Assistant Director of Parks

Summary: The Assistant Director of Parks, under the general supervision of the Parks, Recreation & Culture Director, provides leadership and support for the planning, operations, and maintenance of the City’s parks, facilities, and outdoor spaces. This position helps manage departmental activities, staffing, and resources to ensure safe, well‑maintained, and high‑quality parks and public amenities for the Lawrence community.

The role coordinates projects and services with other City departments, partner agencies, and community organizations, and provides responsible administrative support to the Director. Key duties include planning, prioritizing, and supervising the work of managerial, supervisory, and technical staff responsible for park and facility maintenance.

Areas of oversight include park planning, general construction and maintenance, forestry, cemeteries, horticulture, golf course maintenance, custodial services, and maintenance of pools, recreation centers, athletic fields, playgrounds, shelters, and sports complexes.

Qualifications

Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in parks and recreation administration, public administration, business administration or a closely related field. Six years of increasingly responsible professional experience in parks and recreation administration, park and/or recreation program development and implementation, including three years of administrative and supervisory responsibility.

The successful candidate must possess an appropriate valid driver’s license and pass City background, physical, and drug screens. Ability to obtain CPRP Certification within one calendar year. Benefit Information: Health/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance: Various coverage levels available; FREE Well Care Clinic through LMH; other wellness benefits/perks Caregiver Leave – 12 weeks paid leave Paid Time Off:12 Vacation days, 12 Sick days accrued per year; 2 days Personal Leave, 10 Paid Holidays Retirement: Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS)