Recreation District Manager (Zilker/Austin Parks and Recreation)

Job Description:

Recreation District Manager (Zilker/Austin Parks and Recreation)

Description

About This Position

Job Description:

Recreation District Manager

Purpose:

Working with general direction, this position will oversee the strategic direction and operational management of multiple facilities, services, and district-wide programs, ensuring the delivery of high-quality recreational services to the community.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Utilizes current and future community feedback, data trends to and needs assessments to develop short- and long-range plans to maintain a customer and community-focused culture, to ensure responsiveness, timeliness and inclusiveness.
  
• Provide leadership in business, finance, marketing, and public policy aspects of service delivery.
  
• Work directly with the Parks & Recreation Incident Command Structure during weather-related, natural disasters and other emergencies to provide the community with safe shelter and/or respite .
  
• Collaborate with Community Relations on public relations activities, media outreach, and community engagement.
  
• Build and maintain relationships with city officials, volunteers, stakeholders and community organizations. Represents the City and department at boards, commissions, and public meetings.
  
• Conduct financial studies, fee analyses, cost-benefit analyses for multiple facility program budgets to ensure appropriate resource allocation.
  
• Direct and oversee the development and implementation of large-scale programs, events and services that serve the assigned district of facilities.
  
• Coordinate staff training, conduct performance evaluations, and implement disciplinary procedures.
  
• Recommends major purchases and capital expenditures and maintains financial security by following established internal accounting controls.
  
• Investigate complaints from citizens as well as managers and other employees, recommend corrective action, and provide information to the public.
  
• Manages the preparation and administration of contracts, Requests for Information, Requests for Proposal, grants, and agreements for projects, overseeing capital and construction initiatives.
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

• Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities: selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.
  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess the required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodation, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of recreational activities, equipment, and safety protocols.
  
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations pertaining to recreation and public administration and Title II of the American with Disabilities Act.
  
• Knowledge of City policies, procedures, and administrative practices.
  
• Skill in supervision, team management, and employee development.
  
• Skill in oral and written communication.
  
• Skill in prioritizing tasks, managing multiple projects, and adapting to changing circumstances.
  
• Skill in developing and managing budgets, tracking expenses, and allocating resources.
  
• Skill in building relationships with community members, staff, and stakeholders.
  
• Skill in using computers and relevant software applications.
  
• Ability to design and implement inclusive recreation programs including the modification and adaptation of activities.
  
• Ability to work independently and take initiative.
  
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Recreation, Physical Education, Parks Administration, Therapeutic Recreation, or a related field, plus five (5) years of supervisory or management capacity in developing and implementing recreational programs and activities, three (3) years of which were directly supervising or directly managing the daily operations of a recreational facility • Experience may substitute for education up to four (4) years.
  

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• May require certification in CPR, First Aid, Water Safety Instruction, or other areas as specified for the assigned class.
  
• Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) is required with Therapeutic Recreation assigned positions.
  
• Texas Class "C" Driver or Commercial Driver license if required for the assignment.
  
• Appropriate certifications as specified for the assignment.
  

Preferred Qualifications/Experience:

• Education & Credentials: Degree in parks or public administration ; CPRP or CPRE certification.
  
• Credentials: Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) or Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) credentials.
  
• High-Volume Programmatic Leadership : Demonstrated success managing customer-centric visitor services, operations, and public programming within high-traffic public spaces, cultural landmarks, botanical gardens, or flagship municipal park systems.
  
• Strategic Stakeholder Diplomacy: Proven capability to navigate and balance competing public viewpoints, build consensus among vocal community advocacy groups, and maintain effective governance with non-profit partner boards.
  
• Event & Crisis Operations: Active, hands-on experience directing multi-agency operational logistics for large-scale public events and a strong operational command of the Incident Command System (ICS) structure.
  

Preferred Skills:

• Ability to fluently communicate (reading, writing, speaking) in English and Spanish.
  
• Intermediate level or above in Microsoft Office to include Word, Excel, Publisher, Power Point, Teams and Outlook.
  
• Current CPR certification or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of employment.
  

Other:

• Ability to travel to more than one work location.
  

Notes to Candidate:

The City of Austin Parks and Recreation (APR) provides, protects and preserves a park system that promotes quality recreational, cultural and outdoor experiences for the Austin community. Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more! Click HERE for more information.

Purpose:

The Austin Parks and Recreation Department is seeking a Recreation District Manager for Zilker Metropolitan Park. This senior leadership role coordinates operations across 351 acres of parkland and multiple flagship facilities including Zilker Botanical Garden, Mayfield Cottage and Park and Joan Means-Khabele Bathhouse,. The manager will oversee the complete visitor experience-including transit, entry systems, contractor and facility management-to ensure a safe and cohesive operation for millions of annual visitors.

Working with general direction, this position will oversee the strategic direction and operational management of multiple facilities, including facilities within Zilker Park, services, and district-wide programs, ensuring the delivery of high-quality recreational services to the community.

• Application: A detailed, complete application is required, and applicants must include on their Employment Record all experience (work and/or volunteer) related to this job posting - up to 10 years or more; this will be used to determine your base compensation. Employment Record dates must include month and year. Verification of employment history dates on resume should match online Employment Application. Statements such as “See Resume” will not be accepted, and a resume alone will not be accepted in lieu of a complete online application.
  
• Skills Assessments: Skills assessment(s) may be required as part of the recruitment process.
  
• Virtual Interviews: APR may conduct virtual interviews.
  
• Military/Veteran: An applicant claiming Military/Veteran status must provide a copy of his or her DD-214(s), or valid comparable document, at the time of interview.
  
• Driving Requirement: This position requires a valid Texas Class “C” Driver’s License or the ability to acquire one by your hire date. External New Hires must meet the City of Austin’s Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite . To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months.
  
• Physical Requirements: Tasks may involve bending, lifting, walking, carrying, or using a force equal to lifting up to thirty-five (35) pounds. Work environment includes inside, and outside environmental conditions, extreme temperatures, and hazards associated with equipment operation including fumes, oils, gases and mists. Must be physically and mentally able to communicate, respond and work with participant’s needs and safety issues.
  

Other Information:

• Posting Guidelines: APR reserves the right to close posted positions prior to the advertised close date, based on recruitment strategies and business needs. This posting may be used to fill other vacancies in other divisions/work locations within the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department. Decisions on assigned selection will be made at the time of hire based on the business needs of the department.
  
• Travel: If you are selected for this position and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program , you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.
  
• Tobacco and Vape-Free Workplace: APR work site locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any APR work site - including construction sites, parking lots, garages or in any personal vehicles located on the premises.
  

Salary:

$75,930 - $96,430 annually.

Work Locations:

Zilker Park

2105 Andrew Zilker Rd.

Austin, TX 78746

Mayfield Park

3505 W. 35th Street

Austin, TX 78703

Work Hours:

• Monday - Friday; 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  
• May be required to work during special events, evenings, weekends & holidays.
  
• Work schedule and location is subject to change based on department needs and programs.
  
• May be required to work during city emergencies such as extreme weather events.
  

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The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Closing Date/Time: 2026-07-26