The Deputy Parks and Recreation Director job description involves overseeing several public parks and recreational facilities throughout a city or county. Their primary focus is to maintain and improve public recreational spaces to ensure they are safe and accessible to everyone. In this role, they manage park maintenance crews to ensure clean and well-maintained facilities. They also create long-term programs and initiatives to improve existing facilities or build new ones. The Deputy Parks and Recreation Director collaborates with other city or county officials to secure necessary funding and grants for specific projects. They are responsible for managing budgets, personnel, and programs under their supervision. Additionally, they work closely with the community, environmental organizations, and major stakeholders to ensure public support for their programs. Applicants for this position must have a degree in parks and recreation management, relevant experience in management, and excellent communication and leadership skills.
To become a Deputy Parks and Recreation Director in the public sector, you usually need a combination of education and work experience. Normally, you will need a bachelor's degree in parks and recreation management or a related field, plus several years of experience working in parks management. Additionally, it is helpful to have experience supervising staff, budgeting, planning and organizing large events, and implementing park programs that benefit the public. Certification from a professional association or organization may also be required or preferred. Overall, a Deputy Director needs to be knowledgeable and experienced in managing parks and recreation activities while also being proficient in managing a team of people and effectively communicating with a wide variety of stakeholders.
The expected salary range for a Deputy Parks and Recreation Director in the United States public sector industry can vary greatly depending on location, years of experience, and education level. On average, the salary range is between $60,000 to $120,000 per year.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage for recreation workers, which can include Deputy Directors, was $28,800 in May 2019. However, a Deputy Director position is a higher-level management role and generally requires more experience and education than an entry-level recreation worker.
In Canada, the average salary for a Parks and Recreation Director is around CAD $93,395 per year, which is similar to the range in the United States.
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The employment outlook for Deputy Parks and Recreation Directors in the Public Sector industry looks promising over the next five years, with professionals in this field expecting to see growth. With the growing importance of maintaining and improving parks and recreation facilities to promote community well-being, there is an ongoing need for skilled individuals to handle the management and execution of these projects. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of recreation workers is projected to grow 7% from 2019 to 2029, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Therefore, those who are interested in pursuing a career in this field should expect opportunities to be available in the coming years.
Q: What does a Deputy Parks and Recreation Director do?
A: The Deputy Parks and Recreation Director supports the Parks and Recreation Director in managing and overseeing parks and recreational facilities and programs, as well as supervising staff and working with community stakeholders.
Q: What qualifications do I need to become a Deputy Parks and Recreation Director?
A: Typically, a bachelor's degree in parks and recreation management or a related field and several years of experience in park and recreation management are required. Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills are also essential.
Q: What kind of tasks will I be responsible for as a Deputy Parks and Recreation Director?
A: Your tasks will vary, but may include hiring and training staff, developing and implementing recreational programs, managing budgets, maintaining and upgrading park facilities, and working with community organizations to promote park use.
Q: What kind of work environment can I expect as a Deputy Parks and Recreation Director?
A: You can expect to work both indoors and outdoors, in a variety of settings from offices to parks and recreation facilities. Your work schedule may vary, and you may be required to work evenings and weekends to accommodate events and program schedules.
Q: What are the career growth opportunities for a Deputy Parks and Recreation Director?
A: With experience and a strong track record of success, you may be able to advance to become a Parks and Recreation Director or move on to other management positions in the public sector. Additionally, continuing education and professional development can help you to continue growing in your role.
