DESOTO COUNTY 

JOB DESCRIPTION                                                        

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described.  Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.

Department:           Parks and Recreation      

Pay Grade:               110     ($52,711.74 – $81,701.20)                         

FLSA Status:             Exempt

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Responsible for performing a variety of complex professional and administrative work in planning, developing, scheduling, directing and implementing a year-round, county-wide parks and recreation program. Works under the broad policy guidance and direction of the County Administrator. Exercises administrative direction over Park attendants, equipment operators, and maintenance technicians and other support staff, part-time, contracted or seasonal personnel either directly or through subordinate supervisors.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

  1. Manages and supervises assigned operations to achieve goals within available resources; plans and organizes workloads and staff assignments; trains, motivates and evaluates assigned staff, reviews progress and directs changes as needed.
  2. Provides leadership and direction in the development of short- and long-range plans; gathers, interprets, and prepares data for studies, reports and recommendations; coordinates department activities with other departments and agencies as needed.
  3. Provides professional advice to supervisors; makes presentations to supervisors, boards, commissions, civic groups and the general public.
  4. Communicates official plans, policies and procedures to staff and the general public.
  5. Assures that assigned areas of responsibility are performed within budget; performs cost control activities; monitors revenues and expenditures in assigned area to assure sound fiscal control; prepares annual budget requests assures effective and efficient use of budgeted funds, personnel, materials, facilities, and time.
  6. Determines work procedures, prepares work schedules, and expedites workflow; studies and standardizes procedures to improve efficiency and effectiveness of operations.
  7. Issues written and oral instructions; assigns duties and examines work for exactness, neatness, and conformance to policies and procedures.
  8. Maintains harmony among workers and resolves grievances; Performs or assists subordinates in performing duties; adjusts errors and complaints.
  9. Prepares a variety of studies, reports and information for decision-making purposes.
  10. Plans, coordinates and directs a diversified year-round, county-wide parks and recreation program including the management of Morgan Park (200 acre nature trails park) with an on-site Parks Care-taker residence, and Brewer Park (50 acre with various athletic fields, courts and open spaces).
  11. Coordinates the recreation program with the parks program, other county departments, and outside organizations such as the school districts and various community-based organizations.
  12. Reviews program areas, implements changes or new programs to meet recreational needs of the community; develops, maintains and implements a current parks and recreation master plan.
  13. Develops and implements policies, procedures and standards for efficient and effective operation and maintenance of department operations. Assures compliance with established policies and procedures.
  14. Prepares and administers budgets for all areas under the parks and recreation department, orders all new and replacement equipment.
  15. Supervises the control of, and is responsible for, all materials and supplies used in the maintenance, construction and repair of county parks.
  16. Prepares cost estimates to plan and provide for improvements in the park facilities; oversees construction projects and park improvements.
  17. Maintains liaison with other departments as well as state, local, and other public officials. Answers letters of inquiry and talks with visitors; addresses public and civic organizations which will inform the public of policies, procedures and the availability of facilities for public use.
  18. Supervises and manages the planning of new parks, playgrounds and all of the amenities that would be necessary for the proper construction and maintenance of these facilities.
  19. Prepares applications, administers, organizes, record-keeping, reporting and accounting of Grants paperwork with assigned Grant Coordinator from State or Federal Agencies.
  20. Manages and supervises Brownville Park, a 27-site campground with an on-site Caretaker Residence.
  21. Manages and oversees (9) County parks; 6 of which have boat ramps located along the Peace River.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

  • Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of modern parks and recreation programs.
  • Thorough knowledge of equipment and facilities required in a comprehensive park and recreation program.
  • Extensive knowledge of the principles and practices of maintenance, construction, and use of public buildings and park facilities;
  • Considerable knowledge of community recreation needs and resources
  • Working knowledge of the principles and practices of office management, work organization and supervision.
  • Skill in operation of recreational tools and equipment.
  • Ability to plan, organize, coordinate and implement a comprehensive community park and recreation program.
  • Ability to coordinate, analyze, and utilize a variety of reports and records; Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, other agencies, and the public.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree in recreation, education physical education or related field; five (5) years of experience in parks and recreation programs or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Special Qualifications:

Valid Florida Driver’s license, or ability to obtain one.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS:

Work is light work which requires exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up constantly to move objects. Employee must have visual acuity, acceptable hearing and ability to communicate orally. Employee must have sufficient physical stamina to work long hours and must have hand-eye coordination to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Work is performed in an indoor and outdoor environment. Employee may be exposed to adverse weather conditions outside.

THIS IS A DISASTER ESSENTIAL POSITION.

DeSoto County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the County to administer its employment practices without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ethnicity, age, gender, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status or disability. This policy applies to all employment practices and personnel actions including, but not limited to, recruitment, screening, selection, hiring, training and development, determinations of pay and benefits, evaluation, scheduling, job assignments, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, discipline and dismissal.

The County complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws mandating equal employment opportunity practices and prohibiting impermissible discrimination. The County will not tolerate any discrimination based upon an individual’s race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ethnicity, age, gender, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status or disability.