The Newaygo County Administrator seeks a highly professional, dedicated individual to fill the Newaygo County Parks Director’s position.  This position receives big-picture directions from the County Administrator and a ten-member Parks and Recreation Commission.  To help fulfill those responsibilities, the Parks Director supervises a full-time Administrative Assistant, a full-time Park Operations Manager, and up to 20 seasonal employees. 

The Newaygo County Park System, spanning a total of 768 acres, is rapidly expanding to meet the needs of its 246,000 annual visitors. With four campgrounds offering 392 campsites and 18 camping cabins, along with two marinas and 113 boat slips, the system provides a wide range of outdoor recreational opportunities. A highlight of the park system is the 45-mile-long Michigan's Dragon at Hardy Dam, recently named the best new backcountry trail in the United States, further enhancing the area's allure. This fast-paced growth reflects the park system's commitment to providing diverse, accessible, and high-quality outdoor experiences.

Newaygo County’s tourism-driven economy thrives with the County Parks, offering visitors safe, clean, and exciting experiences. Fully self-funded through user fees, the park system has a budget of over $1 million annually, allowing for large-scale improvements each year. Our biggest project underway is the development of a state-of-the-art, ADA-accessible marina on Hardy Pond, featuring accessible slips, parking, and easy access to the handicapped-friendly section of Michigan’s Dragon at Hardy Dam. It's an exciting time as we elevate the park experience for everyone!

Learn more about why Newaygo County is a fantastic place to live and work by visiting our Tourism Council’s Website at www.newaygocountyexploring.com

Insomuch, the ideal candidate will:

• Have a background of professional and personal integrity and honesty and of leading/motivating personnel by example
• Have the maturity, self-confidence, and strength of professional convictions to provide administrative insights and counsel the Parks Board
• Be politically savvy; yet politically neutral
• Must be a hands-on leader
• Possess well-developed organizational skills with the ability to balance numerous projects and issues
• Be a people person; sincerely personable, patient, calm, and accessible
• Have experience with Park, Campground, Marina, and Trail Administration, Maintenance and Operations
• Have experience in municipal budget development and management
• Have experience with park project design, planning, and construction management
• Have strong interpersonal communication and leadership skills
• Have an understanding of park equipment operation and maintenance
• Have the physical ability to work in an office or an outdoor park maintenance setting in all weather conditions
• Have an understanding of applicable laws governing parks, campgrounds, marinas, trails, and public well-water systems.
• Have a strong ability to change between tasks quickly and think clearly in emergencies
• Have strong computer skills and basic marketing knowledge

1. Responsible for the direction, plan, and administration of all operations of parks and facilities in line with the goals and objectives established by the Parks Commission and County Administrator.   
2. Responsible for the direction of all park personnel functions for numerous staff members.  In conjunction with the County Administrator, exercises authority to interview, hire, evaluate performance, assign and monitor work, approve payroll, and implement discipline and discharge in accordance with county policies.  
3. Responsible for the financial management of the department, in coordination with the County Administrator and Parks Commission Board, developing and administering the budget, authorizing expenditures, overseeing the collection of fees, and performing departmental accounting in accordance with county policies.
4. Monitors cash receipts and ensures cash drawer balancing. Supervises regular deposits to county accounts and reconciliation of bank statements. Reviews accounts and is responsible for the proper transmittal of collected monies.   
5. Under the direction and authority of the Parks Board and County Administrator, oversees all developmental and capital improvement projects. This includes working with contractors, departmental staff, and others in the planning and supervising of such projects. Prepares cost estimates and makes recommendations on capital projects to the Parks Commission.
6. Works with the Parks Commission to establish the department's goals and objectives and develop policies to assist in directing operations and attaining those objectives. 
7. Responsible for the development and administration of department-wide policies and procedures. 
8. Serves as principal liaison to various community organizations, including the Newaygo Community Recreation Authority Board and Newaygo County Tourism Council, to enhance community-wide recreation opportunities and preserve valuable nature throughout Newaygo County.    
9. Responsible for developing, maintaining, and updating the County Parks and Recreation and Dragon Trail social media home pages and websites, including disseminating information pertinent to the effective marketing and operation of the Parks and Recreations System.
10. Creates, analyzes, and presents monthly budget control documents and reports to the Parks Commission.  Makes recommendations to the County Administrator on needed budget adjustments or transfers.
11. Is responsible for and provides oversight over the enforcement of County rules and regulations of parks for violations of parks rules and regulations.  Provides training to employees to ensure enforcement procedures are followed. 
12. Responsible for ensuring the completion of Comprehensive Five-Year Parks and Recreation Master plans in compliance with the requirements of the Parks and Recreation Division of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
13. Research grants and funding alternatives, prepare grant applications, manage grants to ensure adherence to grant requirements and reporting, and make presentations.  
14. Responsible for the development and administration of a campground emergency services plan for all county parks and facilities in coordination with Newaygo County Emergency Services.
15. Regularly inspect and evaluate the physical condition of property and equipment at each park facility for safety concerns, repair needs, and improvement projects.  
16. Oversee compliance with state and federal Regulatory Safety Standards.  
17. Supervises all department administrative activities, including preparing contracts for purchases of equipment, materials, products, and services, per county policies.  Prepares specifications and bids for equipment and improvement projects and, if contracted, requests and evaluates bids, follows up with bidders, and recommends selection to the County Administrator and Parks Commission Board.  Responsible for monitoring contractors and projects in progress to ensure compliance with specifications and construction documents.
18. Responsible for developing minutes from official board meetings, providing copies of minutes to the County Clerk, and posting meeting notices while maintaining overall compliance with the Open Meetings Act.   Keeps the Parks Commission and the County Administrator apprised of management issues.   Research and produce reports and special projects regularly.

Education:  A bachelor's Degree is preferred in Parks Administration, Business Administration, Public Administration, Construction Management, or a related field.  The minimum job qualifications may be substituted for commensurate experience and/or education or a combination thereof.

Experience:

• Five years of progressively more responsible experience is desired in parks and recreation management with responsibility for park development, personnel management, financial management, and construction management
• A proven track record of successful leadership and teambuilding
• Parks and Recreation Professional or Executive Certification is preferred but not required
• Playground Safety Inspector Certification is preferred but not required

• Must submit cover letter, resume, and three (3) professional references.

All offers of employment are contingent upon passing a background check and drug screening which includes marijuana.