Director of Parks, Recreation and Forestry | City of Watertown

Job Description

Director of Parks, Recreation and Forestry | City of Watertown

Parks and Recreation Department

Grade: 185

Salary: Grade 185 / Step 1 - 7 = $104,270.40 - $117,416.00 annually

Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

Human Resources Office, 20 N. Maple, PO Box 910, Watertown, SD  57201

Application forms and complete position descriptions are available at City Hall or online at https://www.watertownsd.us/job-application. Applications containing a cover letter and resume must be received in the Human Resources Office in City Hall no later than 5:00 P.M., Wednesday, July 1, 2026, for initial applicant review.

Applications will be accepted until position is filled.

POSITION SUMMARY 

This position provides overall administrative leadership, strategic vision, planning, coordination, and oversight for the City’s parks and recreation services, while ensuring the delivery of safe, sustainable, and attractive recreational opportunities for residents and the public and promoting the effective and efficient operation of all divisions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be required and assigned.

1. Directs the work of and manages the supervisory staff of the Department. Interviews and select new employees. Provides training and instructions and ongoing training needs.  Provides coaching, counseling, and mentoring to allow for optimal performance. Assigns tasks, reviews work and prepares performance evaluations.  Recommends employee transfers, promotions, disciplinary action, and discharge.
2. Identifies training needs and opportunities for the department.
3. Defines and implements the goals and objectives for department operations, including new services.
4. Researches, recommends, develops and implements policy and procedures for operational effectiveness, sustainability, and safety.  Monitors all operations for effective application of department policies, procedures and standards.
5. Establishes long and short-range goals and objectives for department division supervisors and monitor the progress toward reaching these goals.
6. Develops work plans and strategies to meet business needs-both short term and long term; develop and direct the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures and work standards to ensure success.  Ensures clear direction, proper implementation and City conforms to legal requirements.
7. Analyzes and evaluates existing objectives, goals, standards, priorities, policy and procedures.
8. Prepares short and long-term capital improvement plans associated with Parks and Recreation.  Identifies capital projects/assets requiring rehabilitation or replacement and prioritizes so critical projects/assets are addressed in a proactive manner.  Prepares and administers the Department’s budget to control expenditures and maintain fiscal integrity.
9. Researches and applies for new grants and donation sources; ensures compliance with regulatory requirements.
10. Markets and promotes the Department and its services; makes presentations at community meetings and functions on behalf of the Department and the City.
11. Responds to citizen inquires and complaints.
12. Conducts ongoing field inspections of all parklands, facilities, programs, and any related new construction projects or renovations.
13. Conducts studies and surveys of citizen needs, assesses the effectiveness of facilities and programs to meet these needs.
14. Provides advisory information to the Mayor, City Council, media sources, and the general public.
15. Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor’s Degree in parks management, recreational management, natural resources management, forestry, or closely related field with ten (10) years professional work experience in parks, recreation, forestry, or natural resources management.
• Five (5) years of directly related, progressively responsible administrative and supervisory experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Master’s Degree in closely related field.
• Certified Parks and Recreation Executive.

A successful candidate will possess a valid driver’s license and will pass a background screening.

Veteran’s preference points are acknowledged in the City’s hiring process.

The City of Watertown’s Personnel Policy, including the City’s policy on Nepotism, can be obtained at the City Finance Office or on our website at www.watertownsd.us. The City of Watertown does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age or disability in employment or the provision of services. We are an equal employment opportunity employer.

Human Resources Office
WATERTOWN, SOUTH DAKOTA