ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF PARKS

Colonial Group; Lawrence (KS); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

Caregiver leave

Paid time off (PTO)

KPERS retirement

Job summary

The City of Lawrence seeks an Assistant Director of Parks to lead planning, operations, and maintenance of parks, facilities, and outdoor spaces. You will supervise staff and coordinate with City departments and community partners to deliver safe, high-quality amenities for Lawrence residents.

Responsibilities include directing park planning, construction, forestry, and pool/athletic facility maintenance, while supporting the Director with budget and program development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in parks, recreation administration, public administration, business administration or related field.
• Six years of professional experience in parks and recreation administration, with three years in supervisory roles.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to pass background, physical, and drug screens.
• Ability to obtain CPRP Certification within one calendar year.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, operations, and maintenance of parks, facilities and outdoor spaces.
• Supervise managerial, supervisory, and technical staff across maintenance and programs.
• Coordinate projects with City departments, partner agencies and community groups.
• Provide administrative support to the Parks, Recreation & Culture Director.

Skills

Leadership

Staff supervision

Project coordination

Public administration

Education

Bachelor's degree in parks and recreation administration or related field

Job description

Summary

The Assistant Director of Parks, under the general supervision of the Parks, Recreation & Culture Director, provides leadership and support for the planning, operations, and maintenance of the City’s parks, facilities, and outdoor spaces. This position helps manage departmental activities, staffing, and resources to ensure safe, well‑maintained, and high‑quality parks and public amenities for the Lawrence community. The role coordinates projects and services with other City departments, partner agencies, and community organizations, and provides responsible administrative support to the Director.

Key duties include planning, prioritizing, and supervising the work of managerial, supervisory, and technical staff responsible for park and facility maintenance. Areas of oversight include park planning, general construction and maintenance, forestry, cemeteries, horticulture, golf course maintenance, custodial services, and maintenance of pools, recreation centers, athletic fields, playgrounds, shelters, and sports complexes.

Qualifications

Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in parks and recreation administration, public administration, business administration or a closely related field. Six years of increasingly responsible professional experience in parks and recreation administration, park and/or recreation program development and implementation, including three years of administrative and supervisory responsibility. The successful candidate must possess an appropriate valid driver’s license and pass City background, physical, and drug screens. Ability to obtain CPRP Certification within one calendar year.

Benefit Information

• Health/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance: Various coverage levels available; FREE Well Care Clinic through LMH; other wellness benefits/perks
• Caregiver Leave – 12 weeks paid leave
• Paid Time Off: 12 Vacation days, 12 Sick days accrued per year; 2 days Personal Leave, 10 Paid Holidays
• Retirement: Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS)