PARKS DIRECTOR

Thank you for your interest in employment with Kenosha County!

Kenosha County Parks proudly manages eight parks with 15 miles of multi-use trails, 1,500 acres of parkland, two beaches, three dog parks, 45 holes of disc golf, the Fox River Water Trail, historically accredited mansions and cultural facilities at Kemper Center and host to almost 280 special events annually. 

As our community grows, the Kenosha County Parks have become a destination to our local and regional visitors.  The Kenosha County Parks Division takes pride in the quality of services, recreational venues, and numerous special events hosted within the park system.  Our workforce is passionate and takes pride in being recognized as one of the best park systems within the state of Wisconsin! 

Come be a part of our team!

The Parks Director is a senior-level position responsible for overseeing all facets of park and recreation operations and development including long-range planning of capital improvements, parkland development, project management, ecological stewardship, operation of parks and facilities, recreation programming, special events, and marketing/public relations.

Kenosha County is committed to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and is an

Equal Opportunity Employer.

HIRING RANGE:  $88,810 TO $105,726

FULL EARNING POTENTIAL:  $88,810 TO $122,643

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides leadership, staff development and organization to the Division.
• Works with Finance to develop and manage the Division’s operational, capital project and capital equipment budgets.
• Handles phone calls and emails from the public answering questions and dealing with complaints.
• Investigates, develops and implements initiatives for County Parks to enhance our community’s publicly accessible, quality of life amenities.
• Functions as the “public-face” of County Parks, performing public-outreach and interacting with the public on a wide-range of Park issues/inquiries.
• Develops short and long-range plans for the Division to ensure adequate levels of and the types of Park and outdoor recreation amenities the public wants now and into the future.
• Evaluates and develops “asset management plans” for all buildings/facilities, including schedules for repairs, equipment replacements, conservation efforts, trails, and other recreational amenities.
• Coordinates the development of grant/alternate funding source applications for Park projects/operations.
• Coordinates the development of capital project and capital equipment bid specifications, RFPs, and PSA’s.
• Performs select Park Division Project management and trains staff in project management techniques and practices.
• Plans and coordinates the development and oversees private public partnerships within the County Parks system.
• Performs and/or coordinates administrative duties associated with compliance requirements.
• Performs other work as required or assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS, EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

• Knowledge, skill and development equivalent to graduation from a college or university with a bachelor’s degree in parks & recreation, natural resource management or public or business administration.
• 5 years of first to mid-level management experience in a parks, recreation or health & fitness organization.
• Or, any combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

LICENSES

• Must possess a valid driver’s license at time of hire and maintain during incumbency.

SUCCESS FACTORS 

• Knowledge of parks facilities, park users, park equipment, and maintenance operations.
• Knowledge of laws and ordinances related to the use and care of public facilities.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of Public Administration.
• Budget development and fiscal management.
• Knowledge of turf and construction equipment, forestry operations, landscaping, building and roadway construction, athletic fields, etc.
• Familiarity with state and federal agency reporting requirements.
• Project management, civil construction, building construction, and landscaping.
• Knowledge of recreational programming, special event planning, marketing, public relations, community outreach.
• Skill in continuous process improvement techniques and processes.
• Ability to work cooperatively with community organizations, general public, and other County Departments and Boards.
• Ability to simultaneously manage multiple priorities and projects.
• Ability to remain calm and work well under pressure.
• Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Ability to make sound decisions in day-to-day park operations.
• Perform range of supervisory responsibilities including discipline, termination, etc.
• Plan and budget for equipment replacement/additions, future park improvements, maintenance, and changes in staff.
• Ability to remain professional and courteous at all times.
• Ability to lead and develop a diverse workforce and promote a sense of belonging for all staff.
• Ability to work respectfully in a diverse and inclusive environment.

BENEFITS

• Health, dental and vision insurance effective first of month following 30 days of employment with the ability to reduce premium contribution through participation in a wellness program
• Retirement Plan:  Participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System which includes county-paid life insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Voluntary Pet Insurance

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

The position involves heavy physical demands, such as exerting up to 100 lbs. of force occasionally, and up to 50 lbs. of force frequently.

SELECTION PROCESS

• Application Review - Qualifying
• Oral Interview - Qualifying
• Background Check - Qualifying
• Physical Examination, including drug screen - Qualifying

If you require accommodations at any point in the selection process because of a disability, please notify Human Resources in advance for arrangements.

For more information about the Kenosha County Parks, please visit:

https://www.kenoshacounty.org/600/Parks

Applications must be submitted no later than Wednesday, January 24, 2024. 

Kenosha County is a Wisconsin Retirement System participating employer.  Your participation is required, which includes an employee contribution.

Kenosha County is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer.