Parks and Recreation Director

Job Description:

Parks and Recreation Director

Description

Description

First review of applications after two weeks: 10/28/2025

CORE VALUE STATEMENT
The City of Kennewick will provide excellent public service and ensure the safety and wellbeing of our community and one another through the empowerment of each employee. We value integrity, inclusiveness, stewardship, and communication. We are accountable to our community for innovative and collaborative efforts that anticipate needs, leverage resources, and deliver solutions.

SAFETY STATEMENT
We expect our employees to ensure compliance with all applicable safety practices and policies, including those established by OSHA/DOSH regulations and by the City’s Accident Prevention Plan. This includes but is not limited to actively identifying and correcting potential hazards that may affect employee and public safety, including those identified by co-workers; leading by example to promote a positive culture of workplace safety through everyday action; and emphasizing safe completion of work throughout all aspects of developing and carrying out work plans.

CLASSIFICATION SUMMARY
Under the administrative direction of the Deputy City Manager, provides managerial oversight to the planning and implementing of recreational programs and special events; operations and maintenance of parks, greenways, and capital projects. This includes the operation of the Southridge Sports & Events Complex, Keewaydin Community Center, Columbia Park Golf TriPlex, major events held in City parks, City co-sponsored events, and other activities for citizens of all ages and socio-economic groups. Within the policy directives set forth by the City Council, establishes goals and objectives to ensure equitable access to recreation and improve the quality of life for residents.

WORK SCHEDULE
The initial work schedule for this classification will be full-time, Monday through Friday. Evenings and weekend work is occasionally required. This classification is exempt from overtime under the FLSA.

Examples of Work Performed (Illustrative Only)

The following list reflects the essential job duties and responsibilities of this classification but is not all-inclusive. The incumbent will perform other related duties as assigned.

• Plans, organizes, and directs the operation, maintenance, and development of the City’s comprehensive parks and recreation programs and services. This includes recreation programs, special events, parks maintenance and operations, special population groups, municipal and open space programs, capital projects, development and acquisition of land, and the coordination of services for the community.
• Develops and establishes goals and objectives for the department to ensure compliance with City Council policy directives, overall departmental goals and objectives, and any applicable local, state, or federal laws, rules, and regulations. Develops, recommends, and implements department operating policies, procedures, and programs in order to accomplish City Council and departmental goals and objectives. For example, administers and updates the City’s Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan; recommends a Capital Improvement Program to fund plans; and develops and implements strategies to execute the plans.
• Directs the activities of program support, professional staff, and subordinate supervisors and managers responsible for carrying out the programs, services, and functions of the department. Duties include delegating and overseeing assignments; evaluating projects/programs; training, motivating and assisting staff; evaluating performance; administering discipline; ensuring compliance with union contracts; and making all types of employment decisions.
• Establishes and maintains effective planning and working relationships within the department, with other City departments, and with outside agencies including neighboring jurisdictions, state and federal agencies, community and business groups, and the public to ensure effective and efficient operation and quality service to the community.
• Develops, recommends, and administers the department biennial operating and capital improvement budgets, and engages in financial analysis to determine future needs and recommendations for the necessary resources to accomplish departmental and Citywide goals. This includes the library and golf course operating budgets. Pursues public and private grant funding and sponsorship for park projects and department initiatives. Reviews and approves requisitions and invoices based upon budgetary guidelines.
• Attends City Council meetings and workshops, Parks and Recreation and Arts Commission meetings, and participates in City committees as requested, including cross-functional teams addressing land conveyance, encampments, micromobility, and risk mitigation.
• Prepares and submits reports and correspondence relating to department activities, direction and accomplishments to the City’s leadership team, Parks and Recreation Commission, Arts Commission, City Manager, and City Council. Prepares presentations and reports to be submitted to the Parks and Recreation Commission, Arts Commision, City Council, and external agencies.
• Responds to issues and concerns; determines and implements appropriate resolutions to maintain positive community/customer relations for the department and City.
• Develops, negotiates, and administers contracts for parks master planning, design, improvements, renovations, land use, golf course operations, special events, concessionaires, and recreation programs; ensures contract compliance.
• Develops and coordinates the activities of the Parks and Recreation Commission, Arts Commission, including strategic planning to implement Council goals and priorities; organizes the monthly meetings; and coordinates the agendas and work plans with the Commission chair, City staff, and external agencies.
• Provides technical expertise, information, and assistance to the Deputy City Manager, City Manager, Parks and Recreation Commission, Arts Commission, committees (internal and external), contractors, and consultants regarding assigned functions. Assists as needed in the development of administrative policies, procedures, and programs.
• Directs and ensures compliance with environmental, ADA, safety, and grant funding regulations for the department.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Employment Standards

This position requires a Bachelor’s degree in parks and recreation administration or related field and seven (7) or more years of experience administering public service programs, including four (4) or more years of supervisory responsibility. This includes experience and/or certification in park development, special events, risk management, or any combination of relevant education and experience sufficient to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties listed above.

• Must possess Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) certification or obtain certification upon employment; Certified Parks and Recreation Executive (CPRE) certification preferred.
• Must possess and maintain a valid State of Washington driver’s license.
• Must pass a criminal background investigation.
• Must maintain a level of mental and physical fitness required to perform the essential functions of this classification.

Physical Requirements:
To perform the essential functions of the classification, incumbents must be able to meet the following physical requirements: must regularly talk, hear/listen, see/observe, sit, stand and walk; must regularly demonstrate fine motor skills; must occasionally exert up to ten (10) pounds of force.

The benefits listed below are those currently enjoyed by full-time Executive Level City of Kennewick Non-Contract employees. It is important to remember that over the course of time these benefits may change - they are not permanent. Benefits may change through City Council or administrative action or changes mandated by state and federal law.

Paid Holidays
13 per year (10 scheduled; 3 “floating”)
New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday, Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day and the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and three floating holidays selected by the employee. An employee will accrue one of the three floating holidays on each of the following days: February 1, February 12, and August 31. An employee will only accrue a floating holiday on these days if actually employed.

Paid Time Off (PTO)
The purpose of PTO is to compensate employees for absences due to injury, illness, vacation and personal business. In addition, the program is designed to provide employees with personal flexibility regarding the use of leave hours. PTO hours accrue based upon the actual number of regular hours worked.

Accrual per Month:
0-5yrs 6-9yrs 10-14yrs 15-19yrs 20-24yrs 25-29yrs 30+yrs
12 hours 15 hours 17 hours 19 hours 21 hours 23 hours 25 hours

Retirement Plan
All City employees are members of the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). The City and the employee both contribute toward the plan. PERS provides regular retirement and disability retirement benefits. City employees also participate in the Social Security Program. Rates effective as of 09/01/2024. ( www.drs.wa.gov )

PERS Employee Contribution Rate Employer Contribution Rate
Plan II 6.36% 9.11%
Plan III Employee Choice (see booklet) 9.11%

Deferred Comp
The City contributes an equivalent of 8.5% of your regular monthly salary to Mission Square Retirement (previously ICMA) deferred compensation program. No employee match required, but employees may contribute towards plan if desired. ( www.icmarc.org )

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
The City currently pays the entire dental and vision insurance premiums for the employee and dependents. Employee current premium share is $200.00 per month for medical insurance to cover themselves and dependents.

Life Insurance
1.5 x annual salary (not to exceed $250K) provided by the City of Kennewick. Employee may purchase Voluntary Term Life Insurance for employee, spouse and/or dependents through New York Life (previously Cigna).

Long Term Disability
The City pays the entire long-term disability premium for employees through New York Life (previously Cigna).

Wellness Program
The Wellness Program has been established to encourage employee health and fitness, both at work and at home. A City Wellness Committee promotes and provides opportunities for healthy lifestyles. Employee fitness center is open to all employees and their spouses.

Employee Assistance
An Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) is provided by the City to assist you and family members, providing counseling and treatment in such areas as stress, drug and alcohol abuse and family counseling.

Other Benefits Offered

• 9/80 schedule (every other Friday off)
• Vehicle allowance of $272/month
• Flexible Spending Plan (Pre-Tax Deduction for Medical/Dental and Day Care)
• Aflac Supplemental Insurance
• Tuition Assistance
• Direct Deposit (paydays are 5th and 20th of the month)

Closing Date/Time: 11/4/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$164,676.00 - $210,804.00 Annually