Parks & Recreation Director

Lincoln City; Lincoln City (OR); On-site; USD 118,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent benefits

Job summary

City of Lincoln City is seeking a Parks & Recreation Director to lead the Parks, Open Space and Recreation Department in Lincoln City, Oregon. The director will oversee parks, aquatics, trails, budgets, and master planning, while coordinating with other city departments and external agencies.

This on-site, exempt, full-time role requires strong leadership, strategic budgeting, and grant development, with a focus on sustainable parks and community services; first application review on Nov 3, 2026.

Qualifications

• Requires a four-year degree in Parks and Recreation Administration, Recreation Resource Management, Business/Public Administration, or related field.
• Eight years of related experience including recreation program supervision and management, park system planning, personnel supervision, or any satisfactory combination of experience and training which demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential job duties.
• Possession of NRPA CPRE certification and CPR/First Aid/AED certification within six months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Establish departmental goals, policies and objectives; oversee year-round recreation programs and events.
• Develop long-term plans for parks, recreation programs and facilities; manage master plans and capital projects.
• Direct and evaluate department personnel; hire, discipline and train staff as needed.
• Prepare and manage the annual department budget; pursue fundraising and grants.
• Coordinate with City staff and outside agencies on park improvements and partnerships.
• Oversee EV charging stations monitoring, access and planning.
• Represent the department at City Council meetings and public forums.
• Ensure safety and compliance with all policies and procedures.

Skills

Leadership experience

Personnel management

Project management

Budgeting

Asset management

Education

Four-year degree in Parks and Recreation Administration or related field

Master’s degree in Parks and Recreation Management (desirable)

Tools

CPRE Certification

CPR/First Aid/AED Certification

Job description

City of Lincoln City

Parks & Recreation Director

$117,582 - $150,093 per year

Full Time--Non-Union/Exempt

Plus excellent benefits

This position will remain open until filled, with a first look at applications on November 3, 2026.

Under the general supervision of the City Manager, the Parks and Recreation Director manages, directs and coordinates the activities of the Parks, Open Space and Recreation Department which includes parks planning, wetlands, beach accesses and open spaces, parks maintenance, recreation center, aquatics, and forestry program areas. The Director oversees planning and implementation of comprehensive, year-round recreation programs, activities and events with other city departments and outside agencies. Serves as an advocate for the City's parks and open space systems and provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the City Manager. The Director supervises department personnel and volunteers, through subordinate supervisors, in the performance of their duties, and communicates with the public in matters of safety and concern related to parks and recreation functions.

The City is looking for a candidate who has demonstrated leadership experience in personnel management, project management, comprehensive budgeting, and asset management. Preference will be given to applicants who have managed a department, district, or agency with broad oversight of parks and recreation operations, including recreation centers, aquatics, parks, trails, and open spaces.

This is an on-site position based in Lincoln City, Oregon, and is an at-will employment relationship.

ORGANIZATION: City of Lincoln City

JOB TITLE: Parks & Recreation Director

FLSA STATUS: Exempt, Grade 24

UNION: Non-Represented

UPDATED: July 2026

PURPOSE OF POSITION

Manages, directs and coordinates the activities of the Parks, Open Space and Recreation Department which includes parks planning, wetlands, beach accesses and open spaces, parks maintenance and forestry program areas. Coordinates activities with other city departments and outside agencies. Serves as an advocate for the City's parks and open space systems and provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the City Manager. Manages the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, pursues available grant and other funding opportunities. Directs the acquisition of open space and parks land in accordance with State laws and City policy; oversees the development and implementation of policies and procedures for the management of publicly owned parks and open spaces; implements community park and open space goals and objectives. Directs and develops long-range goals and objectives for the parks, open space and recreation. Develops and implements long-term management strategies, evaluates program effectiveness and delivery of services. Supervises department personnel, through subordinate supervisors, in the performance of their duties, and communicates with the public in matters of safety and concern related to parks and recreation functions.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Establishes departmental goals, policies and objectives. Oversees planning and implementation of comprehensive, year-round recreation programs, activities and events based on analysis of City growth, public input, workload, staffing levels, and related economic influences to provide appropriate and effective services to the community.

Manages the planning and development of a comprehensive system of parks and facilities that serve the interests and values of the community. Developslong-term strategic plansfor parks, recreation programs, and facilities, including updates to master plans and capital improvement projects. Conducts community outreach and master plan studies. Provides project management and coordinates efforts with affected City staff to achieve park improvements including acquisitions, development and renovations. Advises developers and contractors on issues and projects affecting parks, greenways, and open space while promoting sustainable practices and environmental stewardship

Directs activities of department personnel, through subordinate supervisors. Assigns, supervises and evaluates work of subordinates. Interviews and effectively recommends hiring, disciplinary and termination actions. Ensures provision of adequate training within department.

Ensures department adherence to all City and departmental personnel policies and procedures, applicable employment laws and contractual provisions, payroll practices, purchasing guidelines, and overall operations within budgetary restrictions.

Monitors City owned EV charging stations including monitoring, access, usage and planning of the EV charging stations.

Prepares and presents the annual department budget request. Manages and monitors approved department budget. Reviews and approves expenditures. Reviews progress and makes necessary modifications. Develops and administers fundraising, grants, in addition to seeking other resources and alternative funding for department and related community goals and projects.

Provides information, resolves problems and coordinates efforts with City staff to achieve park improvements. Advises developers and contractors on issues and projects affecting parks and/or greenways.

Oversees studies and analyses related to Parks and Recreation, and prepares information, reports, and recommendations for the City Manager and City Council.

Attends City Council and various other city and community meetings as assigned.

Maintains professional, respectful, productive and cooperative working relationships with City staff, other organizations and the general public.

Follows all safety rules and procedures for work areas. Corrects and/or reports unsafe conditions to appropriate personnel. Models safe work practices for staff.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

AUXILIARY JOB FUNCTIONS

Represents the City and the Parks & Recreation Department in public forums. Provides assistance to other staff as workload and staffing levels dictate. Assists in set-up and moving equipment for various Parks & Recreation events. Maintains proficiency by attending training and meetings, reading materials, and meeting with others in areas of responsibility. Acts as a member of the City’s emergency management team.Maintains work areas in a clean and orderly manner.

JOB QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS: Requires the equivalent of a four-year degree in Parks and Recreation Administration, Recreation Resource Management, Business/Public Administration, or related field, and eight years of related experience including recreation program supervision and management, park system planning, personnel supervision, or any satisfactory combination of experience and training which demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential job duties.

Considerable knowledge of supervision, training and staff utilization principles. Working knowledge of budgetary and accounting processes of department. Proven ability to plan, organize, supervise and evaluate the work of employees as well as engage in intergovernmental relations. Excellent human relations, customer service, communication (verbal and written, including public speaking), computer, organization and time management skills.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS/LICENSES: Possession of a valid driver's license and good driving record. Ability to obtain within 6 months of hire: National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) Certified Parks and Recreation Executive (CPRE) and obtain CPR/First Aid/AED certification.

DESIRABLE QUALFICATIONS: Completion of a master’s degree in Parks and Recreation Management and successful supervisory experience in municipal or district governance is desirable.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF POSITION

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to stand, sit, bend, stoop, balance, communicate, reach and manipulate objects, tools or controls. The position requires mobility, including travel on uneven terrain and construction/unfinished sites. The position requires mobility. Duties involve moving materials weighing up to 15 pounds on a regular basis and occasionally weighing up to 75 pounds. Manual dexterity and coordination are required over 75% of the work period while operating equipment such as computer keyboard, motorized vehicle, calculator, hand-held radio, and other standard office equipment. Duties require regular operation of a motorized vehicle and occasional use of hand and power tools. The ability to maintain certification to wear a respirator mask is required as job duties and safety necessitate.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Usual office working conditions. The noise level in the work environment is typical of most office environments. Approximately 20% of the work period takes place outdoors and includes exposure to all weather conditions, noise, fumes, traffic and typical hazards associated with maintenance work.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsible for 28 FTEs either directly or through subordinate supervisors as well as temporary and seasonal employees and volunteers.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general supervision of the City Manager.