SUPERINTENDENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

This position exists in the City of Schenectady, Department of Parks and Recreation and involves responsibility for planning and initiating the recreation program for the community, including the planning for and the utilization of desirable facilities. The incumbent in this position may be expected to spend a large percentage of their time in directing particular programs and activities. General supervision is received from the Mayor with considerable leeway allowed for exercising independent judgment. Direct supervision is exercised over a variety of lower level employees. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:

· Organizes the use of, supervision of, and maintenance of facilities;

· Oversees all construction and maintenance throughout the Parks system;

· Confers with Parks Supervisor on problems involved in the operations of the parks;

· Plans for, manages an directs the maintenance of the recreation facilities of the department;

· Plans, prepares, and takes part in meetings with public, private, volunteer based agencies, including the general public, to inform and discuss the City’s leisure programs and services;

· Advises management and elected officials on department issues;

· Presents information to the city council on budgeting and other departmental matters;

· Promotes the organization of recreation activities to insure the maximum use of facilities;

· Contacts and works with organizations interested in recreation activities;

· Cooperates with local agencies in planning leisure-time activities;

· Prepares and distributes publicity regarding departmental events;

· Represents the department at meetings and speaks to civil groups on recreation;

· Plans and supervises the conduct of all programs being carried out by the department;

· Suggests and approves activities to be implemented;

· Oversees marketing and publicity tied to city recreation programming;

· Develops comprehensive marketing and communication plans and implements the plans on an ongoing basis;

· Implements marketing plans that include print, broadcast, and online content;

· Develops and manages all internal communication systems;

· Creates, maintains, and strengthens the City’s overall brand through all media avenues, providing a consistent brand voice across all marketing activities to specific audiences;

· Plans ways and means to develop, finance and provide equipment for departmental activities;

· Prepares and directs the execution of the departmental budget; Provides for necessary supplies and equipment;

· Possesses extensive knowledge of basic budgetary practices, and the ability to effectively interpret, communicate, and justify operating budget proposals.

· Prepares drafts of bid specifications for specialized equipment and materials used in park maintenance for construction and other work to go out on contract.

· Supports harmonious working relationships with employees and the general public, as well as lead to motivate employees to accomplish departmental and City goals.

· Develops staff, including hiring, training, motivation, performance counseling and evaluation, discipline, and team building;

· Investigate and respond to citizen concerns and complaints regarding park and urban forestry issues;

· Develop and implement policies and procedures pertaining to park and recreation programs, services, and facilities.

· Conducts tree planting and seeks opportunities to enhance the City’s tree planting program via grants, coordinates community tree planting events.

· Administers and enforces the City’s tree removal policy and related ordinances.

·Manages city contracts for tree pruning and tree removals.

·Oversees and coordinates with other staff on tree-related sidewalk repairs, including correspondence with property owners, tree root shaving, or sidewalk re-alignments.

· Develops and implements Urban Forestry policies.

·Performs a variety of related duties as required.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; considerable knowledge of the City’s budgeting, purchasing, and personnel policies and procedures; good knowledge of public administration; good oral and written communication skills; ability to promote, plan and organize recreational activities; ability to interact with groups of all ages; ability to prepare a variety of reports; ability to effectively communicate, motivate, hire, evaluate and coach employees; ability to exercise mature and good judgement in evaluating and rendering decisions in everyday operations as well as pressured situations; proficient in Microsoft Office and web editing packages

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

A. Possession of a bachelor’s degree awarded by a college or university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education and seven (7) years of experience managing recreational programs or parks operation and maintenance, two years of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity; OR

B. Possession of an Associate degree awarded by a college accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education and five (5) years of experience managing recreational programs or parks operations and maintenance, two (2) years of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity. OR

C. Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and three (3) years of experience managing recreational programs or parks operations and maintenance, two (2) years of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity.

NOTE: The essential functions of this job are determined by the department/jurisdiction where the job is located.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $83,200.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• Are you a City of Schenectady Resident?

Education:

• Associate (Preferred)

Experience:

• Parks Operation and maintenance or urban planning: 3 years (Preferred)
• supervisory: 2 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person