Director of Parks and Recreation

THE OPPORTUNITY 

The City of Burleson, Texas, is seeking an innovative detail-oriented leader to serve as its next Director of Parks and Recreation—a rare opportunity to shape the future of one of North Texas’s fastest-growing and most vibrant communities. This executive role offers the chance to lead a dynamic department dedicated to enhancing quality of life through exceptional parks, trails, recreation programs, special events, and community spaces that bring residents together. Working alongside an engaged City leadership team and a supportive City Council, the next Director will guide strategic investments, champion innovative programming, and oversee the continued development of amenities that reflect Burleson’s commitment to healthy living, economic vitality, and community pride. This is an ideal opportunity for a forward-thinking parks and recreation professional who is passionate about creating lasting community impact while helping define the next chapter of a city on the rise.  

THE POSITION 

The Director of Parks and Recreation reports to a Deputy City Manager and is responsible for directing, planning, managing, and reviewing the activities and operations of all divisions in the Parks and Recreation Department including the operations, administration, budget, planning and maintenance, services, customer service, special events and programming. The Director is additionally responsible for leading, developing and stewarding the parks and recreation team consistent with organization and community objectives. Primary responsibilities include overseeing implementation of the Park Master Plan, including strategic oversight and execution of the capital improvement plan for the city’s park system; preparing and administering the departmental budget, including operation and capital improvements; forecasting funding needs and administering budgetary decisions; recommending park planning and projects in coordination with the Capital Engineering team; and responding to and resolving difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints; and serving as the department liaison with City boards, commissions, associations, City Council, and other citizens or citizen groups. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is considered qualifying. The most qualified candidates will possess the following: 

Education: A Bachelor's degree with major coursework in parks and recreation, public administration, business administration, or related field. A Master’s degree is preferred.   

Experience: Ten (10) plus years of progressively responsible related experience with a minimum of three (3) years in management is required. Senior level management experience is preferred. 

Certificates and additional knowledge/experience requirements:  

• Experience in park facilities planning and design, as well as developing, planning, implementing, and facilitating recreational programming is required. 

• Knowledge of parks maintenance, general facilities maintenance, including recreation centers and aquatics is required. 

• Given Burleson's dedication to park inclusivity, knowledge and experience in this important area is strongly desired. 

• Knowledge of National Recreation and Park Association’s (NRPA) Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) is preferred. 

• Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) is preferred. 

Confidential inquiries are welcomed to: 

Bryan Noblett | [email protected] | (916) 217-3696