Parks and Recreation Director

Exciting things are happening at the City of Sparks! If you are looking for a meaningful career that has a positive impact on the community, join our team!

The City of Sparks is seeking to hire one Parks & Recreation Director. This posting will be open until filled, with a first review of applications occurring by October 5, 2026. Application review dates may occur sooner, and the posting may be extended or close without notice as needed. Therefore, individuals are encouraged to apply immediately. Only complete applications will be reviewed for minimum qualifications. Candidates that apply after the first review are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment.

The ideal candidate: While a Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of management experience meet the minimum criteria, the City’s ideal candidate brings advanced expertise in navigating complex fiscal management, facility operations, and community program development who can also leverage their sophisticated administrative skills to elevate the department.

About the job: Aside from working for a City team that is dedicated to their community, the person selected will oversee the Parks and Recreation department as the Department Director, across multiple physical locations, making travel between locations required. The selected candidate can expect a generous and competitive salary and benefit package which includes a comprehensive Group Health Insurance package and 100% City paid premium, retirement contributions made 100% by the City into Nevada PERS, deferred compensation matching at 100% up to IRS allowable amounts, and more. See full description of benefits under Executive Management Resolution NO. 3499 here. 

Application Tips:

• COMPLETELY fill out and update your general online application before attaching it to any job posting. HR reviews information listed on the application submitted to the specific job posting. HR does NOT use personnel files in the screening process. 
• Contact information: use an email address you can easily access at any time.
• The Qualifications section below is your guide to understand what the City is looking for on your application, use this to your advantage. It is up to the candidate seeking employment/promotion to include all relevant information for qualification purposes, on the application the candidate submits to be considered for the job.
• ATTACHMENTS REQUIRED: remember to attach documented proof of qualifications, at time of application, to demonstrate you meet the qualifications at time of application, before submitting your application. Attaching your education and certification requirements (see qualifications section to determine what documents are required for attachment at time of application) will allow you to continue in the recruitment process. Failure to attach these requirements will constitute disqualification.
  • Candidates must attach their Bachelor's degree or higher, as proof of degree conferred, at time of application submission. If the required documentation is not received with the application, the candidate's application will be disqualified.
• Resumes are not accepted in lieu of a completed application. Failure to complete the application will constitute disqualification. 

If you have any questions, please email [email protected]. The City of Sparks is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

DESCRIPTION

Plan, organize and direct the City's Parks and Recreation Department. Provide expert professional assistance to City staff and the public in area of responsibility. Responsible for overall policy development, program planning, fiscal management, maintenance, administration and operation of the City's parks and recreation programs and facilities.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This single class is the department head of the City of Sparks Parks and Recreation Department. 

Applicants must clearly demonstrate how they meet the minimum qualifications listed below, on their completed application, to continue in the recruitment process. If there are certifications or degrees that require proof of completion, be sure to attach them to your application before submission:

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree and five (5) years of management experience in parks and/or recreation which has included program planning, development, fiscal management, maintenance, and administration.

OR

A Master’s Degree and three (3) years of experience in parks and/or recreation which has included program planning, development, fiscal management, and administration. 

Licenses and Certificates:

Must possess within thirty (30) days of hire and maintain throughout employment, the equivalent to a valid Nevada Class C driver's license.

Must possess within ninety (90) days of hire and maintain throughout employment, Incident Command System (ICS) 100/200/700/800 and as soon as available, ICS 300/400.

Develop and direct the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures and work standards for the Parks and Recreation Department. Prepare the department's budget.

Work closely with the City Manager, the Mayor, the City Council, City departments, public and private organizations, and citizen groups in developing programs and implementing projects to solve problems related to the Parks and Recreation department and provide technical assistance directly or through subordinate staff. Advise the City Manager and City Council on related issues and programs.

Participate in the City’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, including implementation of equitable hiring, evaluation, and retention practices, compliance with applicable laws, staff training, and ensuring all employees and customers are treated with respect and have equitable access to City services.

Prepare and recommend plans for City parks and recreation services and programs. Develop specific proposals for action on current and future City Parks and Recreation needs. Advise the City Manager, the Assistant City Manager, the Mayor and City Council on related issues and programs.

Assist in the preparation and administration of the City’s budget and strategic planning process. Analyze complex technical and administrative problems. Manage emergency events using the Incident Command System.

Assist in the recruitment, selection supervision and performance evaluation of department staff. Supervise the department's management, supervisory and park ranger staff. Direct the supervision and the work evaluation of departmental personnel. Monitor and direct employee relations and grievance procedures. Provide for staff development and training.

Direct the preparation of and personally prepare a variety of complex, clear and concise administrative and technical reports, correspondence, and other written materials using a variety of media. Direct the maintenance of departmental records. Coordinate the preparation of a variety of reports and presentations for City management, City Council, Parks and Recreation Commission and outside agencies.

Direct the maintenance, development, and programming of parks and other recreational spaces. Oversee planning and implementation of special events, public art, and related programs.  

Direct the development of management systems, procedures, and standards for program evaluation. Monitor developments related to delegated service area. Evaluate their impact on City operations and implements policy and procedure improvements. Evaluate alternative solutions and adopt effective courses of action. 

Represent the City in meetings with public officials, public agencies, and civic groups to coordinate, develop and implement projects and programs.

Recommend fee schedules and establish accounting procedures for collection of such fees. Perform other duties which may be assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Physical Demands:

Requires ability to work in a typical office setting and use standard office equipment. Ability to work outside in various weather conditions and terrain and exposure to heavy traffic.

SUPPLEMENTAL JOB POSTING INFORMATION

Complete application information including all certifications, degrees, transcripts and work experience are required to be submitted by the applicant at time of application in order for the application to be fully reviewed. Failure to submit the required and/or requested information may result in rejection of your application. 

Recruitment Communication

Human Resources will contact you at various stages of the recruitment process via email, even if you have chosen U.S. mail for prior application processes or for applications with other agencies. Please ensure your email address is up to date, accurate, and accessible by you. 

Reasonable Accommodation

Human Resources will make efforts to provide reasonable accommodations to disabled applicants in the selection process. If you have special needs, please notify the Human Resources office when you turn in your application or at least three (3) business days prior to any examination/interview by calling (775) 353-2345.

Disclaimer

The City of Sparks hires and promotes applicants based on a competitive selection process, which may include any or all of the following: screening for minimum qualifications, examinations in relation to the job, interviews, or any combination which the City of Sparks may require.

The City of Sparks reserves the right to select applicants who demonstrate the best combination of qualifications for the position.

Applicants moving forward in the selection process are subject to submitting for a background check that may include review of criminal records. Applicants with criminal records should note that a conviction will not necessarily bar the applicant from employment. When considering the applicant’s background and criminal record, the length of time that has passed since the offense, the age of the applicant at the time of the offense, the severity and nature of the offense in relation to the position for which the applicant has applied, and evidence of the rehabilitation of the applicant will be considered prior to an employment decision can be made.