Recreation-Recreation and Parks Director

The City of Watertown•Watertown, WI

11h•$47 - $49

About The Position

PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR-PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT The City of Watertown is seeking an enthusiastic and community-focused Parks and Recreation Director . This leadership position is responsible for the overall management and administration of the City's Parks and Forestry operations, recreation programs, and related facilities. The Director oversees recreational services, park maintenance and development, and community programming that promote healthy and active lifestyles for residents of all ages. The Parks and Recreation Department provides a wide range of services and programs across the City's 30 parks, the Senior and Community Center, the Aquatic Center, and other municipal facilities. Programming includes youth and adult sports leagues, indoor and outdoor aquatics programs, instructional and enrichment classes, activities for older adults, community-wide events, and various indoor and outdoor recreation opportunities. Working under the administrative direction of the Mayor and the Park, Recreation & Forestry Commission, the Director exercises significant initiative and professional judgment in developing and implementing both short- and long-range plans for parks, forestry, recreation facilities, and programming. These plans are developed into program and policy recommendations and, upon approval by the Mayor and Common Council, implemented as department initiatives and services. The Director supervises full-time and part-time administrative staff, including the Senior Center Enrichment and Office Manager, Recreation Manager, Administrative Assistant, Office Assistant, and Building Custodian. The position also oversees the Parks Division, more than 100 part-time program staff-including instructors, sports officials, lifeguards, pool managers, coaches, and scorekeepers-and over 100 volunteers who assist with departmental programs and events. This position requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, preferably with major course work in Parks and Recreation Administration, Recreation and Resources Development, Sports Management or similar. Supervisory experience is also a requirement of this role. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered. Must possess valid driver license and be able to travel to and from various sites. Benefits package includes but is not limited to: paid vacation, holiday bank, sick pay, medical, dental, vision, Wisconsin Retirement System, Flex Spending, Deferred Compensation and regular working hours. This is a full-time salary position with hours dependent on departmental need to include committee meetings. Salary range $46.71-$49.08. Interested candidates will include a cover letter, resume, and essay questions as part of their application online at www.watertownwi.gov Essay questions should be 0-500 words and will answer the following: Describe a trending initiative that is affecting recreation departments throughout the nation? How do you measure fiscal responsibility in public sector recreation programs? Application Deadline: 4:00pm Friday, March 20, 2026 We appreciate all interest in this position; however, only applicants who meet the required qualifications will move forward in the hiring process. Email questions to apply@watertownwi.gov Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer/Employment based on Pre-Employment Drug & Alcohol Testing

Requirements

bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, preferably with major course work in Parks and Recreation Administration, Recreation and Resources Development, Sports Management or similar
Supervisory experience
Must possess valid driver license and be able to travel to and from various sites