Director Of Parks

Introduction

The beauty of the City of New Haven is personified in its parks for residents to enjoy nature. At the Department of Parks, our mission is to enhance the quality of life for New Haven residents by creating an atmosphere of community through people, parks, and programs.

We are proudly responsible for the stewardship of the Elm City's over 2,200 acres of parks, and the tree belt. New Haven has designated 17 percent of the City's 21.2 square mile area for parks. There are many opportunities for recreational and educational activities .Our department offers a wide variety of programming. For information on some of our City parks, visit HERE.

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS

This is a senior management level position requiring management, administrative and technical skills necessary to direct the daily execution of a variety of activities involving Parks Department personnel. The position is appointed by the Mayor and reports to the Chief Administrative Officer.

Work involves the planning and directing work tasks associated with day-to-day maintenance of parks, parkways, forestry, park and recreational facilities. Work also involves responsibility for efficient management of spaces including fields for league play; an innovative Park Ranger program; and assistance to numerous citizen organizations providing recreation through the use of city facilities. Within the general policies of the City and the general instructions of the Mayor and Chief Administrative Officer the position exercises considerable judgement and initiative in budgeting and administering funding, coordinating work tasks, supervising personnel, handling correspondence, overseeing departmental finances, dealing with personnel issues, and communicating with elected officials and members of the public.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Plans and organizes the work of park development including oversight of maintenance operations of existing sites and the execution of new projects; plans and supervises long term development of a wide variety of facilities; directs tree, horticulture, and other operations. Supervises the planning, scheduling, implementation, and evaluation of departmental resources and setting of priorities; leads subordinate managers in long-range planning and problem-solving responsibilities.

Implements improvements for parks facilities, horticulture, trees, and other infrastructure needs consistent with the responsibilities of the Department to insure safe use by the public. Directs staff and other resources in implementing maintenance procedures for the care and safe use of parks, fields, playgrounds, trees, public spaces, and Department fleet equipment. Directs all administrative efforts associated with annual budgets (operating and capital), ongoing financial management and accountability, procurement of outside federal and state resources and financial reporting.

Coordinates with other Departments where necessary to undertake improvements to the City's public infrastructure. Manages communications with the Board of Alders, the media, and other public interests with regard to Parks matters. Manages all Parks personnel issues involving work assignments, union disputes, and working conditions consistent with Civil Service requirements, approved Union agreements, OSHA requirements and City workplace policies.

Attends meetings involving Parks matters as directed by the Mayor or the Chief Administrative Officer. Coordinates activities with City departments, private recreational, civic, social, and cultural organizations to ensure a customer focused and friendly department. Instructs subordinates on policy matters and in the methods and procedures to be followed in carrying out various activities; confers with the departmental staff and instructs them in their work; identifies training needs and evaluates performance.

Directs, implements, and manages all snow removal operations from related facilities. Provides emergency assistance in warranted situations as required to ensure the safety of the public. Develops policies to ensure stewardship and access to parks and to encourage active and passive recreation throughout the system. Performs related work as required.

EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Graduation from an accredited college or university with major course work in Parks Administration, Public Administration, Environmental Science, Forestry, Urban Planning, Landscape Architecture, or a related field. A master's degree in these or related fields is preferred.

Five to seven years of progressively responsible related financial and operational management experience preferably in public sector/government; including 3 to 5 years supervisory experience. In lieu of college degree, an additional four years of experience in Parks and Recreation Administration, Public Administration, Environmental Science, Forestry, Urban Planning, Landscape Architecture, or related fields may be substituted.

KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Extensive knowledge of the principles and practices of parks and recreation administration. Through knowledge of the principles and practices of organization, management, personnel, and budget preparation and financial administration in the operation of a municipal department.

Ability to supervise and manage a diverse workforce numbering 75 or more full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees. Considerable knowledge of municipal operations including overall maintenance, tree maintenance, snow removal, emergency response, and equipment and fleet maintenance. Considerable knowledge of personnel management issues in a union environment.

Ability to plan and direct others in implementing programs and projects; ability to supervise, train, and mentor staff. Considerable knowledge of financial management principles including budgeting and accountability. Considerable knowledge of the sources and requirements of inter-governmental funding and other forms of technical assistance.

Ability to solve problems and deal creatively in more effective/efficient ways to carry out responsibilities with limited resources. Ability to communicate effectively both written and orally with employees, department heads, contractors, elected officials, members of the public and other groups as necessary. Ability to utilize the computer for word processing, scheduling, communicating, planning, and managing work tasks.

Skills required in word processing, spreadsheet, and project management applications. Considerable knowledge of management and maintenance principles associated with public infrastructure. Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with employees, public officials, and members of the public.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must possess a valid driver's license at time of application and must maintain said license throughout duration of employment.

SALARY, BARGAINING UNIT & TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Elector status in the City of New Haven is required within six months of appointment. The position has a four-year term appointed by the Mayor.

Candidates filling vacancies mid-term shall fill out the remainder of the existing term. This is a 'General Fund' non-tested position. This position covered by the Executive Management & Confidential Employee Policy, available to review HERE.

Hires into this class shall not be covered by the City pension but shall continue to be covered by Social Security; additionally, employee will contribute 7.5% of base pay into a defined contribution plan. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of: (1) a pre-employment background check, (2) a pre-employment physical examination, including pre-employment drug screening accordance with the City's Drug Free Workplace Policy*, and (3) a 90-day probationary period. Instructions and information on this pre-employment process are included in Conditional Offer of Employment.

Pursuant to the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, The City of New Haven has a adopted a Drug Free Workplace Policy. The City of New Haven requires a pre-employment drug test, which includes screening for marijuana.

Selection Plan

Applications will be reviewed by the Department of Human Resources. It is critical that you complete the application thoroughly, as the information you provide will be used to ascertain if you are eligible to move forward in the selection process, and in some cases, this information may be used to determine the eligibility list.

Information regarding the employment and selection process can be found HERE. Please note that the only method of communication with applicants for this position will be by email. You must provide a valid, working email address and you will need to monitor your email, including spam/junk folders, for correspondence from the New Haven Human Resources Department.

Conclusion

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