicates with clarity and diplomacy in public forums and constituent interactions.
• Strategic Planning: Develops and aligns goals with long-term recreation and land use priorities.
• Partnership Building: Fosters collaboration with nonprofits, municipal entities, and regional stakeholders.
• Technical Proficiency: Operates and maintains various types of groundskeeping and snow removal equipment.
  
  

Required Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Recreational Management, Facilities Management, related field, or a combination of training and experience.
• At least three (3) years of progressively responsible experience, including a minimum of three (3) years in a supervisory or managerial role.
• Valid driver’s license.
  
  

Preferred Education & Experience

• Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP).
• Wisconsin Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or equivalent.
• Experience in public sector parks administration or land use planning.
  
  

Work includes both office and field responsibilities. Administrative tasks involve prolonged use of computers, phones, and general office equipment. Physical demands include lifting (up to 80 lbs), climbing, kneeling, and walking on uneven terrain in all weather conditions. Exposure to mechanical, electrical, and chemical hazards may occur but is mitigated with proper safety equipment. Travel is required. Availability for evening and weekend work is expected to support events and emergencies.