Parks and Recreation Director (A263110-1), 217, Administration

Parks and Recreation Director Job Description

Parks and Recreation Director (A263110-1), 217, Administration Salary $123,156.80 - $160,118.40 Annually Location Laredo, TX Job Type Full-time Job Number A263110-1 Department Parks and Recreation (31/90) Division Parks Administration Opening Date 01/20/2026 Closing Date Continuous

Job Description

SALARY: Negotiable depending on qualifications and experience

Oversees, directs, and manages the entire Department of Recreation and Parks, including the administration of all city parks, recreation centers, plazas, park developments, and park maintenance throughout the City of Laredo. This includes overseeing aquatics programs, recreation centers, leagues, Unitrade Stadium, The Max Golf Course, The Buena Vista Sports Complex, and daily departmental operations. Additionally, the role involves overseeing recreational programs and facility development, while planning and developing departmental budgets, setting goals, and establishing objectives to ensure compliance with organizational standards.

Essential Functions/ Job Competencies/ Physical Requirements

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Plans, evaluates, organizes, directs, and supervises the overall activities of the Parks & Recreation Department.

Plans, coordinates, and monitors the development of all recreational programs and special events throughout the City; enhances the quality of life by providing recreational, educational, and cultural opportunities.

Provides proper guidance required for adequate delivery of service for Parks Administration, Maintenance, Construction, Aquatics, Recreation Centers, Leagues, Unitrade Stadium, The Max Golf Course, and The Buena Vista Sports Complex.

Ensures that the Parks & Recreation Board is properly organized and scheduled to meet when necessary.

Approves all special permits in accordance with City policy and procedures, local, state, federal rules and regulations governing the same.

Develops, prepares, and enforces departmental policy and procedures in order to enhance the productivity, efficiency, and effectiveness of the department.

Plans, develops, and monitors departmental budget; monitors expenditures to ensure compliance with budget limitations.

Plans, develops, and implements all departmental goals and objectives; monitors day-to-day activities to ensure compliance to the same.

Attends and conducts staff meetings to maintain influence and awareness of department activities.

Approves various departmental documents, monthly reports, and purchase requisitions.

Attends City Council meetings and makes necessary presentations.

Assists in maintaining good communication between staff, visitors, and other business contacts.

Must follow all rules of telephone courtesy in all telephone communications.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Competencies for Successful Performance of Job Duties

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of the general principles and practices of Parks and Recreational Administration.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of proper planning, and organization.
• Knowledge of recreational programs and construction of park facilities.
• Knowledge in the application of basic accounting principles necessary to accomplish financial management tasks, such as: preparing budgets and monitoring program costs.
• Knowledge of advertising media, ad placement, development, and tourism attraction.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws as it pertains to federal and state grants.
• Knowledge of general office procedures, practices, systems, and equipment as applied to financial operations.
• Knowledge of governmental accounting, budgeting, principles and techniques of an organization, management, and personnel supervision.

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to plan, direct, and supervise the work of subordinates.
• Ability to deal effectively with the public.
• Ability to maintain good planning and organizational skills.
• Ability to use computer hardware, various software programs and technologies, including word processing and spreadsheet programs.
• Ability to speak before public groups and make presentations.
• Ability to give directions to and gain compliance from assigned staff.
• Ability to maintain a valid Texas Driver License and a good driving record.
• Ability to maintain harmonious and effective working relationships with other employees and respond to general public complaints.
• Ability to project a positive and professional image of the City of Laredo.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing in the English language and orally in the Spanish language.
• Ability to comply and make independent decision in accordance with all City of Laredos policies and procedures.
• Ability to maintain good health and physical condition sufficient to permit the full performance of the duties of the position.
• Ability to manage league preparations and maintain fields in top condition.
• Ability to understand and work with Council items and processes as it relates to city governance.

Physical Effort Requirements

Position will have the following exposures:

• Office or similar indoor environment, relatively free from unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards.
• Occasional exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards.
• Occasional outside work.
• Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body.
• Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time.
• Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Work Environment Locations

Position will require the employee to work in the following types of work environments:

• Seldom: Confined space Warehouse environment
• Sometimes: Street environment (near moving traffic)
• Construction site
• Often: Office or similar indoor environment
• Outdoor environment
• Vehicles

Exposures

Position will require the employee to be exposed to the following environmental elements:

• Never: Communicable diseases
• Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances
• Seldom: Individuals with known violent backgrounds
• Moving mechanical parts
• Loud noises (85+ decibels such as heavy trucks, jack hammers, construction)
• Sometimes: Individuals who are hostile or irate
• Fumes or airborne particles
• Often: Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)
• Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)
• Travel: Position will require the employee to travel
• Regional travel
• National travel
• International travel
• Local travel

Minimum Qualifications Required

Education and Experience:

• Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in Sports Management, Recreation Administration, Leisure Services, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field.
• AND
• At least seven (7) years of increasingly responsible professional experience in parks and recreation program administration, with at least three (3) years in a managerial capacity.

Council of Higher Education Accreditation (C.H.E.A.) Valid Licenses and Certifications Required

• Valid Texas Driver License. If applicant holds an out-of-state license, a State of Texas Driver License must be obtained within 6 months of employment.
• As part of the minimum requirements for all positions with the City of Laredo, a thorough background check and certified school transcripts will be required from all applicants who are offered employment.
• Effective February 24, 1997, all selected applicants are required to undergo a drug and alcohol test prior to employment.
• Effective January 7, 2008, all persons in safety-sensitive functions/positions, as per City of Laredo Drug and Alcohol Policy definition, shall be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.
• A person with a disability who needs a reasonable accommodation related to a selection process is requested to contact the Human Resources Department at (956) 791-7480 two days prior to the scheduled interview and/or test if applicable.
• City of Laredo is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled and Veteran Employer. We welcome differences in the form of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, geography, socioeconomic status, age, politics, religion, philosophy, sexual orientation, or gender identity. All applicants who share this goal are encouraged to apply.
• Must be able to function in a principle-based organization that has a culture built on character and core values.
• The City of Laredo provides a benefit compensation package that includes the following for all Full-time regular employees:
• 10 days of paid vacation per year
• 6 1/2 days sick leave per year
• Pension plan
• 16 paid Holidays
• Paid health
• Dental plan
• Life insurance
• 30 day waiting period
• For a full description of our benefits, please visit our website at: www.cityoflaredohr.com under Employee Benefits