This position is responsible for directing assigned department operations for leisure services facilities and programming.
MAJOR DUTIES
Directs the operations of assigned department recreation centers.
Directs the operations of assigned recreation programs, including community and special events.
Oversees the department’s Senior, Therapeutic, Afterschool, and Summer Camp programming, including USDA nutrition programs for seniors, homebound meal delivery, at-risk, and summer feeding program.
Works with civic clubs and other community groups to manage funding relationships and sponsorships for events, programs, and facilities.
Writes public and private grants for funding of projects.
Prepares a variety of regular and special reports.
Supervises department construction projects; meets and coordinates with architects, engineers, construction firms, and other city departments.
Hires, trains, assigns, directs, supervises, evaluates, and disciplines personnel.
Attends and assists with programs and events as needed.
Serves as maintenance liaison to the city’s Public Works, General Services and Utilities departments; communicates maintenance needs for non-routine projects at department facilities.
Coordinates with Fire, Police, and Performing Arts departments on matters related to special events and programs.
Manages and directs the maintenance of public playgrounds in accordance with National Recreation and Parks Association playground standards; inspects playgrounds for proper maintenance and oversees inspections performed by staff; evaluates playgrounds for replacements and repairs.
Oversees the archery program and tournaments; oversees the maintenance of the outdoor archery range in coordination with the Eastgate Park staff.
Manages and schedules the Mobile Stage for public rental.
Represents the department and its facilities, services, and events to the news media.
Plans for future needs and facilities in conjunction with other staff.
Performs the duties of the Director in his or her absence as assigned.
Performs related duties.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THE POSITION
Knowledge of the principles, practices and methods used in parks and recreation administration, the management of programs and activities, and the acquisition and maintenance of facilities.
Knowledge of city and departmental policies and procedures.
Knowledge of event management principles.
Knowledge of budget management principles.
Knowledge of project management principles.
Knowledge of grant management principles.
Knowledge of personnel management principles.
Knowledge of modern office procedures and equipment.
Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.
Skill in problem solving.
Skill in prioritizing and planning.
Skill in interpersonal relations.
Skill in oral and written communication.
SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
The Director of Leisure Services assigns work in terms of department goals and objectives. The supervisor reviews work through conferences, reports, and observation of department activities.
GUIDELINES
Guidelines include safety guidelines, building codes, Health Department regulations, grant requirements, ADA requirements, sports sanctioning body rules, local sports guidelines, the Consumer Product Safety Handbook for Playgrounds, and city and department policies and procedures. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application.
COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK
The work consists of varied management and supervisory duties. Changing priorities contribute to the complexity of the work.
The purpose of this position is to direct parks and recreation programs, events, and facilities. Successful performance ensures the efficient and effective delivery of leisure services to city residents and visitors.
CONTACTS
Contacts are typically with co?workers, contractors, vendors, elected and appointed officials, community groups, business owners, representatives of Dothan City Schools, and the public.
Contacts are typically to exchange information, motivate persons, negotiate matters, resolve problems, and provide services.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently standing, stooping, or walking; occasionally lifting fifty (50) pounds.
The work is typically performed in an office and outdoors, occasionally in hot, cold, or inclement weather. The employee may be exposed to machinery with moving parts and irritating chemicals. Work requires the use of protective equipment such as respirators, goggles, gloves, etc.
SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY
This position has direct supervision over the Recreation Program Coordinator, Recreation Center Managers, and Administrative Secretary, as well as overseeing the management of numerous full-time, part-time, and seasonal positions.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Graduation from an accredited* college or university with a bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Park Management, Public Administration, Event Planning, Physical Education, or closely related field, and
Ten (10) years recent experience in a municipal management position directing public parks and recreation programs; and
Two (2) years recent supervisory and organizational experience; and
Possession of a minimum of one (1) of the following current/valid certifications:
Alabama Recreation and Parks Association (ARPA) Professional Recreator Certificate
Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) Certification
CPR/First Aid Instructor
Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP)
Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI)
Certified Pool Operator (CPO)
Certified Sports Field Manager (CSFM)
Certified Sports Official (Such as Dixie Youth, Special Olympics, etc.)
Possession of current/valid American Red Cross CPR/AED certification preferred.
Possession of current/valid Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) certification preferred.
Possession of current/valid Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) certification(s) preferred.
*Accredited through an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
A valid driver license and an acceptable driving record. (PBA 09/10/01)
Employees in this position are required to obtain/maintain a Commercial Driver License (CDL) Class C with Passenger Endorsement within 120 days of employment/promotion/demotion/ transfer. (See condition for details.)
Employees in this position are required to successfully complete at least one (1) of the following additional certifications within eighteen (18) months of employment/promotion/demotion/transfer. (See condition for details.)
Alabama Recreation and Parks Association (ARPA) Professional Recreator Certificate
Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) Certification
CPR/First Aid Instructor
Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP)
Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI)
Certified Pool Operator (CPO)
Certified Sports Field Manager (CSFM)
Certified Sports Official (Such as Dixie Youth, Special Olympics, etc.)
Employees in this position are required to obtain/maintain an American Red Cross CPR/AED certificate within six (6) months of employment/promotion/demotion/transfer. (See condition for details.)
An applicant for this position is subject to various background investigations up to and including a criminal, credit, past employment, and reference checks.
An applicant for this position is subject to a criminal history background check pursuant to the following statutes: §38-13-1. Ala. Code (1975) et seq., as amended by the Child Care Safety Act (Act of Alabama #2018-278), Act of Alabama 2019-322, or §41-27-10, Ala. Code (1975).
Employees are required to submit to Drug and Alcohol testing in accordance with the City of Dothan policy, which includes pre-employment and random tests for the duration of employment in this position. (PBA 08/13/12)
Must meet the City of Dothan’s employment physical standards, which include drug/alcohol testing.
