Parks & Trails Director

Working for the City of Renton comes with an excellent benefits package, including:

• Deferred compensation with the City contributing 4% of the employee's salary

• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance at affordable rates.

• Paid leave for vacation, sick, eleven holidays and two "personal" holidays a year.

• State of Washington Department of Retirement Systems Public Employee Retirement Systems (PERS) plan enrollment.

Telework Program: The City of Renton supports workers performing in a hybrid capacity (partial telework/in-office) where job responsibilities can be performed remotely. This position may be eligible for a telework arrangement, working certain days/times remotely, based on the operational needs of the City and specific Department. Regardless of job title or telework arrangement, City of Renton employees must reside in Washington State and within a reasonable distance to their worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Ensure the Parks & Trails division operations are administered in a manner that achieves the City's business plan and goals and delivers outcomes important to the community.

• Provide leadership and vision for the management and enhancement of the City's parks, trails, and natural resources.

• Oversee the planning, development, acquisition, design, and construction of parks, open spaces, and trails.

• Direct capital improvement programs related to parks, natural resources and trail infrastructure.

• Manage ecological restoration projects, habitat enhancement programs, and sustainability initiatives.

• Develop and implement strategic plans for parks, trails, open space, and natural resources management.

• Administer budget, grants, and contracts for parks, trails, and natural resource projects.

• Coordinate with internal departments, external agencies, and community organizations.

• Supervise, develop, and mentor assigned staff; promote a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence.

• Oversee community engagement efforts to solicit input and foster support for parks and trail initiatives.

• Oversee maintenance operations to ensure safe, accessible, and well-maintained parks and trails.

• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations related to parks, trails, wetlands, and natural resources.

• Represent the department at public meetings, city council sessions, and regional partnerships.

• Oversee the hiring process within the division, ensuring hiring managers recruit and retain qualified staff.

• Ensure managers and supervisors consistently utilize performance management techniques, recognize staff and discipline as needed.

• Support department managers in dealing with a variety of organizational and programmatic issues (i.e., customer satisfaction, service delivery, community relations).

• Develop and monitor short and long-range business plans, goals, and performance measures of the division and department.

• Serve as a liaison to the Mayor's executive leadership team, reporting on the status of current projects, identifying issues, and assessing their impact, and proactively implementing and recommending solutions.

• Provide technical and policy information to the public, city council and other stakeholders.

• Resolve internal and external complaints, while maintaining positive relations.

• Develop the annual budget and financial reports for the division; make recommendations for budget adjustments.

• Develop and administer City policies.

• Create an environment of teamwork and respect.

• Foster a culture of equity and inclusion by welcoming and meeting the diverse needs and perspectives of groups and individuals.

• Remain current with relevant technological advancements as it relates to field.

• Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

• May be assigned to support City priorities during emergencies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in Parks and Recreation Administration, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, Civil Engineering, Landscape Architecture, Urban Planning or a closely related field.

• Minimum 8 years of progressive experience in parks and recreation management, natural resources management, building and park construction and maintenance or a related field.

• Or 12 years of relevant education and experience.

• 3 years of supervisory experience.

• Valid driver's license.

• Ability to obtain a first aid certificate issued by an authorized agency and CPR certificate within one year of employment.

• Successful passing of a required background check.

• Successful passing of a required driving record check.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Drive to offsite locations to perform essential functions.

• Move throughout City facilities and buildings.

• Operate a computer and other office equipment.

• Communicate with City employees and residents.

• Lift or move items weighing up to 30 pounds occasionally.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work is performed in an office environment (and outdoors in all weather conditions occasionally).

• Noise level in the office is moderately quiet and in the field is moderately loud.

• Work evening and/or weekend hours as needed.

• Night meetings may be required.

Approved reasonable accommodation requests will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.