PARKS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR (FULL TIME)

St. George, City of (UT); Saint George (UT); On-site; USD 170,000 - 204,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vehicle allowance

Cell phone allowance

Full city benefits package

4 weeks vacation first year

13 paid holidays

Job summary

St. George, City of (UT) is seeking a dynamic leader to manage the Parks and Community Services Department.

The role entails guiding strategic planning, budgeting, and operations for city parks, trails, facilities, and programs to ensure high-quality services for residents. Reporting to the City Manager, you will develop master plans, oversee staff and grants, build partnerships, and present program priorities to the City Council.

Qualifications

• Six (6) years of full-time progressively responsible experience in parks/recreation administration.
• Two (2) years in a managerial position as director, assistant director, or division head.

Responsibilities

• Direct administration, operation, and maintenance of City parks, trails, facilities, programs, events, and other services.
• Lead vision, goals, policies, and procedures for effective department operation.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and development to department staff.
• Manage the department's operating and capital budgets; oversee expenditures and grants.
• Lead long-range planning for parks, facilities, recreation, and open space; develop master plans.
• Build partnerships with community organizations and stakeholders to support priorities.
• Represent the department before City Council and the public; present program priorities.
• Evaluate programs/services for community benefit, utilization, and financial sustainability.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Staff development

Strategic planning

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in parks and recreation administration

Job description

Salary and Benefits

This position is an appointed position. Individuals hired in this position have the opportunity to progress up to $204,464/year, which is the maximum salary for this position as of December 2025. A vehicle allowance is provided at $4,800 per year and a cell phone allowance is provided at $600 per year.

Benefits: Full City Benefits Package. The City of St. George covers 100% of the premiums for the High Deductible health plan for full-time employees and their qualified dependents. This position will receive four weeks of vacation time during the first year of employment, in addition to thirteen paid holidays. To find out more about our benefits package, please visit our careers website.

Position Summary

Under the direction of the City Manager, provides leadership and overall management of the Parks and Community Services Department, including strategic and long-range planning, budget and financial management, and effective utilization of staff, facilities, equipment, and other resources.

(Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. The list of tasks is illustrative only and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.)

1. Directs the administration, operation, and maintenance of City parks, trails, related facilities, programs, special events, and other community services.
2. Establishes and implements the vision, goals, policies, and procedures necessary for effective operation of the department, consistent with the priorities and direction of the City Council and City administration.
3. Provides leadership, coaching, and development to department staff. Builds a strong team by establishing clear expectations, developing employees for increased responsibility, supporting professional growth, recognizing strong performance, and holding employees accountable for results.
4. Directs preparation and administration of the department's annual operating and capital budgets. Oversees expenditures and ensures effective and responsible use of departmental resources. Identifies opportunities for appropriate cost recovery, revenue generation, and cost savings while maintaining established service priorities. Oversees applicable state and federal grants.
5. Directs long-range planning for parks, facilities, recreation, open space, and other community needs, including development and implementation of department master plans. Works with staff, consultants, contractors, community groups, and City administration regarding future needs and development. Ensures facilities and assets are effectively managed and maintained to protect the City’s investment.
6. Develops and maintains effective partnerships with community organizations, businesses, other governmental entities, and stakeholders to support departmental and City priorities.
7. Represents the department before the City Council, community organizations, professional organizations, governmental agencies, media, and the public. Prepares and delivers presentations regarding department programs, projects, priorities, and other matters.
8. Evaluates the effectiveness, efficiency, and value of departmental programs, services, and operations. Applies a business-oriented approach to service delivery, including consideration of community benefit, participation and utilization, staffing and organizational capacity, cost recovery and revenue opportunities, and the overall financial sustainability of services. Prioritizes resources toward core priorities and opportunities that provide the greatest value to the community.
9. Performs other related duties as required.

Education

Graduation from accredited college or university with bachelor’s degree in parks and recreation administration, public administration, business administration or closely related field.

Experience

Minimum of six (6) years full time progressively responsible experience in parks/recreation administration, of which two (2) years must have been in a managerial position as director, assistant director,or division head of a parks and /orrecreation department.

Licenses and or Certifications

Must possess a valid driver’s license. A valid Utah Driver License must be obtained within (60) days of hire and be maintained throughout employment.

• Provide effective leadership, develop staff, and build strong teams.
• Create and communicate a shared vision consistent with City Council and City administration priorities.
• Analyze complex issues, evaluate alternatives, and exercise sound business and financial judgment.
• Prepare and administer large operating and capital budgets and effectively allocate limited resources.
• Evaluate programs and services based on community benefit, utilization, cost, organizational capacity, and financial sustainability.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, employees, community organizations, other governmental entities, and the public.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Knowledge of

• Principles and practices of parks, recreation, and community services administration.
• Leadership, organizational management, and employee development.
• Governmental budgeting, financial management, and resource allocation.
• Business principles applicable to public service delivery, including cost recovery, revenue generation, and cost control.
• Long-range planning and management of public facilities and assets.