Director of Parks and Recreation

Lansdowne Borough, Delaware County, Pa is a 1.2 square mile first generation suburb located just outside the City of Philadelphia with a population of 11,000. The Borough has 11 local parks, several historic neighborhoods, two regional rail lines, and a pedestrian-oriented town center and is the location of the most Victorian homes of all Pennsylvania towns.

Lansdowne is a No Place for Hate community and is recognized as a Classic Town by the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission. Lansdowne has achieved the highest honor as a Preserve America Town issued through the United States Department of the Interior.

Position Overview:

Lansdowne Borough is seeking a motivated individual to oversee its park and recreation system. 

Reporting directly to the Borough Manager, the Director of Parks and Recreation will develop concepts and ideas for the parks and open spaces in the Borough, plan, direct, and manage all land, facilities, programs, and events under the purview of the Parks and Recreation Department. Specifically, the Director will be responsible for the oversight and effective operation of the Borough's community center, park facilities and, and environmental assets of the Borough.

The successful applicant will have demonstrable skills in the field of landscape architecture, urban forestry, environmental sciences, land use management, and/or park planning. The successful applicant will demonstrate vision and capacity in one or more of these areas and be able to communicate opportunity and challenges of the Borough's environmental resources.

The Director is frequently charged with the coordination of assigned activities in connection with other departments, staff, local recreation and civic organizations, the local school districts and the county. The Parks & Recreation Director serves as an advisor to the Park and Recreation Board, and provides substantial administrative support to the Borough Manager and the Park and Recreation Board.

The Parks and Recreation Director is responsible for updating and implementing relevant aspects of the Borough Comprehensive Plan, master plans for individual sites, and department policies and procedures in accordance with the Borough's overall vision, budget, and policy frameworks.

Responsibilities:

• Manage and evaluate park operations and natural resources including cost effectiveness and sustainability
• Plan, organize, and supervise park facility design and improvement programs
• Oversee and direct a ongoing review and evaluation of the park system and the overall operating effectiveness of the park system
• Create strategy for improving operations and implementation of new and updated parks and facilities including operation of and coordination of local recreation programs
• Plan formulate, and implement short- and long-term goals for park and park-related recreational activities
• Establish and implement operating policies and procedures for using parks
• Supervise construction, repair, and maintenance of recreation/park areas, equipment, and facilities
• Coordinate park areas and park facilities maintenance and repair needs with Public Works Director, supervisor, and crew.
• Ensure effective maintenance and oversee data collection of facility use and grounds care.
• Initiate maintenance and repair work orders for park facilities and park areas
• Prepare, review, analyze, and present annual operating budget; prepare and maintain capital improvement budget.
• Meet with community and business groups to establish community partnership; serve as liaison with the Park and Recreation Board
• Develop grant application and request for proposals; prepare and review service contracts; administer and monitor the use of grant funds
• Practice continuous learning through individual study, classroom training, seminars, and conferences
• Oversees and coordinates effective operation of the Borough's community center
• Performs related work as required
• Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Duties are performed primarily (75%) in an office setting and remaining time in the field. Operates standard office equipment to include personal computer, calculator, copy machine, and telephone.
• Drives borough vehicle

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Comprehensive knowledge of administrative practices relating to parks as recreation facilities and as natural resources
• Comprehensive knowledge of the philosophy and principles of public parks, public land, and recreation services
• Thorough knowledge of county and state level planning agencies, grants, and grant writing
• Ability to analyze operational problem areas and to make improvements.
• Ability to present ideas and recommendations clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with department heads, agency heads, and community groups.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in park management, landscape architecture (RLA preferred), urban forestry, environmental sciences, land management, park planning, or related field, preferably from a National Recreation and Parks Association accredited college or university;
• a master's degree is preferred;
• 3 or more years of experience in parks and/or related field that includes experience and skills in planning and administration and grant writing;
• or any equivalent combination of acceptable education and experience providing the knowledge, abilities, and skills cited above.

Compensation:  Generous benefits including health insurance. Salary commensurate with experience.

To Apply:

Please send your Resume to Craig Totaro, Borough Manager, via email.