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7.3. SR 01-18-2011~i Elk REQUEST FOR ACTION ....~: River TO ITEM NUMBER Ma or and Ci Council 7.3. AGENDA SECTION MEETING DATE PREPARED BY Administration anua 18, 2011 Lori ohnson, Ci Administrator ITEM DESCRIPTION REVIEWED By Parks and Recreation Director REVIEWED BY ACTION REQUESTED Consider revised Parks and Recreation Director position description and authorize staff to begin recruttment process. BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION At the January 10 worksession, the Council directed the Parks and Recreation Commission to review the Parks and Recreation Director position description. The Commission reviewed the position description at its meeting on January 12. The Commission recommended several changes that are made in bold, underlined and lined through type in the attached position description labeled "Commission changes." I have reviewed the Commission's recommended changes and have attached a proposed position description incorporating most of the changes. In some cases, the Commission's changes have been moved when appropriate to fit into the City's format. The changes eliminate the director's role as liaison to the Library Board, Ice Arena Commission, and YMCA Board and adds a separate duty titled perform grant securing duties. Previously grant writing was included under the "performs short and long-term planning and budgeting" duty. The Commission also recommended that the years of service requirements under the minimum qualifications section be eliminated. While I understand the Commission's concern that there may be a good candidate with less experience, I recommend that the years of service remain in the position description for several reasons. This is a department head position that requires enough experience in the field to be knowledgeable and effective as a department head. All of the City's department head positions require seven years of progressive experience in the field along with five years of supervisory experience as minimum requirements. Division manager positions require five years of position related experience. That consistency of requirements has been strongly supported in the past and has not been detrimental to filling positions. Additionally, the City's pay system relies on years of experience in the field as a factor in determining where a position fits in the pay plan. If the years of service are eliminated, the position would be reevaluated to a lower pay range. The other changes recommended would not trigger a review of the position. Finally, for the last recruitment process the position was advertised through the City's website and cable channel, the League of Minnesota Cities, Minnesota Parks and Recreation Association, and Elk River Star News. Additional advertising opportunities include the National Parks and Recreation Association and N:\Public Bodies\City Council\Lori\2011\Park & Rec Director 1 18 lt.docx the International City County Managers Association. A copy of the position profile used for the last recruitment process is attached for your information. FINANCIAL IMPACT Funding for this position is included in the 2011 budget. ATTACHMENTS ^ Revised Parks and Recreation Director Position Description ^ Parks and Recreation Commission Recommended Parks and Recreation Director Position Description ^ Position Profile from the prior Parks and Recreation Director recruiting process Action Motion by Second by Vote Follow Up N:\Public Bodies\Ciry Council\Lori\2011\Park & Rec Director 1 18 l l.docx City of Elk River Park and Recreation Director Position Description Department: Immediate Supervisor: Park and Recreation Ci Administrator Pay Grade: FLSA Status: Last Updated: (date) 14 Exem t 2 / 1 ?011 Positions Supervised: Recreation Manager, Park Maintenance Supervisor, Ice Arena.Manager, Senior Citizen Coordinator, Golf Course Su erintendent Position Summary The Park and Recreation Director is responsible for providing effective leadership in planning, development, and implementation of a comprehensive park and recreation program to ensure appropriate and high quality park facilities, recreation programs and park maintenance. Essential Functions 1. Develops sustainable park system and facilities. A. Directs the development of parks, facilities, and recreation programs for all the citizens of the community that provide the opportunity for constructive use of leisure time. B. Formulates short and long-range strategies for and oversees the acquisition and development of land for parks and the preservation of sensitive ecosystems. C. Executes the adopted park plans, selects and manages consultants and executes construction contracts. D. Coordinates review of land use applications (subdivisions) for consistency with the Master Park Plan and identifies and negotiates for parks and trails dedication as part of the development process. 2. Oversees the maintenance of the park system and facilities. A. Establishes standards for maintenance based on adopted budget and utilizes the most current methods, including environmentally sensitive alternatives. B. Supervises the maintenance of parks and recreational facilities, including the ice arena and library grounds. Oversees recreation programming. A. Coordinates the planning of City recreational programs, including those at the ice arena and library that include partnerships with the School District and other agencies. B. Oversees the preparation of and evaluates all recreational programming to make sure that it meets the goals that have been established by the City and make recommendations for changes as the need arises. C. Oversees scheduling and use of park facilities; works with the School District for the maximum utilization of facilities and resources. Page 1 4. Coordinates Park & Recreation Commission activities. A. Oversees and participates in preparation of Park and Recreation Commission agendas and materials to assist the Commission in providing recommendations concerning the park system and recreational programming to the City Council. Includes recommendations from the Ice Arena Commission and Library Board when appropriate. B. Schedules and attends park and recreation related meetings; both during daytime and evening hours. 5. Secures grants for park system and facilities A. A~~ressively seeks. develops and imtilements grants for the development of facilities and programming as applicable. B. Ensures that all grant requirements are met. ~~ 6. Performs short and long-term planning & budgeting. A. Initiates timely review and updates of the Master Park Plan and coordinates long-range park planning with other jurisdictions; demonstrates creativity and innovation in park planning. Monitors trends in parks and recreation for inclusion in the Master Park Plan. B. Oversees the periodic survey of park and program constituents for planning purposes. C. Directs the development of long-range plans and budgets for the development of park and recreational facilities to ensure the maximum utilizations of land, buildings, and monies set aside for recreational use. D. Provides expertise on various land use controls and funding mechanisms that will promote the maintenance and expansion of parks, trails and recreational programming in the City. ~E. Prepares and submits for approval the annual department budget, including fees and charges. Oversees the implementation of approved budget. 7. Performs staffing and personnel activities. A. Identifies staffing needs and recruits, trains, and supervises capable staff that can effectively develop, maintain, and implement parks and recreation programs and facilities. B. Delegates work, schedules employees and coordinates volunteers, athletic associations, or civic groups for park system maintenance or programming purposes. C. Assesses and manages employee performance, and disciplines employees when necessary; performs timely annual performance reviews of all employees supervised. 8. Performs administrative activities. A. Coordinates all department activities, monitors all operations, and ensures compliance to all relevant guidelines; makes prudent decisions regarding exceptions to policy. B. Evaluates on a continuing basis, recreational programs, facilities, maintenance activities and safety conditions for making changes necessary to assure programs, facilities, etc. are Page 2 attaining the expected results. Uses appropriate data to support recommendations, including site visits when appropriate. 9. Performs communication and reporting activities. A. Composes documents, edits written materials and writes routine correspondence and reports, responds to requests for information and complaints. B. Communicates openly and effectively with staff, the City Administrator, City departments, Park and Recreation Commission, city officials, and the public. C. Supervises the development and maintenance of a program of public information, which will keep the public informed on the recreational facilities and activities available to them. D. Develops and maintains sound community relations to assure a good image for the department and the City, including advice to various civic clubs and organizations for the coordination of community projects. E. Reviews and evaluates innovative concepts and approaches in park planning, design, construction and maintenance and informs City staff, Park and Recreation Commission, and City Council of such concepts in a timely fashion. 10. Performs other essential job duties. A. Regular and timely work attendance. B. Follows all safety procedures. C. Participates in safety training. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities ^ Knowledge of design and landscaping principles for public parks, trails, parkways and facilities used for recreation. ^ Knowledge of municipal park organizations and operational procedures as they relate to Parks and Recreation. ^ Knowledge of Minnesota State regulations as they relate to Parks and Recreation. ^ Skill in conflict resolution and the ability to manage departmental issues and inter-jurisdictional matters fairly. ^ Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. ^ Ability to research and conduct studies related to park and recreation trends and issues and update plans accordingly. ^ Ability to manage several projects at one time and to organize personnel for high levels of productivity. ^ Ability to develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with a wide variety of park- related interest groups. ^ Ability to supervise staff and motivate employees to work to their full potential. ^ Ability to remain up to date on professional knowledge and skills. ^ Ability to organize and guide public policy discussions that apply to parks, trail, and recreation matters. ^ Ability to positively engage the public in ways that build constituent use and ownership of park and recreation programs and facilities. Minimum Qualifications ^ Bachelor's degree in Parks and Recreation Administration, Natural Resource Management, Landscape Architecture, Ecology, Forestry, Geography, Biology, Environmental Studies, Planning, Parks or related field. ^ Seven years progressively responsible experience in developing parks and trails, supervising recreation programs, and developing constituencies for park and recreation facilities. Page 3 ^ Five years supervisory experience of a division or department with multiple emploeees. ^ Demonstrated experience working with volunteers, youth associations, or citizen groups. e-Familiarity with natural resource management, including sensitive ecosystems, comprehensive park and land use planning and the role of public spaces in developing a sense of community. ^ Demonstrated experience and success in ,grant writing or contracting for grant writing and grant review nrocess. ^ Valid driver's license. Preferred Qualifications ^ Master's Degree in Parks and Recreation Administration, Public Administration, or closely related field with more than five years job experience in the field of Parks and Recreation that indicates an increase in responsibility. ^ Registered as a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional. Page 4 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION City of Elk River Park and Recreation Director .ver ~ Position Description Department: Immediate Supervisor: Park and Recreation Ci Administrator Pay Grade: FLSA Status: Last Updated: (date) 14 Exem t 3/2006 Positions Supervised: Recreation Manager, Park Maintenance Supervisor, Ice Arena Manager, Senior Citizen Coordinator, Golf Course Su erintendent Position Summary The Park and Recreation Director is responsible for providing effective leadership in planning, development, and implementation of a comprehensive park and recreation program to ensure appropriate and high quality park facilities, recreation programs and park maintenance. Essential Functions 1. Develops sustainable park system and facilities. A. Directs the development of parks, facilities, and recreation programs for all the citizens of the community that provide the opportunity for constructive use of leisure time. B. Formulates short and long-range strategies for and oversees the acquisition and development of land for parks and the preservation of sensitive ecosystems. C. Executes the adopted park plans, selects and manages consultants and executes construction contracts. D. Coordinates review of land use applications (subdivisions) for consistency with the Master Park Plan and identifies and negotiates for parks and trails dedication as part of the development process. 2. Oversees the maintenance of the park system and facilities. A. Establishes standards for maintenance based on adopted budget and utilizes the most current methods, including environmentally sensitive alternatives. B. Supervises the maintenance of parks and recreational facilities, including the ice arena and library grounds. Oversees recreation programming. A. Coordinates the planning of City recreational programs, including those at the ice arena and library that include partnerships with the School District and other agencies. B. Oversees the preparation of and evaluates all recreational programming to make sure that it meets the goals that have been established by the City and make recommendations for changes as the need arises. C. Oversees scheduling and use of park facilities; works with the School District for the maximum utilization of facilities and resources. Page 1 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 4. Coordinates Park & Recreation Commission activities. A. Oversees and participates in preparation of Park and Recreation Commission agendas and materials to assist the Commission in providing recommendations concerning the park system and recreational programming to the City Council. Includes recommendations from the Ice Arena Commission and Library Board when appropriate. B. Schedules and attends park and recreation related meetings; both during daytime and evening hours. 5. Perform grant securing duties A. Aggressively seek, develop and implement grants for the developrnent of facilities and programming as applicable. B. Demonstrate experience and success in grant writing and/or grant review process complemented by success at contracting out grant writing task. ~g n e ~~,.~a ~R~ e u..,...a ..,. ,.~:~~ ,.te a . ..tr., . ,t~Ls ~m,rr- e ,. cc ~~ a..__,.t....._ ~a Performs short and long-term planning & budgeting. A. Initiates timely review and updates of the Master Park Plan and coordinates long-range park planning with other jurisdictions; demonstrates creativity and innovation in park planning. Monitors trends in parks and recreation for inclusion in the Master Park Plan. B. Oversees the periodic survey of park and program constituents for planning purposes. C. Directs the development of long-range plans and budgets for the development of park and recreational facilities to ensure the maximum utilizations of land, buildings, and monies set aside for recreational use. D. Provides expertise on various land use controls and funding mechanisms that will promote the maintenance and expansion of parks, trails and recreational programming in the City. F. Prepares and submits for approval the annual department budget, including fees and charges. Oversees the implementation of approved budget. 7. Performs staffing and personnel activities. A. Identifies staffing needs and recruits, trains, and supervises capable staff that can effectively develop, maintain, and implement parks and recreation programs and facilities. B. Delegates work, schedules employees and coordinates volunteers, athletic associations, or civic groups for park system maintenance or programming purposes. C. Assesses and manages employee performance, and disciplines employees when necessary; Page 2 PARhS & RECREATION COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION performs timely annual performance reviews of all employees supervised. 8. Performs administrative activities. A. Coordinates all department activities, monitors all operations, and ensures compliance to all relevant guidelines; makes prudent decisions regarding exceptions to policy. B. Evaluates on a continuing basis, recreational programs, facilities, maintenance activities and safety conditions for making changes necessary to assure programs, facilities, etc. are attaining the expected results. Uses appropriate data to support recommendations, including site visits when appropriate. 9. Performs communication and reporting activities. A. Composes documents, edits written materials and writes routine correspondence and reports, responds to requests for information and complaints. B. Communicates openly and effectively with staff, the City Administrator, City departments, Park and Recreation Commission, city officials, and the public. C. Supervises the development and maintenance of a program of public information, which will keep the public informed on the recreational facilities and activities available to them. D. Develops and maintains sound community relations to assure a good image for the department and the City, including advice to various civic clubs and organizations for the coordination of community projects. E. Reviews and evaluates innovative concepts and approaches in park planning, design, construction and maintenance and informs Ciry staff, Park and Recreation Commission, and City Council of such concepts in a timely fashion. 10. Performs other essential job duties. A. Regular and timely work attendance. B. Follows all safety procedures. C. Participates in safety training. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities ^ Knowledge of design and landscaping principles for public parks, trails, parkways and facilities used for recreation. ^ Knowledge of municipal park organizations and operational procedures as they relate to Parks and Recreation. ^ Knowledge of Minnesota State regulations as they relate to Parks and Recreation. ^ Skill in conflict resolution and the ability to manage departmental issues and inter-jurisdictional matters fairly. ^ Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. ^ Ability to research and conduct studies related to park and recreation trends and issues and update plans accordingly. ^ Ability to manage several projects at one time and to organize personnel for high levels of productivity. ^ Ability to develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with a wide variety of park- related interest groups. ^ Ability to supervise staff and motivate employees to work to their full potential. ^ Ability to remain up to date on professional knowledge and skills. ^ Ability to organize and guide public policy discussions that apply to parks, trail, and recreation matters. ^ Ability to positively engage the public in ways that build constituent use and ownership of park and Page 3 PARILS & RECREATION COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION recreation programs and facilities. Minimum Qualifications ^ Bachelor's degree in Parks and Recreation Administration, Natural Resource Management, Landscape Architecture, Ecology, Forestry, Geography, Biology, Environmental Studies, Planning, Parks or related field. ^ Demonstrater responsible experience in developing parks and trails, supervising recreation programs, and developing constituencies for park and recreation facilities. ^ Grant ~ securing experience. ~- . ^ Demonstrated supervisory experience working with large staff, volunteers, youth associations, and or citizen groups. ^ Familiarity with natural resource management, including sensitive ecosystems, comprehensive park and land use planning and the role of public spaces in developing a sense of community. ^ `'alid driver's license. Preferred Qualifications ^ Master's Degree in Parks and Recreation Administration, Public Administration, or closely related field with ~~ job experience in the field of Parks and Recreation that indicates an increase in responsibility. ^ Registered as a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional. ^ Evidence of successful grants that have been acquired under their tenure. This Position Description is not intended to be all-inclusive. It is within the City of Elk River's discretion to assign additional duties and responsibilities or remove duties and responsibilities at any time. This Position Description does not constitute a Contract of Employment. Page 4 City of Elk River, Minnesota Park and Recreation Director Position Profile Elk River is offering an excellent opportunity for an experienced parks and recreation professional that is enthusiastic to build on the City's outstanding recreation opportunities. The Park and Recreation Director reports to the City Administrator and is responsible for providing effective leadership in planning, development, and implementation of a comprehensive park and recreation program. With an operating budget of nearly $3,000,000 opportunities abound for the Park and Recreation Director to lead this already exceptional park and recreation system. Park and Recreation staff are skilled, dedicated, and highly motivated to provide the best parks and recreational opportunities to the Elk River community. The Community Elk River is located just 35 miles northwest of Minneapolis-St. Paul between the Twin Cities and St. Cloud on the Mississippi River. It is the county seat of Sherburne County. The City covers an area of 44 square miles which makes it one of the largest land based cities in the state. Elk River is home to more than 24,000 residents and is comprised of residential, commercial, retail and industrial businesses. The City continues to develop while at the same time retains its historical perspective and small town flavor. Highways 10, 169, 101, nearby Interstate 94 and the new Northstar Commuter Rail provide fast and easy access to the greater metropolitan area. Elk River is Minnesota Energy City and is known internationally for being innovative and progressive in energy conservation, alternative energy, public education, and opportunities available to residents and businesses to improve our environment through conservation, recycling, and reuse. Elk River is a great place to live and work. There are many recreational opportunities and parks to enjoy; there are excellent educational opportunities from kindergarten at our public and private schools up to college classes offered at the Minnesota School of Business. There is a full spectrum of housing options available for all ages and lifestyles. Recreation Opportunities The City of Elk River has 44 parks totaling nearly 900 acres. There are a variety of neighborhood and community parks including indoor facilities and open shelters available for rent. Elk River offers a magnitude of activities available in the parks including open green space, playground equipment, basketball and tennis courts, baseball, softball and soccer fields, paved and unpaved walking trails, ice skating, sledding, skate park, disc golf, mountain bike and paved bike trails, dog park, cross-country skiing, fishing, swimming, volleyball, boat launch and a splash fountain. Our Rivers Edge Commons park hosts weekly outdoor concerts during the summer that are a favorite of young and old alike! The Ciry of Elk River also provides the community with a 9-hole golf course, ice arena, two senior activity centers and a brand new library. Education Independent School District 728 serves all of Elk River and several surrounding communities. Elk River is the home to four elementary schools, two middle schools, a high school and an area learning center. As an alternative to public schools in the Elk River area, families may also choose from five private/parochial schools and a charter school. ISD 728 also has a continuing education program that serves pre-school through senior citizens. The Organization The City of Elk River is governed by a Mayor and four-member City Council. The Council is assisted by the Planning Commission, Economic Development Authority, Energy City Commission, Heritage Preservation Commission, Housing and Redevelopment Authority, Ice Arena Commission, Library Board, and Parks and Recreation Commission. City Departments include Administration, Finance, Community Development, Public Works, Police, Fire, and Parks and Recreation. The City works cooperatively with Elk River Municipal Utilities which is managed by the Elk River Utilities Commission. Park and Recreation Department Organizational Chart Park and Recreation Commission -~ ~.: ~. ~. . £e Park Maintenance eatiori` ~~ee arena Pinewood Senior ~ Golf Course Programs Recreation Division -Lead by the Recreation Manager, the Recreation division develops and provides programming opportunities to Elk River's residents and nonresidents alike. Along with the Manager, the division consists of two Programming Coordinators, a Marketing Coordinator, Secretary/Receptionist, and dozens of seasonal employees who provide year round programs in our community. ~ -_. _ -- Ice Arena -Not only has the Elk River Ice Arena produced National Hockey League players, it is a great .. f~14p recreational opportunity for the Elk River community. --- The Ice Arena Manager oversees the maintenance and use of the two ice sheet facility. The Ice Arena also ~ , ' ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ employs a Maintenance Supervisor, part-time Office ~ ~t .v__. ...:. Assistant, and a Maintenance Worker that works at the _ :m, .. ~ - -; arena through the winter months and in the Park Division in the summer. Dozens of part-time employees assist with the day-to-day operations of the arena as well as selling concessions, sharpening skates and providing lessons. The Park and Recreation Departs The Park and Recreation Department is compri divisions: Park Maintenance, Recreation, Ice Arc Pinewood Golf Course, and Senior Programs. ` department is responsible for the planning, desi~ construction and maintenance of the City's park the development and implementation of compr~ recreation activities for the City's residents. Park Maintenance Division -The Park Maintenance division provides daily maintenance of the City's parks, park facilities and equipment as well as participating in park design and development. The division is lead by a Park Maintenance Supervisor and includes five fulltime Park Maintenance Workers. Spring through fall, additional employees are added to maintain the City's parks in the pristine condition our citizens have come to expect. Pinewood Golf Course -Acquired in 2006, the City's Municipal golf course is a 9 hole, executive course. Under the direction of the Golf Course Superintendent, Pinewood offers open golf, tournaments, and league play for all ages. Senior Programs -With the addition of the Activity Center in 2007, the Senior Programs division now provides socializing and recreational opportunities in two locations for people 50 and older. The Senior Citizen Coordinator, part-time Programmer and part-time Secretary/Receptionist provided programs and services to more than 20,000 senior participants in 2009. The Position The specific duties of this position include: Develops park system and facilities. - Directs the development of parks, facilities, and recreation programs for all the citizens of the community that provide the opportunity for constructive use of leisure time. - Formulates short and long-range strategies for and oversees the acquisition and development of land for parks and the preservation of sensitive ecosystems. - Executes the adopted park plans, selects and manages consultants and executes construction contracts. - Coordinates review of land use applications (subdivisions) for consistency with the Master Park Plan and identifies and negotiates for parks and trails dedication as part of the development process. Oversees the maintenance of the park system and facilities. - Establishes standards for maintenance based on adopted budget and utilizes the most current methods, including environmentally sensitive alternatives. - Supervises the maintenance of parks and recreational facilities, including the ice arena and library grounds. Oversees recreation programming. - Coordinates the planning of City recreational programs, including those at the ice arena and library that include partnerships with the School District and other agencies. - Oversees the preparation of and evaluates all recreational programming to make sure that it meets the goals that have been established by the City and make recommendations for changes as the need arises. - Oversees scheduling and use of park facilities; works with the School District for the maximum utilization of facilities and resources. Coordinates Park & Recreation Commission activities. - Oversees and participates in preparation of Park and Recreation Commission agendas and materials to assist the Commission in providing recommendations concerning the park system and recreational programming to the City Council. Includes recommendations from the Ice Arena Commission and Library Board when appropriate. Schedules and attends park and recreation related meetings; both during daytime and evening hours. Acts as staff liaison to Library Board, Ice Arena Commission, and YMCA Board. - Oversees and participates in preparation of Library Board agendas and materials to assist the Board in providing recommendations concerning the library. - Represents the City in dealings with consultants and professionals involved in library projects. - Attends daytime and evening Library Board related meetings. - Attend YMCA Board meeting and works with YMCA staff to develop project and program parameters. Oversees and reviews preparation of Ice Arena Commission agendas and materials and attends meetings. Performs short and long-term planning & budgeting. - Initiates timely review and updates of the Master Park Plan and coordinates long-range park planning with other jurisdictions; demonstrates creativity and innovation in park planning. Monitors trends in parks and recreation for inclusion in the Master Park Plan. - Oversees the periodic survey of park and program constituents for planning purposes. - Directs the development of long-range plans and budgets for the development of park and recreational facilities to ensure the maximum utilizations of land, buildings, and monies set aside for recreational use. - Provides expertise on various land use controls and funding mechanisms that will promote the maintenance and expansion of parks, trails and recreational programming in the Ciry. - Aggressively seeks, develops and implements grants for the development of facilities and programming as applicable. - Prepares and submits for approval the annual department budget, including fees and charges. Oversees the implementation of approved budget. Performs staffing and personnel activities. - Identifies staffing needs and recruits, trains, and supervises capable staff that can effectively develop, maintain, and implement parks and recreation programs and facilities. Delegates work, schedules employees and coordinates volunteers, athletic associations, or civic groups for park system maintenance or programming purposes. Assesses and manages employee performance, and disciplines employees when necessary; performs timely annual performance reviews of all employees supervised. Performs administrative activities. - Coordinates all department activities, monitors all operations, and ensures compliance to all relevant guidelines; makes prudent decisions regarding exceptions to policy. - Evaluates on a continuing basis, recreational programs, facilities, maintenance activities and safety conditions for making changes necessary to assure programs, facilities, etc. are attaining the expected results. Uses appropriate data to support recommendations, including site visits when appropriate. Performs communication and reporting activities. - Composes documents, edits written materials and writes routine correspondence and reports, responds to requests for information and complaints. - Communicates openly and effectively with staff, the City Administrator, City departments, Park and Recreation Commission, city officials, and the public. - Supervises the development and maintenance of a program of public information, which will keep the public informed on the recreational facilities and activities available to them. Develops and maintains sound community relations to assure a good image for the department and the City, including advice to various civic clubs and organizations for the coordination of community projects. Reviews and evaluates innovative concepts and approaches in park planning, design, construction and maintenance and informs City staff, Park and Recreation Commission, and City Council of such concepts in a timely fashion. Background and Experience Qualified candidates for the Park and Recreation Director position will possess: - a Bachelor's degree in Parks and Recreation Administration, Natural Resource Management, Landscape Architecture, Ecology, Forestry, Geography, Biology, Environmental Studies, Planning, Parks or related field; - seven years progressively responsible experience in developing parks and trails, supervising recreation programs, and developing constituencies for park and recreation facilities; - five years supervisory experience; - demonstrated experience working with volunteers, youth associations, or citizen groups; - familiarity with natural resource management, including sensitive ecosystems, comprehensive park and land use planning and the role of public spaces in developing a sense of community; - grant writing experience; - a valid driver's license. Preference will be given to candidates that have a Master's Degree in Parks and Recreation Administration, Public Administration, or closely related field with more than five years job experience in the field of Parks and Recreation that indicates an increase in responsibility or candidates that are registered as a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional. Specific background includes: - Knowledge of design and landscaping principles for public parks, trails, parkways and facilities used for recreation. - Knowledge of municipal park organizations and operational procedures as they relate to Parks and Recreation. - Knowledge of Minnesota State regulations as they relate to Parks and Recreation. - Skill in conflict resolution and the ability to manage departmental issues and inter-jurisdictional matters fairly. - Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. - Ability to research and conduct studies related to park and recreation trends and issues and update plans accordingly. - Ability to manage several projects at one time and to organize personnel for high levels of productivity. - Ability to develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with a wide variety ofpark-related interest groups. - Ability to supervise staff and motivate employees to work to their full potential. - Ability to remain up to date on professional knowledge and skills. - Ability to organize and guide public policy discussions that apply to parks, trail, and recreation matters. - Ability to positively engage the public in ways that build constituent use and ownership of park and recreation programs and facilities. Management Capabilities - Possess strong collaboration and conflict resolution skills and the ability to diffuse political differences. Build trusting relationships. - Effectively communicate with the public, city staff, City Council and other governmental agencies. - Listen carefully and completely. - Keep lines of communication open with city management and staff. - Understand the importance of processes and policies. - Maintain a sense of commitment and enthusiasm to the position. Salary $79,177 - $93,150 To Apply Please send resume and cover letter to: Human Resources City of Elk River 13065 Orono Parkway Elk River, MN 55330 Or electronically to hr(a~ci.elk-river.mn.us Resumes will be accepted until this position is filled. Review of resumes will begin Friday, July 23, 2010. If you require accommodation with the application process, please call 763-635-1000. The City of Elk River is an Equal Opportunity Employer.