POSITION SUMMARY:

The Assistant Director of Parks & Recreation is responsible for assisting the Parks & Recreation Director in the overall management and administration of the Department and may act as the Director in their absence. The Assistant Director provides logistical, strategic and coordination support to management, staff and volunteers in diverse areas including recreation, maintenance, public outreach, special event programming, education, safety, security, personnel, stewardship, budget, capital improvements, historic preservation and environmental conservation efforts. Special emphasis in knowledge and experience with maintenance and care of all historic buildings and collections. Identification, evaluation, and preservation of County Historic resources

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential Functions

The duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not necessarily limited to:

• Provide logistical, strategic and coordination support to all aspects of Park operations, public activities, services and events, as well as oversight, planning and management of parks, trails, recreation facilities, natural resources and historic properties.
• Oversee the maintenance and preservation of the Departments historic buildings, related facilities, and collections with knowledge of current preservation standards
• With Director, supervise Parks Maintenance, Recreation & Special Events, Historic Resource, Park Ranger and Natural Resource Supervisors, along with all other Department full-time, and part-time staff members. Project manage capital and planning projects, working in coordination with the Director of Parks
• In association with Director of Parks and Parks Maintenance Supervisor, develop and manage scoping, bid requests and cost estimates for repair, replacement and infrastructure improvement.
• Assist in the preparation of annual operation and capital budgets; oversee the budgetary and financial elements of the Department to include Federal, State and private grants and donations.
• Collaborate with the Director in researching and securing grants and other appropriate revenue sources as well as then ensuring the department is operating in compliance with grant requirements and filing necessary reports.
• Oversite of Heritage Center Country Store and Snack Bar
• Prepare and deliver content for workshops, webinars, videos, publications
• Working with the Historic Resource Supervisor, organize, analyze, and synthesize data and information and prepare guidance related to historic resources
• Coordinate, manage, and evaluate vendor contracts and procurement requests.
• Along with department supervisors train, assign and supervise volunteers for maintenance and improvement projects.
• Provides direction to those who are responsible for proper care and maintenance of Archives, collections, research, and management of Heritage Center/ Canal Center/ Gruber Wagon Works
• Oversee the responsibilities for the Historic Building /Facility operation on the implementation of projects, safety and inspection programs including capital replacements and preventative maintenance programs of historic assets
• Oversees program information on department website to insure it is current, comprehensive and easily accessible
• Work with Recreation and Historical Staff in the implementation and management of a comprehensive year-round recreation and educational series of programs offerings for the public.
• Develop training programs and related activities for staff.
• Assist in the development, implementation, and evaluation of department policies and procedures.
• Work will be coordinated with the County Administrator, Parks and Recreation Board and other Departments.
• Serves, along with Director, as a liaison to local and regional agencies.
• Act as back up to the Director in the event of their absence.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Parks and Recreation, Interpretive Services, History, Museum Management, public administration or a related field. Master’s Degree preferred.
• Seven years of demonstrated facilities and program management experience preferably in a results-oriented, fast-paced environment with experience in the care and operation of historic sites, natural, scenic and recreational properties.
• Five years of supervisory experience and a demonstrated ability to work effectively and collaboratively with staff, visitors, community groups, volunteers and interested parties.
• Three years’ experience in the care and operation of historic sites
• Parks and Recreation Professional Certification preferred
• Current CPR/First Aid/AED Certification or the ability to obtain certification
• Valid state-issued driver’s license
• Must successfully pass PA State Police Criminal Record Check, Childline clearance and FBI fingerprint screening
• Equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to manage the development, maintenance and operation of parks, trails, recreation facilities and historic sites.
• Ability to plan, guide and direct facilities maintenance and site enhancement and construction projects and programs.
• Knowledge of standards for preservation and maintenance of historic properties
• Ability to develop short- and long-range plans, establish multi-year priorities, develop and evaluate complex budgets and implement projects. Ability to recognize liabilities for the County and make recommendations to address them.
• Ability to coordinate vendor contracts and procurement requests
• Ability to adapt to changing departmental needs and priorities.
• Knowledge and understanding of project management including scoping, RFPs, bidding, awards, contract management and construction management.
• Knowledge and understanding of construction drawings and specifications including working with design professionals and construction crews.
• Knowledge of security systems, building systems, fire safety, preventative maintenance programs, equipment and capital replacement programs and long- and short-term planning.
• Knowledge of the safety requirements and laws regulated by agencies such as: PA Department of Agriculture, PA Department of Health, PA Game Commission, Department of Environmental Protection, Berks County Conservation District, etc.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Skill in public relations and customer service.
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Skill in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Power Point.
• Ability to handle stress
• Physical presence is required

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Ability to sit and stand for extended periods. Work involves sitting, standing, walking, bending, stopping, climbing, talking, hearing, using hands to handle and feel objects, tools or controls. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus. The employee must have the ability to lift and/or move objects up to 50 lbs. May occasionally wear heavy/hot protective gear (safety vest, hard hat, hearing and eye protection, masks and steel toe shoes).

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Position requires work in both normal office and natural environments. The position involves occasional travel throughout Berks County for site, vendor, and contracted project visits. Required to work outside and be exposed to variable weather conditions. May experience extremes of heat and cold during normal workdays. Position will require varied work shifts including weekends, holidays and evenings. Ability to work extended hours – sometimes 12-16 hours. Required to respond to after-hours security calls as needed.

This position description serves as a guideline for communicating the essential functions and other information about the position to the applicant/employee. It is not intended to create a binding employment contract nor cover every detail of the position and may be changed where appropriate.