Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation

This position will begin after October 1, 2026.

Hiring Range: $103,553.16 - $129,396.45 (Depending on qualifications)
Full Salary Range: $103,553.16 - $155,239.74

Job description statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job title. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.

Performs high-level supervisory duties managing staff and daily operations of the Recreation, Athletics and Buildings & Grounds Divisions of the Parks & Recreation Department. Coordinates assigned activities with other departments, divisions, outside agencies and the public; works with the Director of Parks and Recreation to prepare division budgets in compliance with rules and regulations of the City and supervises department financial sustainability matters; provides highly responsible and complex staff assistance to the Director of Parks & Recreation. Serves as Director of Parks and Recreation in the absence of the DirectorAn employee in this class performs a variety of administrative and professional duties supervising the divisions of Recreation, Athletics/Aquatics and Parks Maintenance within the Parks and Recreation Department. The employee manages staff, develops and implements long-range and short-term goals, oversees daily work operations of Supervisors and Superintendents, and recommends changes to programs, services, policies and procedures, as needed. The Assistant Director is responsible for the selection, training, appraisal, and supervision of regular and part-time employees. Employee is subject to hazards in parks and recreation work including working in both inside and outside environments. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Director of Parks and Recreation.
Responsible for the management and administration of Department recreation, athletics and aquatics programs and services, and the administration and management of Parks Maintenance division. Position coordinates communication between staff for the efficient delivery of services.

• Analyzes program evaluations to ensure program and activity offerings meet the needs and desires of the full community; revises programs as needed. 
• Assists with overseeing maintenance operations in the areas of landscape and grounds, parks and facilities. 
• Assists with the development and administration of a preventive maintenance plan and capital asset depreciation and replacement schedules. 
• Assures parks and facilities are safe for public use through the supervision and oversight of regular inspections, and preventive and ongoing maintenance. 
• Develops, prepares, and justifies a budget for areas of responsibility. Controls and accounts of the expenditure of funds in accordance with the approved budget. Ensure revenue goals are met. 
• Recommends charges for fee-based programs based on cost recovery goals. 
• Oversees the Parks and Recreation Capital Improvement Programs and projects from design through construction
• Serves as Department Liaison to the Community Development Department and the Development Review Committee.
• Assists with the recruitment, selection, and supervision of quality Parks & Recreation Department personnel. Plans, organizes and guides the work of professional and support staff. 
• Performs or assists subordinates in performing duties, adjusts errors and complaints
• Effectively promotes and represents the Parks and Recreation Department in the community. 
• Using excellent customer service skills, establishes and maintains effective working relationships with other employees, officials, and all members of the public. 
• Responds to inquiries about programs made by telephone, correspondence, or during public meetings
• Coordinates, schedules, and maintains related records and statistics for programs and personnel. 
• Communicates official plans, policies, and procedures to staff and the public. 
• Responsible for updating or revising existing policies and procedures to accommodate the changing needs of patrons. 

Performs other duties as assigned. Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential function of this position, as is the ability to create and maintain professional, harmonious working relationships with others.Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Public Administration, Business Administration or related field. Master's Degree preferred.  Six years progressively responsible work experience in the public administration field, including three years supervising a division of parks and recreation or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Diverse background experience in parks maintenance operations, aquatics, athletics and recreation, preferred. 

Considerable knowledge of recreation philosophy, planning, and administration. Considerable knowledge of the equipment, facilities, operations, and techniques used in a comprehensive community recreation and maintenance program. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, other agencies, participants, instructors, community partners, and the public. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. Ability to plan and supervise the work of paid staff and volunteers. Ability and willingness to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.A valid Driver's License is required and ability to maintain city driving standards in accordance with the driver standards as established by the City of Rowlett. Must report all traffic citations to his/her departmental Director or his/her designee pursuant to city policy.

Certified Parks and Recreation Professional must be obtained within one year of hire. Must be able to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as necessary depending on programs on schedule. 

Works primarily in climate-controlled office environment with occasional exposure to weather conditions.  Physical demands are primarily sedentary in nature requiring little physical effort in working with light, (up to 20 lbs.) and occasional lifting of objects weighing 50 lbs.  Walking, standing, reaching, and bending also required.