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Job Descriptions:

Assistant Director - Parks & Open Space

(Full Time, Exempt)

Application Closing Deadline: For best consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. May 23, 2025

Hiring Range is $77,757 to $97,715 annually based on qualifications, education and experience as it relates to the position.

Position Summary:

Under general direction of the Director of Parks & Open Space, this position is responsible for assisting the Director in all assigned areas of department operations. Supervises and directs the activities of Department personnel, including overseeing the Park Ranger Department. Assists in preparing and administering the Department budget and carrying out the overall mission and goals of the Parks & Open Space Department. Responsible for long range planning and oversight of complex projects. Performs duties in a manner consistent with the stated values of the organization. Covers for Director during Director’s absence.

Essential Duties:

+ Establishes and communicates direction and objectives of assigned areas, ensuring alignment with and support of broad departmental direction/goals. Provides leadership in monitoring progress and providing feedback to ensure accountability for performance.

+ Assists the Director in carrying out the Department’s vision, mission and goals. Promotes and fosters an organizational culture based on superior customer service, the guiding principles and values of the District and its mission to the community.

+ Supervises, mentors and leads managerial and technical personnel. Performs or oversees the hiring, assigning, reviewing and planning work of full-time, part-time and seasonal staff, and provides backup support as needed. Allocates staff, recommends employee transfers, promotions and salary increases. Ensures compliance with applicable personnel guidelines and employment law. Performs annual performance review of assigned staff.

+ Oversee the Park Ranger Department, including the enforcement of park rules and regulations, wildlife management, environmental education programs, and resource management efforts to ensure the protection and sustainability of park resources.

+ Responsible for staff training and development programs, assessing skill levels and developing training programs or opportunities for staff to learn and advance within the organization.

+ Plans and leads the daily operations and staff of the assigned areas within the department with a strong focus on delivering quality customer service and effective management and maintenance plans that provide safe and enjoyable public parks, trails and open space.

+ Performs long-range planning for assigned areas and participates in District departmental long-range planning.

+ Coordinates services and activities of assigned areas with other District areas, local agencies, State governmental agencies, and other community partners.

+ Provides reports, studies and recommendations to the Director to justify needs of the area(s) to support the Director in decision-making.

+ Develops and maintains relationships with District employees, vendors, various outside users groups and associations.

+ Responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of service center facilities, including managing work orders, coordinating necessary repairs, and overseeing contractors to ensure facilities are maintained to the highest standards.

+ Prepares bid and contract documents for procurement of capital purchases and contracts. Oversees contracts for joint use agreements, Inter-Governmental Agreements, and operations and maintenance functions such as lake management, mosquito control, mowing, and general grounds maintenance.

+ Develops and oversees management plans. Tracks and analyzes data for trends. Makes recommendations regarding fees and charges for permits and reservations.

+ Coordinates with the Communications Department to notify and educate the public of important announcements.

+ Develops and implements division policy and procedures. Develops and implements or oversees customer service standards and training for department.

+ Performs or supervises the maintenance of systematic, complete, and accurate records of all departmental activities, services, personnel, and property. Assist as needed with documentation for accreditation, Gold Medal or other certifications.

+ Participates in community planning and organizational meetings. Assists the Director by meeting with interested individuals and groups to discuss and help resolve issues regarding project scopes and timelines and other areas of concern. Collaborates with representatives of public and volunteer agencies in implementing cooperative activities for volunteer projects, special events or special projects.

+ Responds tactfully and timely to inquiries and problems in person, by email, phone and mail providing helpful information and explanations in line with District policies and procedures. Professionally handles confrontational or stressful interactions. Makes presentations and recommendations to the Board of Directors and other organizations including City Councils and County Commissioners.

+ Attends and participates in staff meetings, trainings and, orientations.

+ Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the assigned areas.

+ Attends work on a regular, reliable and punctual basis.

+ Plans and implements District-wide snow removal and ice control operations, including training of staff. Ensures deployment of staff and equipment is performed in a timely manner to provide safe travel along trails, sidewalks and parking lots maintained by the District.

+ Conducts periodic inspection of all Parks, Trails and Open Space areas to ensure proper maintenance and safety protocols are followed.

+ Initiates and manages broad scope special projects or initiatives of major concern or investment to the department or District, including capital improvement and maintenance projects. Coordinates with other departments’ projects, conducts on-site project visits, and ensures successful completion on time and within budget.

+ Assist with administering all water rights issues for the department, including water supply, ditch-fed systems, dam inspections, and related correspondence with State agencies. Represents the District as needed on boards and committees.

+ Demonstrates appropriate financial management relative to costs, inventory, capital expenditures, personnel salaries, etc. Prepares, justifies, recommends and is administratively responsible for monitoring the assigned budget, managing revenues and expenditures to be accountable to budget goals including interpreting and generating various financial reports. May prepare purchase orders, RFP’s, journal transfers, profit/loss reports, and invoice requests.

This job description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive duties of the position. Incumbents may be required to follow any other instructions, and to perform any other related duties, as may be required.

Education and/or Experience:

+ A bachelor’s degree in Parks Management or a related field.

+ Five (5) years of increasingly responsible management and administrative experience in public parks or golf course systems which includes project planning, personnel leadership, turf, irrigation and open space maintenance, and three (3) years of supervisory experience.

+ Experience working with community associations and/or partner agencies preferred.

+ Management experience in a Parks Department with similar facilities, functions and programming is highly desirable.

+ Any combination of experience, training and education that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position may be considered.

Licenses, Certifications, and Other Requirements:

+ Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) and/or Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) preferred.

+ Must possess a valid Colorado Driver License or the ability to obtain upon hire and maintain an acceptable driving record.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

+ Thorough knowledge of the philosophies, objectives, and practices of public parks, trails and open space management.

+ Strong leadership skills with the ability to effectively direct and supervise comprehensive parks and open space management plans.

+ Ability to set priorities and make adjustments as needed to effectively manage multiple projects and organizational priorities.

+ Ability to recognize and deal with administrative problems in a constructive manner.

+ Excellent communication skills to express facts, data, and ideas clearly and concisely both orally and in writing; build consensus with citizen groups and/or District personnel; and negotiate contract elements with consultants and contractors.

+ Must be highly motivated and take direction well.

+ Ability to work independently and with a team in a fast-paced and high volume environment with emphasis on accuracy and timeliness.

+ Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to provide outstanding customer service, establish and maintain effective working relationships, and interact with others in a professional manner.

+ Thorough knowledge of methods, materials and equipment used in the care and maintenance of Parks, Trails and Open Space.

Material and Equipment Used:

+ Regularly uses standard office equipment including a phone, computer, printer, and fax.

+ GPS systems.

+ This position is required to drive a motor vehicle to various District and off site facilities.

Working Environment:

+ Primarily works in a comfortable environment subject to continuous interruptions and background noises.

+ Occasionally works outside subject to variable weather, ecosystems and landscape.

Physical Requirements:

+ Sedentary work for long periods of time.

+ Occasional physical work lifting up to 50 lbs.

+ Occasional lifting, carrying, walking and standing.

+ Occasionally required to use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.

+ Frequent hand/eye coordination to operate personal computer and office equipment.

+ Vision for reading, recording and interpreting information. Vision acuity to see close up and at a distance with the ability to adjust focus allowing a broad field of vision.

+ Speech communication and hearing to maintain clear and effective communication. Must understand and be understood.

This list is not all-inclusive and represents examples of the work environment and physical demands.

We’ve Got You Covered!

South Suburban Offers:

+ Competitive medical, dental and vision plans

+ Disability and life insurance

+ Flexible spending accounts (FSA’s)

Happy Employees Are the Best Employees

+ South Suburban provides an employee assistance program at no cost that includes: counseling, financial planning, legal assistance, and much more!

+ Our Employee Wellness Program gives covered staff the ability to reduce their medical premium by $360 annually

Take Time Away to Do What You Enjoy

+ 10 paid holidays per year

+ 4 personal days per year

+ Earn 11.5 paid vacation days per year

+ Paid sick leave to rest, recover, and take care of yourself

We’ve Got Your Back

+ Up to 9% 401(a) Employer contribution/match that vest after 3 years of service

+ Trainings to grow your professional and personal skill set

+ Tuition Reimbursement Program that covers up to $2,500 per year

Play Where You Work

+ Employee engagement is a priority at South Suburban. Staff gatherings have included: pictures with the Stanley Cup, Chili Cook-Off, Ice Cream Social, Shuffleboard Tournament, Employee Appreciation Luncheon, just to name a few

+ Monthly wellness challenge opportunities and staff recognition honors

We LOVE Our Facilities and So Will You:

+ Free daily admission to recreation centers, tennis courts, ice rinks and swimming pools

+ 50% off food at South Suburban restaurants

+ $5 to $10 for nine holes of golf at four different courses

SSPRD offers an excellent comprehensive benefit package including but not limited to: Medical/Dental/Vision. For a more detailed overview please view the Benefits Guide for Full-Time Employees (https://careers.ssprd.org/portals/2/Full-Time-Employee-Benefits.pdf?undefined&frame=1)

About Us

Our mission is to foster healthy living through stewardship of the environment, parks, trails, and open space by providing recreational services and programs.

We serve residents in Bow Mar, Columbine Valley, Centennial west of I-25, Littleton, Lone Tree and Sheridan and unincorporated portions of Douglas, Jefferson and Arapahoe counties. We operate four full-service recreation centers, golf courses, outdoor pools and restaurants, two ice centers and miniature golf courses, a botanical garden event center, a BMX track, a sports dome, batting cages, an entertainment center, a hotel and a nature center. In addition, we maintain nearly 3,800 acres of developed and open space land, including 119 multi-purpose athletic fields, more than 100 parks, nearly 80 miles of trails, 60 playgrounds, 56 tennis courts, and the 880-acre South Platte Park.

Required Experience:

Keyword: Assistant Director Parks & Open Space

From: South Suburban Parks and Recreation