Director of Parks and Urban Forestry
City of Verona Recreation Department

Job Description
The City of Verona is recruiting for a Director of Parks and Urban Forestry. This is a supervisory position responsible for all programs, activities and personnel related to City of Verona parks, public lands and urban forestry. This position also oversees the general planning, development and supervision of community recreation programs. The Director advises and provides staff assistance to the City Park, Recreation, and Forestry Commission on all issues related to park and other public land acquisition, development, and maintenance.

The City of Verona is a great place to work! We offer an amazing benefit package which includes excellent health insurance, participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System, ample paid leave and much more! In addition to offering a competitive salary and excellent benefits, we encourage our employees to take advantage of our other great perks such as a casual office atmosphere, flexible work schedules, employee training and development opportunities, tuition reimbursement, and an employee assistance program that offers a variety of programs and tools designed to help promote an employee's health and wellness! 

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop an annual plan, including a departmental budget, for the acquisition, development and maintenance of all City parks and other public lands.
• Coordinate the development, updating and implementation of the City Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan.
• Hire, train, direct and assist department staff in performing the necessary maintenance of all park land, park and recreation facilities, and other City owned land. Maintenance includes, but is not limited to, mowing and trimming grass, fertilizing and aerating park and other public lands, painting and maintaining park facilities and picnic tables, installing and repairing park equipment, etc.
• Evaluate existing parks regarding type, usage, age and safety of facilities and equipment and make recommendations to the City Administrator and the Park, Recreation, and Forestry Commission regarding the acquisition and development of park lands, facilities, and equipment.
• In coordination with the Recreation Director, prepare, maintain and repair all athletic fields including baseball, softball, soccer, ice rinks, etc.
• Develop and submit grant applications as appropriate for park land acquisition and development.
• Under the guidelines of City ordinances, purchase necessary equipment and supplies related to the job. To the extent possible, coordinate with other departments on purchases.
• Maintain department records regarding the collection and expenditure of funds related to park and urban forestry programs.
• Develop and maintain an urban forest inventory and oversee the Tree City U.S.A. program.
• Evaluate and maintain the urban forest. Plant, trim and remove trees as necessary.
• Investigate and respond to citizen concerns and complaints regarding park and urban forestry issues.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures pertaining to park and recreation programs, services and facilities.
• Prepare agendas, supporting materials, and attend meetings of the Park, Recreation, and Forestry Commission. Prepares and presents documents and information for various committee and Common Council meetings.
• Supervise and direct the activities of Parks, and Urban Forestry department staff and the Recreation Director; plan, organize, assign, direct, review and evaluate the work of assigned staff.
• Direct and oversee the coordination of a well-rounded schedule of recreation programs and activities for all age groups and interest levels.
• Manage all aspects of the Verona Cemetery including sale of plots, marking and scheduling burials, maintaining records, and coordinating maintenance tasks.
• Evaluate and maintain native prairies.

• Knowledge of park and recreation facility development, maintenance and repair.
• Knowledge of the use and application of fertilizers and other lawn chemicals.
• Knowledge and skill in grant writing.
• Knowledge of the municipal budget and budget management process.
• Knowledge of basic principles of urban forestry including when, where and how to plant, trim, remove and otherwise maintain urban trees and shrubs.
• Skill in basic accounting.
• Skill in operating park, lawn and urban forestry equipment.
• Ability to hire, train and supervise staff.
• Ability to work independently with a minimum of supervision.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing with supervisors, staff and the public.
• Knowledge of techniques related to establishing and maintaining native prairies and other native biomes and/or the enthusiastic willingness and ability to learn. 
• Knowledge of sustainability initiatives including the electrification of Parks vehicles and/or the enthusiastic willingness and ability to learn.

Qualifications
Education and Experience:
Required Education and Experience:

• High school diploma, GED or equivalent is required. 
• Experience in the field of Municipal Parks & Recreation and Forestry management is required, three years of which must have been in a supervisory capacity.

• A bachelor's degree in Parks and Recreation Management or a related field is preferred.
• Experience in park maintenance is preferred.
• Experience in urban forestry is preferred.
• Budgeting experience is preferred.
• Experience with municipal GIS software is preferred.
• Experience establishing and maintaining native prairies and other native biomes and plants is preferred. 
• Experience with sustainability initiatives and electrification of Parks vehicles is preferred.

• Must have a valid driver's license, and use of a personal vehicle to perform the job when necessary. 
• A Commercial Driver’s License is preferred.

Salary/Salary Range
$79,462.25 - $98,722.36 Annually

Apply To
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Closing Date
April 20, 2025