This position announcement will be used to fill a full-time, permanent, safety-sensitive, Associate Director of Parks (Parks Administrator) vacancy in Recreation & Parks with Anne Arundel County Government. This position is responsible for supervisory and administrative in administering the County’s recreation program including work in the maintenance, construction, and operation of parks and related facilities.
NATURE AND VARIETY OF WORK
This highly responsible professional and managerial position directs and administers multiple distinct programs within the Department of Recreation and Parks. The Associate Director of Parks (Parks Administrator should be thoroughly trained and experienced in theory and practice related to public parks and the operation of recreational park facilities. This candidate should have vast experience in organizing and implementing park management strategies and fostering and maintaining relationships with the leadership of other County Departments and the County's administration and user groups.
Work involves responsibility for planning, organizing, and directing the County parks program, supervising the maintenance, construction, operation, and improvement of parks, playgrounds, and related facilities, and participating in the development and monitoring of the capital budget.
Work also includes overseeing the green infrastructure implementation plan, regional parks, community parks, trail systems, the cultural resource program, the resource conservation program, and the park maintenance program; assisting in planning and developing new park areas; interpreting policies and procedures to subordinates; and supervising subordinate supervisors and skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled employees.
This is a leadership position that oversees senior/chief-level managers. The Associate Director of Parks (Parks Administrator), reports directly to the Department of Recreation and Parks Deputy Director. The ideal candidate would have experience with the management of large county departmental budgets and provide oversight of the operating budgets assigned to this position. Work will involve ensuring that the department operates effectively in its day-to-day business, enhancing collaboration across the department, the County ,and the community. This position would also play a key role in developing policies and procedures and strategic plans as they relate to the Department of Recreation and Parks.
(Note: The duties and responsibilities enumerated in this class specification are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications and salary level for all positions in this class. They are not intended to include all of the essential functions of all positions in the class.)
Plans, organizes, and directs the activities of the County parks program; develops and manages the parks budget; and participates in the presentation of the budget.
Supervises through subordinate supervisors a sizable staff of skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled employees engaged in the maintenance, construction, operation, and improvement of parks and park facilities, including general park areas, ball fields, playgrounds, golf courses, and related facilities.
Participates and makes recommendations in the preparation of plans for new park development, including landscaping details and the layout of various facilities; directs the overall development of new park areas; and evaluates potential sites for new parks.
Coordinates park programs with recreation activities, school needs, and other community recreation and beautification programs.
Meets with civic and related groups to discuss and promote interest in park development and public use.
Directs the preparation and maintenance of necessary records and reports and research and evaluates new methods, innovative programs, and the availability of grants.
Participates in annual public meetings.
Performs related work as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, and methods of park system administration.
Thorough knowledge of the materials, equipment, methods, and practices essential to the maintenance and construction of parks and related facilities.
Considerable knowledge of modern methods and techniques of management, including budgeting and fiscal management.
Ability to articulate and communicate departmental business goals and objectives.
Ability to prepare, analyze, and implement park programs and activities.
Ability to plan, assign, coordinate, and supervise the activities and personnel involved in a well-rounded parks program.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, County officials, civic organizations, and the public.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
