Pierce County is looking for a dedicated Parks and Recreation Director who has:

• Deep knowledge of modern management practices, public parks and recreation principles, and applicable federal, state, and local laws.
• Skilled in budget preparation, cost control, building partnerships, and making sound, independent decisions under pressure.
• Proficient in strategic thinking, negotiating agreements, and managing diverse teams and resources to meet community needs.
• Strong ability to communicate effectively, interpret and justify budgets, and engage with diverse stakeholders to promote departmental goals.

• Continuous improvement for themselves and their organizations
• Fostering growth mindset and life-long learning
• Data-driven decision-making
• Consideration for customer perspectives and impacts
• Collaboration across large, diverse work environments
• Ensuring equity and inclusion in all facets of work
• Policy and guideline development; turning ideas into action
• Championing the streamlining processes to create positive change

• Mission and Vision: The Parks and Recreation mission is to connect people with nature, promote healthy lifestyles, foster vibrant community spaces, and support sustainable practices. Our vision is a county of healthy people living happy lives.
• Facility Stewardship: We manage over 5,200 acres across 44 park sites, including recreation centers, sports complexes, trails, playgrounds, golf courses, and open spaces. Our partnerships with local organizations enhance the care and accessibility of these facilities.
• Recreation and Community Engagement: We offer diverse programs for all ages, including athletics, arts, camps, and special events like Fantasy Lights, Kite Festival, and the Pierce County Fair, serving over 4.5 million park users annually. Collaborating with school districts and community organizations, we ensure broad access to engaging and inclusive recreational opportunities, including a regional specialized recreation program.
• Sustainability and Partnerships: With the support of volunteers, school districts, community groups, park districts, and businesses, we deliver self-sustaining programs funded by fees, grants, and donations, ensuring long-term viability
  through regional collaboration.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in recreation and or park administration or related field
• Six years of directly related supervisory experience
• Additional education or experience which clearly indicates the ability to perform the essential functions of this position may substitute on a year for year basis
• Attach a substantive cover letter as writing sample with your resume

• As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.

About Pierce County:
Pierce County is a vibrant region where career opportunities intersect with an exceptional quality of life. With stunning natural landscapes, from the shores of Puget Sound to the majestic Mt. Rainier National Park, the area offers endless outdoor activities, including hiking, boating, and golfing on nationally ranked courses. Urban amenities abound as well, with thriving arts, cultural, and culinary scenes that complement the area’s natural beauty. As one of the fastest-growing counties in Washington State, Pierce County is a hub of innovation and community collaboration, making it an exciting place to grow your career and make a lasting impact.

Pierce County is committed to a “Forward Together” mission that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion while tackling critical community challenges. The focus on affordable housing, reducing homelessness, expanding behavioral health services, and creating good-paying jobs ensures a high quality of life for all residents. This dedication to fostering inclusive communities, safe infrastructure, and equitable access to opportunities makes Pierce County a place where careers thrive, and individuals can make meaningful contributions to a resilient, vibrant future.

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.