Park, Recreation & Forestry Director
Baraboo Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department

Job Description
A progressive City government is seeking an innovative, dynamic and forward thinking leader in the role of Parks, Recreation and Forestry Director. This is an exciting position for an individual who has the ability to inspire a shared vision working collaboratively with an active and involved community.

Responsible for fostering a customer-service culture, while providing high level managerial leadership, administrative and financial direction, as well as directing the planning, development and operation of City-wide parks and recreation facilities and programs, and forestry services. The Director will strive to enhance and sustain existing parks and recreation amenities and spaces, while looking to develop affordable, appropriate and sustainable opportunities for the department and the City.

Responsible for coordinating staff supervision, to include full-time, part-time seasonal and contracted employees, and for creating opportunities for professional development. Work involves analyzing program effectiveness, managing, planning and supervising the traditional recreation programs to include, but not limited to special events, youth development and senior programs. This position requires outstanding communication, decision-making skills, and leadership.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for extensive planning, allocation and implementation of staff, fiscal and material resources to successfully operate City parks, recreational facilities and programs, and forestry services.
• Administers the annual budget, oversees capital expenditures, and authorizes expenditures in accordance with budget.
• Participates in the annual City budget process, by preparing the departmental budget, in collaboration with staff, the City Administrator, and City Financial staff, for review and approval of the City Council.
• Develops a short and long term departmental Capital Improvement Plan, and annually reviews and modifies, as needed. Identifies needs for Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects based on citizen input and the Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan. Prepares appropriate CIP project plans designs, and specifications. Presents CIP plans to Parks and Recreation Commission. Oversees the design, development, and installation of CIP projects improvements, renovations, and repairs. May function as Project Manager in directing a wide range of parks construction, maintenance, and improvements projects. Maintains current inventory of all equipment, reviews maintenance priorities and schedules, and updates equipment replacement schedule, in alignment with the CIP.
• Supervision includes work allocation and prioritization, training, performance evaluation, professional development and management; motivates employees to achieve high performance, creates and fosters a team-oriented and collaborative work environment.
• Collaborates with staff to develop short and long-term strategic plans for recreation programs, parks, forestry, and facilities, and presenting to the Parks and Recreation Commission and City Council.
• Responsible for reviewing strategic plans on an annual basis, and revising as necessary, and presenting updates to the Parks and Recreation Commission and City Council. 
• Manages the development and execution of the strategic operating goals and objectives; oversees the planning, development, implementation and maintenance of programs, policies, procedures, goals, budgets, systems and processes.
• Responsible for setting and overseeing department operations work schedules, and reviewing and approving schedule modifications, to meet operational needs, in accordance with City policies.
• Manages the planning, direction, and administration of recreational programs and activities for all age groups and interest levels in the City.
• Manages the physical operations, negotiate lease agreements for City Council approval, and coordinate programming within the City-owned Civic Center.
• Manages the physical operations and programming of the City’s existing aquatics facility.
• Manages the planning, direction and supervision of Zoo staff in operations, educational programming, and the procurement, care, and exhibition of animals.
• Manages the physical operations and programming of the Community Pavilion.
• Oversees and/or coordinates the collection, compilation, and analysis of program activity data; develops, writes, and presents comprehensive statistical and narrative program reports. 
• Prepares design and permit applications for park improvements. Manages design and construction service contracts from scoping through selection and execution phases. 
• Gathers, analyzes and evaluates usage of facilities and program attendance.
• Identifies and pursues eligible grant and sponsorship funding opportunities, and conducts required research and actions for securing funding to support eligible events, programs and facilities that align with the department’s strategic plan.
• Reviews, revises and submits policy and park ordinance recommendations for Parks and Recreation Commission review and City Council approval.
• Organizes and prepares the Park and Recreation Commission meeting agendas and attends all meetings of the Parks and Recreation Commission.
• Routinely visits and inspects parks, recreation facilities, and program sites to ensure safety, cleanliness, maintenance standards, and overall usability; identifies areas for improvement and coordinates necessary repairs or enhancements.
• Assists in recruitment and selection of qualified candidates, development of position requirements, evaluation of employee performance, and analyze and assist in resolving human resource problems.
• Responds to citizen comments and complaints in a professional and appropriate manner.
• Will routinely edit, organize and present clear and concise, oral and written reports on a variety of departmental projects, to various audiences.
• Manages public information functions, including preparing news media releases and announcements, and departmental citizen newsletters.
• Attend meetings, conventions, and workshops to keep abreast of trends in the Parks and Recreation profession.
• Develops and sustains active working relationships with the Friends of the Baraboo Parks, Friends of the Baraboo Zoo, and co-sponsoring organizations, while also fostering communication with community groups and members to keep the public informed about departmental projects and needs.
• Works in cooperation with other City Departments.
• Exhibits the ability and willingness to work a flexible work schedule based off departmental and City needs.
• Performs all other work-related duties as required.

Qualifications
Desired Minimum Qualifications:

• Experience in park, facility, urban forestry, recreation programming, pool management, and zoo management are preferred, or any combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Demonstrated skills in analyzing problems, projecting consequences, identifying solutions, and implementing recommendations. 
• Demonstrated skills in budget preparation and administration. 
• Demonstrated skills in preparing, reviewing, and analyzing operational and financial reports. 
• Demonstrated skills in providing leadership to, supervising, training, and evaluating assigned employees and volunteers.
• Demonstrated skills in organizing resources and establishing priorities. 
• Demonstrated skills in writing grant applications and project administration. 
• Demonstrated skills in conducting project management.

• A degree in Parks and Recreation, or a related field is preferred.
• A minimum of two years of management/supervisory experience is required.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and requirements.
• Knowledge of all facets of recreation operations.
• Knowledge of parks, recreation, facility management, swimming pool, urban forestry, and zoo administration philosophies, concepts, and techniques.
• Knowledge of budgeting, cost estimating, and fiscal management principles and procedures. 
• Knowledge of buildings, facilities and the development of parks maintenance and design standards, work control and quality control processes.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions. 
• Knowledge of methods and procedures in preparing master site plans, detailed park plans, and park design layouts for park and recreation 
• Possess a valid Wisconsin driver’s license.

Salary/Salary Range
$76,024.00 - $98,841.60 Annually, Depending on Qualifications

Apply To
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Closing Date
August 15, 2025