Welcome to our job postings. 
If you are a current member of IPRA, postings are a complimentary benefit of membership. 
For all others, please contact Steven Jordison, Executive Director, Iowa Park and Recreation Association at steve@iapra.org  call 515-291-4917

Internships Page

Management/Accreditation Analyst
City of Davenport, Iowa

An Equal Opportunity Employer

Salary:  $23.20 - $30.44 Hourly    $48,258.08 - $63,313.74 Annually

Deadline:  May 30, 2012

Position:
Under general direction, provides analytical management assistance by conducting surveys and studies, updating the accreditation documents on an ongoing basis, and special projects and performs related work as required.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Evaluate programs and the delivery of services; Organize, and coordinate various projects, and services involving diverse administrative operations covering all three divisions of the department in Recreation, Parks, and Revenue Facilities; Manage specific projects after awarding of contract;
Recommend and assist in installing improved administrative methods, procedures, practices, equipment, and improvement to facilities to remain pro-active and a leader in the field.
Serve as a team leader or project manager as needed.
Monitor the documentation and progress of the Job Shadow/Cross Training program. Also assist with the orientation and supervision of the seasonal crews all year.
Conduct research and analytical studies on a variety of programs and issues; Coordinate and expedite reports and related program information from divisional input; Develop procedures and forms; Formulate recommendations and correspond with departments and outside agencies regularly.
Assist in determining financial methods, procedures, and cost management related to department facilities and programs; Conduct cost/benefit analysis, review data, and prepare statistical reports; Work with related staff to facilitate consistent letters of agreement with all agencies.
Prepare grant applications, when required, and report on the facilitation and follow-through of the grant based on requirements of the grant from Federal, State, and local agencies.
Confer with other departments, officials, consultants, and related staff to stay relevant and up-to-date; Make presentations to related groups on projects and programs; Provide staff support to the Director and other departments, as assigned.
Produce the department Request for Proposals(RFP’s), where applicable, and follow-through with the purchase or program.
Plans, coordinates, and manages the maintenance of files for accreditation compliance.
Writes and/or reviews new or revised policies to ensure compliance with accreditation standards.
Prepares and submits annual compliance reports.
Trains Department personnel on the accreditation process, quality assurance, data collection and entry methods, new or revised policies, and the use of park and recreation-specific programs.
Represents the Department at local, regional, and national conferences and meetings related to the accreditation process.
Serves as a liaison to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.

QUALIFICATIONS
Graduation from a four-year college or university with major course work in any or all of Public or Business Administration, Statistics, General Management, Parks and Recreation, or related fields with 3 years of relevant experience or any combination of experience, education, or training which is equivalent to the employment standards listed above and which provides the required knowledge and abilities will be deemed acceptable for this position.

Must be able to obtain CPRP certification within a year of employment and maintain throughout the duration of employment.

Must be able to pass thorough background check.

Must be, or become within two years of hire, an Iowa resident and maintain Iowa residency throughout employment.

Must possess and maintain throughout duration of employment a valid driver's license.

SELECTION PROCESS

EXAMINATION: The examination/screening process will consist of the following sections with each section weighted as indicated:
1. Written Exam:  25%
2. Oral Assessment Exercise: 75%

Note:  You must pass each section with a minimum of 70%.

Both exercises will be given on Wednesday and Thursday, June 27th and 28th,  2012.

Those who pass both tests with a minimum of 70% and background checks will be placed on the civil service list (up to fifteen individuals), scheduled to be certified at the July 11th, 2012 Civil Service meeting.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Knowledge

Customer and Personal Service — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction
Administration and Management — Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Clerical — Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
Education and Training — Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups. ,

Skills

Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times
Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Complex Problem Solving — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Judgment and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one
Writing — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Social Perceptiveness — Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Systems Analysis — Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.

Abilities

Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Written Comprehension — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Inductive Reasoning — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Written Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Deductive Reasoning — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.

APPLICATIONS MAY BE OBTAINED AND FILED ONLINE AT:

http://www.cityofdavenportiowa.com/hr

OR

226 W 4th Street,
Davenport, IA 52801    

Direct link to HR website

Golf Course Supervisor
City of Dubuque, Iowa

The city of Dubuque, Iowa (population 58,000) invites applications for the position of Golf Course Supervisor.  The successful candidate will be responsible for performing technical and supervisory work in planning, directing, coordinating and performing work related to the operations and maintenance of Bunker Hill municipal golf course.  The successful candidate will posses considerable experience in golf course maintenance and operations, preferably at the supervisory level and an Associate’s Degree in golf course maintenance management, turf grass management, horticulture, agronomy or related fields; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the essential knowledge, skills and abilities.  The successful candidate will demonstrate an ability to follow a management philosophy that is input oriented and values problem solving and the development of partnerships and a desire to be part of an organization that values service, people, integrity, responsibility, innovation and teamwork.  

The City offers an annual salary range of $50,398  to $65,915, effective July 1, 2012,  and an attractive benefit package. 

Please submit a request for a Civil Service Entrance Examination to Randy Peck, Personnel Manager, City Hall, 50 West 13^th Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001-4864 by 5:00 p.m. on May 30, 2012.  The Personnel Office may be contacted at 563-589-4125 or citypers@cityofdubuque.org. 

The job description and benefit summary are available at www.cityofdubuque.org.  Women, minorities and qualified persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. 
EOE

Park and Recreation Director
City of Garner, Iowa

The city of Garner (pop. 3,129), a growing small city in North Iowa, is seeking a Park and Recreation Director.  This full-time management position oversees the City’s Park and Recreation Department which consists of a new recreation center, outdoor aquatic center, 6-parks, and a full array of youth & adult recreation programs.  Applicants must have strong management skills, marketing knowledge, budgeting experience, and ability to be creative.  Bachelor’s degree in Park & Recreation preferred; but relevant experience may substitute for education. 

Salary range $34,000 to $42,000 with health and retirement benefits. 

Position profile and job description at www.garneriowa.org. 

Send letter of application and résumé to Randy Lansing, City Administrator, 135 W. 5^th St., Garner, IA 50438 or admin@garneriowa.org by May 23, 2012.

Parks and Recreation Director
City of Asbury, Iowa

Job Summary:  Under limited direction, the Director of Parks and Recreation performs a wide variety of administrative and semi-skilled tasks, requiring accuracy, proficiency, confidentiality and limited independent judgment.  The director is responsible for planning, organizing, prioritizing and coordinating family focused events and healthy activities that promote health and wellness in our community.  The director develops public information materials, directs recreational programs, and implements parks system and developmental goals; works with city’s Park and Recreation Board, and civic groups; and answers citizen inquiries.

Major Responsibilities:  Essential Tasks:          

1. Responsible for department personnel matters, including evaluating employee performance, hiring, training and promoting subject to the approval of the City Administrator,   Mayor and Personnel Committee.

2. Plans organizes, directs, markets and interprets recreation activities.

3. Develops and implements policies, procedures, goals, and objectives for the department; assures park operations and public recreational programs are carried out according to Federal, State, and local laws, rules and regulations.

4. Directs the formulation and routine updating of park system departmental goals and objectives consistent with changing community needs and the goals of the City Council.

5. Develops, in cooperation with the Park and Recreation Board and City Council, long and short range planning and needs assessment for the improvement of the parks system and public recreational programs; evaluates program needs and accomplishments.

6. Prepare agendas, minutes and reports and provide staff support to the Park and Recreation Board.

7. Prepares and presents to the City Administrator the annual department budget; help determine resource needs and financing requests; coordinates departmental purchasing and controls the expenditure of funds.

8. Seeks and applies for Federal, State, and local grants as approved by the Park and Recreation Board and City Council.

9. Participates in the development of land acquisition and capital project plans and specifications; coordinates planning, design and construction of parks and recreational facilities; coordinates with other departments, outside agencies, engineers and architects.

10. Promotes safety throughout the entire department and assures all programs and the facilities are operated in as safe a manner as possible.

11. Evaluate program services at the end of each program.

12. Other duties and responsibilities as shall be determined by the Chairperson of the Park and Recreation Board, City Administrator and/or Mayor from time to time.

CONTACTS:

The person in this position makes contact with the Mayor and City Administrator to exchange and interpret information.  Also makes contact with Park and Recreation Board and City Council to exchange and interpret information and present different points of view.  Contacts with residents are significant and regular and usually involve exchange and conveyance of information.  Contacts are made with persons outside the City and with vendors and/or contractors and involve the exchange and interpretation of information regarding City projects or supplies/equipment purchases.

EQUIPMENT USED:

Computer, calculator, telephone, copier and other office and recreational equipment as necessary.

COMPETENCIES:

The individual shall be a graduate from a recognized college or university with a bachelor’s degree in park and recreation or related field or have a background managing recreational activities.  The individual must be able to develop and direct youth recreation activities.  The individual must be able to develop a departmental budget and to control expenditures.  First Aid training and certification in basic cardiac life support is desirable.  The individual must be able to meet and interact with the public in a congenial business-like manner while working within the framework of the City policies.  The individual must be capable of working efficiently with time and materials.  The individual shall have good organizational and supervisory skills.  The individual shall comply with all orders and directions of the Chairperson of the Park and Recreation Board and/or City Administrator, and shall maintain harmonious working relationships with the City Administrator, Mayor, Chairperson of the Park and Recreation Board and all other city employees.  The individual shall have the ability to use computers, typewriters, motor vehicles and safety equipment.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

The individual shall serve at the pleasure of the City Council.  This is a part-time position.  Hours and days of work shall be determined by the Mayor, City Administrator and Personnel Committee.

HIRING:

Approval of the City Council with recommendation of the Mayor, City Administrator and Personnel Committee.

TO APPLY:

      Send application, which is available at www.cityofasbury.com, to City of Asbury, 5080 Asbury Road, Asbury, IA 52002, or email info@cityofasbury.com.  Salary DOQ.  EOE.

Applications accepted until May 18, 2012

Executive Director Search

Illinois Park and Recreation Association

The Illinois Park and Recreation Association (“IPRA”) is seeking a strategic, innovative leader who will lead one of the largest state parks and recreation associations in the country.

Under the direction of the Board of Directors, the Executive Director administers and manages all aspects of the Association, including educational offerings, oversight of business operations, supervision of personnel and engaging volunteers.  Additionally, this individual provides leadership to the Illinois Park and Recreation Foundation.

IPRA has more than 2,500 members throughout the state of Illinois participating in a variety of educational, networking and resource sharing opportunities.  IPRA, located in LaGrange, Illinois, is led by a 9-member Board, has an annual operating budget of $1.3 million and a staff of 6.
The successful candidate will be a strategic thinker, demonstrate the characteristics of being creative, a self-starter, rapport builder with proven success in establishing and maintaining working relationships with diverse groups. He or she will have strong Board relationship skills and foster integrity, communication and transparency. The successful candidate encourages a culture of respect, openly communicates with staff and volunteer leaders and delegates appropriately to a staff team. Additionally, the candidate must possess the vision and commitment to continuous learning, leadership development and member engagement.

Requirements include: •College degree, preferred MBA •Seven to ten years of demonstrated leadership and management in associations or in the parks and recreation industry; working knowledge of continuing education and leadership development •Experience in business or association management, preferably as an Executive Director or CEO •Demonstrated leadership skills •Public speaking experience a plus.

Salary:  $100,000 - $125,000, commensurate with experience.

Excellent Benefit Package including: •health, dental and vision insurance •life insurance •short & long term disability •retirement savings plan

Interested parties are encouraged to apply before June, 1, 2012 on line at www.hyasupersearches.com, the website for Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA).  Questions should be directed to HYA at office@hyasearch.com or by calling (847) 724-8465.

The Illinois Park and Recreation Association is an equal opportunity employer.

The city of Garner has two Park and Rec positions open at the present time due to motivated and talented people moving on for career advancement.  The City’s Park & Recreation Director, Mike Miner, has taken the Director position with Butler County Conservation after 6-years of strong leadership with the City.  The City’s Recreation Coordinator, Sarah Litweller, took a management position in the hotel industry in April after nearly 3-years of diligent service to the City.  During their tenure, both have advanced and evolved their respective positions and the Park and Rec Department, leaving big shoes to fill.  The City is working to fill the Director position first followed by the Recreation Coordinator position after a new Director is onboard.

Recreation Coordinator (ON HOLD - PENDING HIRING OF DIRECTOR)
 

DEPARTMENT:   Recreation and Recreation Center
REPORTS TO:  Parks & Recreation Director
FLSA:  Non-Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY:  Under supervision of the Parks & Recreation Director, this position will oversee the daily operations of the Veterans Memorial Recreation Center and the Recreation Department. Set the tone and the atmosphere at the VMRC. Will plan, coordinate, and oversee all recreational activities and any other duties as directed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  Plans, coordinates and oversees all recreation activities.  Organizes and coordinates between recreational activities, membership use and facility rentals at the VMRC.  Assists Parks & Recreation Director in planning budget and capital project plans for VMRC and Recreation Department.  Checks members in and out of facility, answers questions related to building operations and policies and assists patrons as needed. Signs up and records participants for programs and/or facility rentals.  Accepts and records payments and makes receipt.  Answers facility telephone as needed.  Opens and closes facility at scheduled times.  Imposes facility rules as needed.  Prepares and completes membership paperwork and performs data entry into membership computer system.  Provides general maintenance and cleaning to the facility and equipment.  Oversees, assists, and maintains systematic, complete, and accurate departmental records and prepares reports as needed for various functions.  Directs and reviews work of permanent, seasonal and volunteer staff; responds to and resolves personnel complaints and problems; maintains a productive work environment, recommends the appointment, promotion, and dismissal of personnel.  Directs day-to-day operations of the Veterans Memorial Recreation Center, including scheduling, facility policy decisions and management of staff.  Promotes safety throughout the entire department and assures all programs and the facilities are operated in as safe a manner as possible.  Any other duties as directed by the Parks & Recreation Director, Parks & Recreation Board or City Council that come about as a matter of policy.

TYPICAL DUTIES:  As above.  Supervises and participates in the daily activities of the department.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:  Ability to maintain a clean work environment.  Must be highly organized and time conscious.  Must have positive and professional demeanor when conducting business within facility and in the community.  Self-starter that can work with limited supervision.  Ability to train permanent, seasonal and contract employees.  Ability to effectively plan, organize, direct and supervise employees toward desired results.  Ability to effectively express ideas verbally and in writing; to prepare written reports which are informative, accurate, and comprehensive.  Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with the Parks & Recreation Director, Parks & Recreation Board, civic organizations, City employees, public, and the press. Ability to deal with all of the aforementioned tactfully and courteously. Ability to use computers, motor vehicles, first aid and safety equipment and recreational programming equipment as necessary.  Ability to perform minimally physically demanding work.

WORKING CONDITIONS:  Inside office work performed under controlled conditions, but with occasional humidity, poor ventilation and noise. Outside work involving standing, walking and carrying objects of moderate weight.  Occasional climbing, stooping, reaching, and handling activities.  Requires ability to converse, using verbal and listening skills, with citizen customers, vendors, staff and supervisor.  Requires eye/hand coordination, manual/finger dexterity and motor coordination.  Requires clerical, forms, numerical, and verbal perception.  Minimal physical strength requirements involving the moving, lifting, pushing, carrying and pulling of objects weighing up to 40 pounds.

REQUIREMENTS:  Bachelor’s degree in Parks & Recreation or related field, 1 year experience in operation of a recreation/wellness center & recreation programs and budget experience preferred; relevant experience may substitute for education.  Must have strong time management and interpersonal skills.  Must also have computer literacy, strong oral and written communication skills and experience in an office environment. Possession or ability to obtain & maintain CPR and First Aid Training and a valid motor vehicle operator's license issued by the State of Iowa and ability to pass a criminal background check. Must have ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule in regard to seasons of the year, time of day and day of the week.

DISCLAIMER:  All duties and requirements in this job description have been determined by the employer to be essential job functions consistent with ADA requirements and are representative of the functions that are necessary to successful job performance.  They do not, however, reflect the only duties required.  Employees in this job class will be expected to perform other job-related duties when it can be reasonably implied that such duties do not fundamentally change the basic requirements, purpose or intent of the position.

HOW TO APPLY:  More information is available at www.garneriowa.org. Please submit a cover letter and résumé by Friday, May 4 at 5:00pm. EOE.

Apply by May 4, 2012 at 5:00pm to:

Michael M. Miner, Director
Garner Parks and Recreation Department
365 West 8^th Street
Garner, Iowa 50438
recdirector@garneriowa.org

    Other state park and recreation associations  (if a state is not listed, then no Web site is available)