Under the direction of the Parks and Recreation Director provides management necessary to lead the day-to-day operation for all activities of the Parks and Recreation Department for the City of Cape Coral. Assists the Department Director in administering and directing all Parks and Recreation facilities and programs. The incumbent oversees the planning, scheduling, and coordination of activities and assists the Director in the development of policies, procedures, and priorities to meet established goals. Ensures the Parks and Recreation Department activities are carried out in accordance with approved City ordinances, policies, and administrative regulations. The incumbent must exercise independent judgment and ingenuity in accomplishing the long and short-range goals and objectives, which meet the needs of the citizens. Performs related work as required.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists the Director in establishing and implementing policies, procedures, rules, techniques, and practices to improve operational efficiency.
• Meets federal, state, and local laws, regulations, ordinances, labor contracts, and other rules or procedures to ensure compliance.
• Assists the Director in developing and implementing the Department’s strategic plan, goals, and objectives to meet the needs of the community and city workforce.
• Evaluates assigned personnel for efficiency and effectiveness; initiates personnel actions of hiring, promotion, discipline, termination, training, and development; resolves or refers personnel problems or grievances; directs and assigns work to employees that report to them; and provides technical support and guidance in their work activities. 
• Establishes process of staff cross-training and provides opportunities for staff training in new skills and/or updating existing certifications.
• Assists in preparing and administering operating and capital budgets for the Parks and Recreation Department to include various programs, capital projects, equipment, and vehicles. Monitors actual expenditures versus budget.
• Assists Superintendents and Managers of Parks and Recreation Department divisions with specific projects and budgets, responds to customer or employee issues as applicable, and offers guidance.
• May serve in the Director’s absence at various meetings.
• Represents the City at various civic and governmental meetings; assists in the preparation of agenda items and supporting information.
• Manages projects and assists the Department Director in policy formulation for new initiatives impacting the Department.
• May assist with Union negotiations, including research, data analysis, suggestions, and strategizing; may serve as management representative on the labor relations team and participate in active negotiations at the bargaining table.
• Oversees the completion of special projects, including research and data analysis, preparation of technical reports, resolutions, and oral presentations.
• Sets a high standard of professionalism through appearance, respect for personnel, and professional communication. 
• Participates in professional training meetings, seminars, conferences, etc., to stay current on best practices in the field of park maintenance and recreational programming.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Parks and Recreation, Public Administration, Business Administration, or related field
• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in Parks and Recreation Administration.
• Four (4) years of supervisory experience.

Licenses or Certifications

• A valid state driver’s license and obtain and obtain a valid Florida driver’s license within thirty (30) days of hire or promotion.

   

  Knowledge of:

  • Principles and practices of parks, natural areas, recreation, and social service programs in the public sector.
  • Federal laws, state statutes, and local ordinances as they relate to parks, natural areas, recreation, and social service programs.
  • Local, state and federal laws and regulations governing employment and contract negotiations.
  • Principles and practices of effective management, organizational structures, administration, and leadership.
  • Employment regulations, personnel administration, and labor contract administration. 
  • Fiscal responsibility including strategic planning, budgeting, delegating, problem-solving, listening, and analyzing information.
  • Municipal organization and function.
  • Research methods and techniques. 
  • Methods of presentation and market methods.
  • Modern office support functions.
  • Report and record maintenance principles and techniques.
  • Business English, grammar, punctuation, and spelling; editing principles and techniques; and the application of such to various formats and styles.

  Skill in:

  • Public speaking and public relations.
  • Leadership development, management practices, and supervisory techniques.
  • Written and verbal communications for effective expression and clarity, including formal presentations and negotiations.
  • Operation of various computer or other electronic devices and applications used, i.e., word processors, spreadsheet programs, and databases.
  • Organization, prioritization, and time management.
  • Analysis and interpretation of data and information.
  • Developing and implementing effective projects and plans.

  Ability to:   

  • Obtain and maintain emergency preparedness certifications (NIMS, National Incident Management System) as directed by the Department Director or designee.
  • Convey a sense of authority and influence.
  • Understand and manage highly complex, diverse projects or programs, and balance multiple assignments.
  • Assemble, organize, and present, in written and oral form, statistical, financial, or information derived from various sources.
  • Learn City Charter, Citywide administrative regulations, applicable Citywide departmental policies, Personnel Ordinance, Collective Bargaining Agreements, and other regulatory documents as required to complete tasks and assignments.
  • Relate and respond to people beyond giving and receiving instructions, including applying consistent courtesy and tact in considerable public contact and confrontational situations.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with their Manager, Departmental supervisors, support staff, staff from other departments, and other local, state, and federal government agencies.
  • Assign and review the work of subordinate employees and provide effective leadership at all times.
  • Adapt to perform under frequent deadlines, re-prioritize tasks and assignments, and respond to emergencies.
  • Apply sound judgment and interpretation based on acquired knowledge in circumstances where limited standardization exists.
  • Read and interpret various materials, ranging from moderate to complex terminology, associated with job functions.
  • Understand and perform advanced mathematical skills, i.e., formulas, graphs, and charting principles.
  • Create and maintain spreadsheets with moderate to complex formulas and graphs, presentations, and databases.
  • Exercise a high level of discretion due to the sensitive and confidential nature of information processed.
  • Perform duties independently with minimal supervision and review, emphasizing achieving results on City initiatives.
  • Analyze and interpret problems and draw conclusions.

About City of Cape Coral

Cape Coral is a city located in Lee County, Florida, United States, on the Gulf of Mexico. Founded in 1957 and developed as a planned community, the city's population has grown to 194,016 as of the 2020 Census, a rise of 26% from the 2010 Census, making it the 117th most populous city in the United States. With an area of 120 square miles, Cape Coral is the largest city between Tampa and Miami in both population and area. It is the largest and principal city in the Cape Coral – Fort Myers, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. The city has over 400 mi of navigable waterways, more than any other city on earth.

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