Manager of Parks Operations
Hiring salary: $96,547.23 - $120,684.04Plans, manages, and administers the City's 101 urban parks, public building grounds, and facilities under the direction of the Deputy Director of Operations, Parks, Open Space, and Forestry.
The Parks, Recreation & Open Space Department (PROS) is responsible for encouraging active and healthy lifestyles through the acquisition, design, maintenance, programming and operation of the city’s indoor and outdoor recreation facilities, natural open space areas, golf courses and management of the city’s urban forest, in turn establishing quality of life for citizens. Specific services and facilities provided by the department include: urban parks, special use parks, athletic fields, park and ballfield facility management; multifaceted public golf courses; natural open space facilities including trails, water-based activity facilities, nature center operation and natural open space property stewardship; urban forestry management; parks facility planning, design, construction, and development review; indoor recreation centers, outdoor pools, indoor pools, joint use school facilities, outdoor sports, citywide special events and programming promoting active and healthy lifestyles leading to quality of life in Aurora.
Full-Time Government
Job Location
Aurora, Colorado
Job Description
PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIESResponsible for planning, supervising, and administering the activities of the City of Aurora’s Parks Operations Division which includes 101 developed parks, 180 athletic fields, public building grounds.
Supervises 3 direct reports and approximately 85 full-time employees and 30+ seasonal employees. Manages, directs, and coordinates the work of supervisory, professional, and technical personnel, this includes but is not limited to making recommendations regarding selection, hiring, training, evaluating and disciplining of assigned employees.
Responsible for developing effective working relationships with staff to enhance morale and encourage staff development.
Evaluates service levels and assets to ensure the division is appropriately staffed and service levels are based on real resources.
Prepares and monitors the operating budget.
Develops and implements policy for the division and makes presentations to City Council, other city departments, partner organizations and citizen groups as needed.
Responds to citizen demands and Council Member inquiries regarding parks operations and management and maintenance.
Serves as liaison with State, Federal and local governments, and agencies.
Secures grant funding for improvement projects and operations.
Assumes project management duties for contracted projects and internal projects.
Coordinates services with other organizations and departments.
Establishes and reviews work standards and procedures.
Establishes and implements safety programs and water management programs.
Provides information to citizens, boards, committees, and commissions; represents department at meetings and on committees.
Reviews and approves plans and specifications, designs, environmental documents, reports, and studies.
Assists in developing operational priorities, goals, and objectives.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & WORKING CONDITIONS
An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.
Education:
Bachelor's Degree in natural resources management, project management, administration, hospitality management, public relations, or related field.
Experience:
At least 5 years progressively responsible experience in parks and forestry management, facility management, project management and/or public administration.
At least 5 years supervisory experience.
Knowledge:
Comprehensive knowledge of management and operations of municipal parks, trails, facilities; planning and project management experience; contract management skills; and proficiency in Microsoft Office required.
Abilities:
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, all levels of management including executive staff, citizens, and elected officials.
Handle sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy.
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing and synthesize complex information into a more useful format for decision-makers.
Establish and fulfill goals and objectives.
Direct and effectively supervise a large diverse workforce.
Administer budgets.
Anticipate needs and prioritize/manage multiple complex tasks while maintaining a high level of customer service to internal and external partners.
Skills:
Strong interpersonal, decision making, analytical, and negotiating skills.
Excellent oral and written presentation skills.
Skill in the use of personal computers including word processing applications.
Engages with city council members, the public, and other department personnel to ensure thoughtful and effective community engagement, collaboration, and implementation of best practices.
Excellent leadership skills with the ability to foster a positive work environment, inspire and motivate a diverse team, promote professional development opportunities, and encourage teamwork, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Licenses and Certifications Required:
Colorado Driver's License with a good driving record.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Essential Personnel:
When a local announcement of emergency or disaster is declared by the City, all City of Aurora employees may be required to work as essential personnel.
Physical Demands:
Light physical work requiring ability to lift 20 pounds; some lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 10 pounds.
Some walking and standing for inspection of construction projects.
Some pushing, pulling, and climbing.
Vision to read and interpret reports, design specifications, and other written documents.
Speech communication and hearing to maintain communication with employees and citizens.
Hand/eye coordination for operation of computer, drafting tools, and survey equipment.
Foot/eye for operation of motor vehicle.
Work Environment:
Works both indoors and outdoors with exposure to varying weather conditions, noise, fumes, chemicals, and dust.
Equipment Used:
Uses standard office equipment including personal computers.
This position may require the incumbent to use personal equipment (e.g. vehicle, cell phone, tools, etc.) in the course of their employment.
