Manager Parks & Recreation

Overview & Benefits

Oakland County is more than just a workplace. It is a place where you can make a real difference. As one of Michigan’s leading public service organizations, we are committed to strengthening communities, delivering essential services, and improving the quality of life for nearly 1.3 million residents.

When you join our team, you become part of a mission-driven workforce guided by integrity, innovation, and a passion for public service. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to do meaningful work that matters. Apply today and help shape the future of Oakland County, where we are All Ways Moving Forward.

For more information about Oakland County benefits and employee perks, please visit:

https://www.oakgov.com/government/human-resources/benefits/new-hire

General Summary

$111,089-$148,838
This position is hybrid.

Responsible for the planning, developing, implementing and evaluation of a comprehensive County-wide Parks and Recreation system. Is responsible for managing the Oakland County Parks operating budget, revenues, and expenditures. Participates in establishing and revising the Master Planning of Parks in Oakland County. Works with the 61 cities, villages and townships in Oakland County and their local officials and departments. Is responsible for ensuring park safety and ensuring that the parks are ready for public use. Represents the division in policy matters at departmental meetings, Parks Commission meetings, and Board of Commissioners’ meetings. Authorizes final budget proposals, reviews budget modification requests, and searches for alternative sources of funding. Develops and directs a comprehensive program of recreational and related activities that are of interest to diverse populations within the county. Oversees the development of ongoing in service training programs. Assists unit chiefs and supervisory personnel with difficult or complex operational, logistical and employee problems. Ensures concessionaires, vendors, and contractors perform work according to contract specifications. Utilizes current county-wide and/or department specific software to complete assignments. Is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Minimum Qualifications

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS & ABILITIES

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Possess a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with a preferred major in Recreation and Park Administration, Park and Recreation Management, Park and Recreation Resources, Planning, Urban Planning, Conservation Planning, Sustainability, Business Administration, Public Administration, or closely related field.

• Have had at least five (5) years of full-time work experience as supervisor of a major park or recreation facility or department.

• NOTE: A Master's degree in one of the fields described above, may be substituted for two (2) years of experience.

• Possess a valid United States motor vehicle operator's or chauffeur's license. Out of Country driver’s license holders will be required to obtain the appropriate valid State of Michigan driver’s license before hire date.
  
• Pass the complete examination including the employment medical, established for this classification.

• Successfully complete the six month probationary period.
  

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Provides for implementation and evaluation of improvements to existing Parks and Recreation programs, services, facilities, and activities on a continuous basis. Plans and implements new programs and facilities to ensure needs of the public are being met in an efficient and sustainable manner.

Responsible for managing the Oakland County Parks operating budget. Participates in establishing and revising the Master Planning of Parks in Oakland County. Works with the 62 cities, villages and townships in Oakland County and their local officials and departments.

Evaluates the organizational structure, facilities, and equipment of the Parks and Recreation division to assure effective, sustainable, and cost-efficient execution of parks and recreation services and programs.

Ensures the coordination of Parks and Recreation Division programs and activities with a variety of other governmental, voluntary, and non-profit agencies.

Recommends, requests, documents, and approves personnel transactions such as appointments, status changes and disciplinary actions for the division.

Coordinates and reviews general work assignments, safety practices and procedures.

Reviews and approves purchases and expenditures for divisional units.

Periodically inspects Park facilities, grounds, and utilities to evaluate the status of division maintenance and general operations and to ensure that OCPRC standards are being met.

Represents the division in labor negotiations, implements negotiated agreements and settles grievances.

Acts as department head in the absence of the Director.

Assists the Director in the implementation of the division’s Five-Year Parks and Recreation Master Plan, Strategic Plan and other planning documents adopted by the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission.

Works closely with other County departments including Human Resources, Corporation Counsel, Risk Management, Health, Economic Development, Sheriff’s Office, Information Technology, Public Information, Central Services, Emergency Management, Facilities Management, Public Services, Management & Budget, and the County Executive staff.

Meets with chiefs and other supervisors to identify and recommend solutions to building and grounds maintenance and operational problems. Responds to emergency situations in the parks including evenings,

weekends and holidays.

Oversees the operations of the park concessionaires to identify and solve health, maintenance, and improvement projects and related business problems.

Oversees the coordination with Ellis & Associates to ensure that waterpark areas conform to legal and safety requirements.

Manages special projects as assigned and oversees recreation programs and services. Reviews program plans and evaluations.

Oversees Natural Resources & Sustainability programs and services in coordination with core planning services and reviews program plans and evaluations.

Addresses patron, staff and Commissioner issues and addresses complaints as needed.

Provides staff with the training and tools to assist more than 1.3 million annual visitors; communicates verbally and in writing to address patron and public concerns.

Oversees the implementation of research through County-wide surveys, gap analysis, and patron surveys.

Oversees the coordination of operations schedules to maximize the efficiency of staff, equipment, and materials available County-wide within the parks system.

Speaks to civic organizations and interested citizens to inform the public about the offerings of OCPR including parks, facilities, and recreation programs.

Oversees work with consultants in developing master plans and capital development programs for new and current park areas and/or structures to serve the interest of the community.

Serves as liaison with County’s Vehicle Operations department to identify and coordinate vehicle use, replacements, and serves and Parks and Recreations Fleet Manager

Utilizes current county-wide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.

ESSENTIAL MENTAL & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to communicate clearly and accurately to convey information using tact and diplomacy.

Ability to solve complex problems in a timely manner, including operational, logistical, and employee-related issues.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The majority of work is performed in a typical office environment.

Some field work is required to inspect parks and programs, meet with staff at park facilities, tour various park facilities, etc.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The primary purpose of this job description is to set a fair and equitable salary range for this job classification. Generally, only those key duties necessary for proper job evaluation and/or labor market analysis have been included. Other duties and responsibilities will be assigned by the supervisor.

Additional Minimum Qualifications

Union*

*If applicable

EEO Statement

We are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

Inclusion Statement

Oakland County is committed to welcoming applicants from all backgrounds, including those with prior convictions, as we believe in providing equal opportunities for all. We value the unique perspectives and experiences each individual brings to our team and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive workplace. If you have the skills and qualifications for the position, we encourage you to apply. All candidates are evaluated based on their ability to meet the job requirements, legal obligations and thrive in our organization. All ways, MOVING FORWARD.

About Us

At Oakland County, we offer a stable and supportive work environment, competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, professional development, and generous education assistance program. We value the dedication and hard work of our team and our commitment to the communities we serve - it's at the heart of our success.

We're always seeking new ways to enhance our workplace and foster a culture of growth, inclusion, and innovation. We believe that our people are our greatest asset, and our future depends on the diverse perspectives, experiences, and talents of our team.

Join us on our mission to keep Oakland County a vibrant place to live, work, and play.