Park and Recreation Program Supervisor

City of Saint Paul; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement contributions

Paid vacation and sick time

Job summary

The City of Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Department is seeking a Park and Recreation Program Supervisor who will lead 50–60 employees and oversee programs, facilities, and related operations in a fast-paced, community-focused environment.

The ideal candidate is organized, adaptable, and skilled in staff leadership, program planning, budget-conscious oversight, and building strong relationships with residents, staff, and partners.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree and three years of progressive professional parks and recreation experience.
• Valid Minnesota Class D Driver's License (or equivalent out-of-state license).
• CPRP certification must be obtained within two years of appointment and maintained.
• Experience leading 50–60 staff, and managing programs and facilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support 50–60 employees, setting expectations and building relationships.
• Oversee recreation programs and facility operations across priorities.
• De-escalate conflicts using sound judgment and policy guidance.
• Manage administration: timecards, purchasing-card use, reports, deadlines, data.
• Represent the City at meetings and engage residents and partners.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Staff supervision

Conflict resolution

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

The City of Saint Paul’s Department of Parks and Recreation is hiring a Park and Recreation Program Supervisor. This position provides leadership and administrative oversight for recreation programs, facilities, and approximately 50–60 employees. The ideal candidate is an adaptable, organized leader who can balance competing priorities, build strong relationships, communicate effectively, and make sound decisions in a fast-paced, community-focused environment.

Here’s what you can expect to do:

• Lead, coach, and support approximately 50–60 employees, including Recreation Leaders, Community Recreation Directors, and Community Recreation Coordinators. Provide clear direction, establish expectations, address performance concerns, and build strong relationships with staff.
• Oversee recreation programs and facility operations while managing multiple priorities and responding flexibly to changing community needs, staffing challenges, and unexpected situations.
• De-escalate conflicts and respond to concerns from employees, program participants, families, community members, and partners using sound judgment, patience, and appropriate application of City and department policies.
• Manage administrative responsibilities, including reviewing timecards and purchasing-card transactions, preparing reports, monitoring deadlines, and analyzing program and operational data to inform decisions and improve services.
• Represent the City and Parks and Recreation at community meetings and events. Build productive relationships with residents and community partners, address complaints, and communicate clearly about programs, services, and community needs.

For more information and essential functions, see Park and Recreation Program Supervisor our job description.

Our Benefits: We offer competitive wages, and a variety of excellent benefits, including health insurance, retirement contributions and paid vacation and sick time.

Equity, Inclusion and Belonging: The City of Saint Paul is dedicated to dismantling systemic racial, cultural, and economic barriers that prevent people from fully enjoying and participating in our community and ensuring fairness in opportunities and outcomes for all individuals. At the City of Saint Paul, we want our workforce to reflect the diverse city that we serve. Our leaders are guided by an unapologetic equity agenda, which promotes the belief that true equity is building a city that works for all of us.

A bachelor's degree and three years of experience in progressively responsible professional parks and recreation work to include the majority of: budget management, program planning and oversight, community engagement, facility management, and leadership. No substitution for education.

Must possess and maintain a valid Minnesota Class D Driver's License, or equivalent out of state driver's license. Failure to maintain a valid driver's license may result in termination.

Status as a Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) must be obtained within two years of appointment and maintained. Failure to obtain a CPRP during the defined two-year period or failure to maintain a CPRP during employment may result in termination as a Park and Recreation Program Supervisor.

Positions in this class may direct and supervise major functions, programs, or activities in the administration, Como, operations, recreation services, or special services divisions of the department.

Assessment: Qualifications Rating

The Qualifications Rating is an assessment of your completed application and answers to the Supplemental Questionnaire. Be as specific and detailed as possible in completing your application and questionnaire. You must submit your completed application and supplemental questionnaire by the application deadline.

Open Job Posting: This posting is open to anyone who meets the position requirements.

Eligible Lists: Eligible lists are typically created from a pass/fail assessment. Those who pass the assessment will be placed on an eligible list for approximately six months. Hiring Managers may interview/hire anyone from the list.

Final Selection Process: You must receive a score of 75% or higher to pass the assessment and be considered for the position. Those who pass will be placed on an eligible list and all will be notified of their status. A Hiring Manager will consider those applicants eligible for hire. You will be notified if you are invited to participate in the final selection process which may include an interview, job simulation, work sample submission, or other evaluation method.

Pre-Employment Screening: This position requires driver’s license check and a background check which may include criminal history, and employment history as a condition of employment. Candidates will be required to submit proof of education to Human Resources upon conditional job offer, if qualifying with education.

Human Resources Contact Information: Michelle LeBow at 651-266-6519 E-mail: [e-mail]

The City of Saint Paul encourages individuals to apply for positions regardless of criminal history.

Veteran’s Preference: If you are a veteran and would like to receive Veteran’s preference in accordance with MN Statute 197.455, you must submit a photocopy of your DD214 preferably at time of application. Click here for more information.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The City of Saint Paul is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Veterans, women, persons of color, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.