Salary: $83,553.60 - $133,598.40 Annually
Location : 126 N. St. Andrews Street, Dothan, AL
Job Type: FULL TIME
Job Number: 129PA-26-01
Department: Leisure Services
Opening Date: 10/15/2026
Closing Date: 10/28/2026 11:59 PM Central
FLSA: Exempt
DescriptionThis position is responsible for directing assigned department operations for leisure services facilities and programming.
Major Duties- Directs the operations of assigned department recreation centers.
- Directs the operations of assigned recreation programs, including community and special events.
- Directs the operations of the Athletic Division, including athletic programs and events; writes and reviews tournament bids; coordinates with Visit Dothan for events and hotel services.
- Coordinates and serves as tournament director for Hoops Classic, Dothan Diamond Classic, and other assigned tournaments.
- Oversees the department's Athletics, Senior, Therapeutic, Afterschool, and Summer Camp programming, including USDA nutrition programs for seniors, homebound meal delivery, summer feeding program, and transportation.
- Works with civic clubs and other community groups to manage funding relationships and sponsorships for events, programs, and facilities.
- Writes public and private grants for funding programs, events, and athletics.
- Develops equipment specifications; prepares bid packages.
- Prepares a variety of regular and special reports.
- Hires, trains, assigns, directs, supervises, evaluates, and disciplines personnel.
- Attends and assists with programs and events as needed.
- Coordinates with Fire, Police, and Performing Arts departments on matters related to special events and programs.
- Oversees the archery program and tournaments.
- Manages and schedules the Mobile Stage for public rental.
- Represents the department and its facilities, services, and events to the news media.
- Plans for future needs and facilities in conjunction with other staff.
- Performs the duties of the Director in his or her absence as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THE POSITION
- Knowledge of the principles, practices and methods used in parks and recreation administration, and the management of programs, athletics, and activities.
- Knowledge of city and departmental policies and procedures.
- Knowledge of event management principles.
- Knowledge of budget management principles.
- Knowledge of project management principles.
- Knowledge of grant management principles.
- Knowledge of personnel management principles.
- Knowledge of modern office procedures and equipment.
- Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.
- Skill in problem solving and decision making.
- Skill in prioritizing and planning.
- Skill in interpersonal relations and dealing with the public.
- Skill in oral and written communication.
SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
The Director of Leisure Services assigns work in terms of department goals and objectives. The supervisor reviews work through conferences, reports, and observation of department activities.
GUIDELINES
Guidelines include safety guidelines, building codes, Health Department regulations, grant requirements, ADA requirements, sports sanctioning body rules, local sports guidelines, the Consumer Product Safety Handbook for Playgrounds, and city and department policies and procedures. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application.
COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK
- The work consists of varied management and supervisory duties. Changing priorities contribute to the complexity of work.
- The purpose of this position is to direct parks and recreation programs, events, and athletic operations. Successful performance ensures the efficient and effective delivery of leisure services to city residents and visitors.
CONTACTS
- Contacts are typically with co-workers, contractors, vendors, elected and appointed officials, community groups, business owners, representatives of Dothan City Schools, and the public.
- Contacts are typically to exchange information, motivate people, negotiate matters, resolve problems, and provide services.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT
- The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently standing, stooping, or walking; occasionally lifting fifty (50) pounds.
- The work is typically performed in an office and outdoors, occasionally in hot, cold, or inclement weather. The employee may be exposed to machinery with moving parts and irritating chemicals. Work requires the use of protective equipment such as respirators, goggles, gloves, etc.
SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY
This position has direct supervision over the Recreation Program Manager, Athletic Manager, Recreation Center Managers, and Administrative Secretary, as well as overseeing the management of numerous full-time, part-time, and seasonal positions.
Minimum Qualifications- Graduation from an accredited* college or university with a bachelor's degree in Recreation, Park Management, Public Administration, Event Planning, Sports Management, Physical Education, or closely related field, and
- Eight (8) years recent experience in municipal management directing public parks, recreation centers, and recreation programs with responsibility for program management and budget administration; and
- Possession of a minimum of one (1) of the following current and valid certifications:
- Alabama Recreation and Parks Association (ARPA) Professional Recreator Certificate
- Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) Certification
- CPR/First Aid Instructor
- Certified Festival & Event Associate (CFEA) Certification
- Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP)
- Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI)
- Certified Pool Operator (CPO)
- Certified Sports Field Manager (CSFM)
- Certified Sports Official (Such as Dixie Youth, Special Olympics, etc.)
- Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS)
- Certified Youth Sports Administrator
- Commercial Driver License (CDL) Class C with Passenger Endorsement
- Group Fitness Instructor (From an Accredited Institution/Program)
- NASP Basic Archery Instructor or USA Archery - Level I Instructor Certification
- Ornamental and Turf Pest Control Supervisor or Custodial (OTPS/OTPC) Certification
- Personal Trainer Certification (From an Accredited Institution/Program)
- ServSafe Manager Certificate
- Trail Maintenance, Management, and/or Master Certification
- Turfgrass Management Certification
- Water Safety Instructor (WSI) Certification
- Possession of a current and valid American Red Cross or American Heart Association CPR/AED certificate preferred.
- Possession of current and valid Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) certification preferred.
- Possession of current and valid Certified Festival and Event Associate (CFEA) certification preferred.
*Accredited through an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT/PROMOTION/DEMOTION/TRANSFER:Employees are required to complete/sign the Certification & Condition of Employment/Promotion/Demotion/Transfer form(s). (See condition(s) for details.)
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
- A valid driver license and an acceptable driving record. (PBA 09/10/01)
- Employees in this position are required to obtain and maintain a Commercial Driver License (CDL) Class C with Passenger Endorsement within 120 days of employment/promotion/demotion/ transfer. (See condition for details.)
- Employees in this position are required to successfully complete at least one (1) of the following additional certifications within eighteen (18) months of employment/promotion/demotion/transfer. (See condition for details.)
- Alabama Recreation and Parks Association (ARPA) Professional Recreator Certificate
- Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) Certification
- CPR/First Aid Instructor
- Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP)
- Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI)
- Certified Pool Operator (CPO)
- Certified Sports Field Manager (CSFM)
- Certified Sports Official (Such as Dixie Youth, Special Olympics, etc.)
- Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS)
- Certified Youth Sports Administrator
- Group Fitness Instructor (From an Accredited Institution/Program)
- NASP Basic Archery Instructor or USA Archery - Level I Instructor Certification
- Ornamental and Turf Pest Control Supervisor or Custodial (OTPS/OTPC) Certification
- Personal Trainer Certification (From an Accredited Institution/Program)
- ServSafe Manager Certificate
- Trail Maintenance, Management, and/or Master Certification
- Turfgrass Management Certification
- Water Safety Instructor (WSI) Certification
- Employees in this position are required to obtain and maintain an American Heart Association or American Red Cross CPR/AED certificate within one (1) year of employment/promotion/ demotion/transfer. (See condition for details.)
- Employees in this position are required to obtain and maintain a Certified Festival and Event Associate (CFEA) certification within three (3) years of employment/promotion/demotion/transfer. (See condition for details.)
- An applicant for this position is subject to various background investigations up to and including criminal, credit, past employment, and reference checks.
- An applicant for this position is subject to a criminal history background check pursuant to the following statutes: §§38-13-1. Ala. Code (1975) et seq., as amended by the Child Care Safety Act (Act of Alabama #2018-278), Act of Alabama 2019-322, or §41-27-10, Ala. Code (1975).
- Employees are required to submit to Drug and Alcohol testing in accordance with the City of Dothan policy, which includes pre-employment and random tests for the duration of employment in this position. (PBA 08/13/12)
- Must meet the City of Dothan's employment physical standards, which include drug/alcohol testing.
Application / ExaminationQualified applicants will be evaluated based on training and experience as documented on their application. This evaluation will comprise 100% of their final grade.
Applicants with a disability who feel they need accommodation should contact the Personnel Department in writing on or before the closing date of this advertisement by emailing
The City of Dothan provides a diverse package of benefit programs: - Vacation: 12 Vacation Days per calendar year
- Holidays: 12 Paid Holidays per calendar year
- Medical and Dental Insurance: Offered through Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Alabama. Rates vary based on coverage selected
- Retirement Plan: Administered through the Retirement Systems of Alabama
- Life Insurance: Administered through Unum Life. No cost for eligible employees
- Military Leave: up to 21 working days per calendar year with Military Orders
- Direct Deposit: Employees may elect to have their payroll check deposited directly into their bank account
- Employee Health Clinic: Industrial Nurse on duty for work related injuries and minor illnesses
Other benefits include: Cafeteria plan, Credit Union, Deferred Compensation plans, Employee Assistance Program, Physical Fitness Program, Jury Duty Leave and more.....
Note: All benefits are subject to eligibility requirements. Individuals are responsible for any related fees or charges that may apply.
01
Supplemental Questions: This information will be used to determine your placement on the employment register and if you meet the basic qualifications as listed on the job posting. Therefore, please give detailed descriptions of your job duties. You must thoroughly complete the Education and Work Experience sections of the application and the Supplemental Questions. Answer all questions as accurately and with as much detail as possible. Some questions request an explanation to support a "yes" answer. Your explanation should contain experience, education, etc., to show that you do possess whatever skill, knowledge or experience being addressed in the question. Employment and volunteer experiences used to answer any of the questions below must be listed on your application. If you use military experience to meet the experience requirements, do not give dates of your entire tour of duty, rather, you should indicate on your employment application, the month and year you began performing these duties and the month and year you stopped.
- I have read and understand the above statement and will submit any required verification or supporting documents by the closing date of this advertisement.
02
Which best describes your highest completed level of education?
Your education MUST be listed in the education section of your application in order to receive credit. - None
- High School Diploma or GED
- Associate's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Master's Degree or higher
03
Check the appropriate field of
