Director, Parks and Recreation Department

Posting Date

10 / 07 / 24

Application Deadline

10 / 21 / 24

Pay Range

$135,000 - $206,000 annually

Salary offers are based on the candidate's equivalent experience and internal equity with other employees within the same job classification.

This position is not eligible for overtime compensation.

Job Type

Unclassified

Department

County Manager

About the Position

Maricopa County is seeking an experienced, dedicated, and solutions-driven Director responsible for overseeing, managing, supervising, administering, planning, organizing, and directing all operations and functions associated with the Department of Parks and Recreation.

About Us

Welcome to the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department! From hiking on a barrier-free trail to horseback riding along a creek to testing your mountain biking skills and abilities on a competitive track, Maricopa County parks offer visitors the best of the Sonoran Desert.

At approximately 120,042 acres of parkland and 872-miles of trails, Maricopa County is home to one of the largest regional park systems in the nation.

Currently, there are twelve parks in Maricopa County's regional park system. Each is unique and offers its visitors a wide variety of recreational opportunities.

The Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department oversees the Maricopa Trail, a 315-mile trail system that encircles the valley and links all regional parks together.

The department is staffed by a team of passionate employees, park hosts, and volunteers dedicated to providing park visitors with the best customer experience possible. Join us today!

Proud To Offer

• Work with a greater purpose
• Tuition reimbursement
• Exceptional work-life balance, with hybrid and alternative work schedule options
• Opportunities for growth and development within Maricopa County
• Low-cost, high-value healthcare for you and your qualifying dependents
• Paid vacation, sick time, and parental leave
• Extensive wellness program, including healthcare premium discounts
• Employee discounts for goods and services
• Maricopa County participates in the Arizona State Retirement System. This defined retirement benefit requires a 12.27% monthly contribution rate and includes a 100% employer match on Day 1
• Learn more at Work With Us Maricopa County, AZ

We Require

• Ten (10) years of increasingly responsible parks and recreation experience with five (5) years of management experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in parks, recreation, natural resource management, planning, business or public administration, or related field.
• Postgraduate degrees or professional level-related experience may substitute for the education or experience on a year-for-year basis.

We Also Value

• Master’s degree is preferred.
• Certified Parks and Recreation Professional

Job Contributions

• Oversees daily operations, business functions, and revenue strategies through subordinate managers.
• Develops and implements short- and long-term departmental goals, advising leadership on parks and recreation policies and practices.
• Resolves high-level, sensitive issues in collaboration with County and department leadership.
• Builds partnerships with public and private organizations, increasing community involvement in parks, trails, and natural resources.
• Manages departmental budget preparation and oversees financial strategies, including capital planning.

Identifies technological advancements and strategic opportunities to enhance department operations.

Ensures compliance with state and federal laws impacting parks and recreation, reviewing relevant legislation and regulations.

Represents the County in interactions with government agencies, legislative bodies, and the general public.

Stays informed of industry trends and best practices to ensure efficient and effective operations, while promoting customer service and fiscal responsibility.

Working Conditions

Work may occur in an office or field environment. When in the field, the employee may be exposed to loud noise, noxious odors, unsanitary conditions, chemicals, electricity, moving mechanical parts, varying weather conditions, and other related conditions and situations.

May require exerting up to 20 pounds occasionally, up to 10 pounds frequently, and minimal amounts regularly. This position requires walking and / or standing to a significant degree.

Selection Procedure

Only the most qualified candidates will be considered

Consideration will only be given to candidates who submit online applications

Candidates will be contacted primarily through email and their Workday online application profile

Must pass a pre-employment background and / or fingerprint investigation as required by statute or policy, including drug and alcohol testing requirements for positions designated as safety-sensitive

Maricopa County is an equal opportunity employer.

Apply Now!