Salary: $6,240.00 - $7,884.00 Biweekly
Location : City of Sioux Falls, SD
Job Type: Appointed
Job Number:
Department: Parks & Recreation
Opening Date: 08/18/2026
Closing Date: 9/18/2026 5:00 PM Central

Job Summary

The Director of Parks and Recreation bears ultimate responsibility for the overall operation and function of Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation and directs a comprehensive municipal program of publicly provided leisure services, park lands, urban forest, and golf courses.
Job Responsibilities
There shall be delegated to the holder of the Office of Director of Parks and Recreation the following executive and administrative duties and functions in which the public has an interest and for which the holder of said office shall bear ultimate responsibility:

1. Direct the management, operation, maintenance, development, and acquisition of a comprehensive system of City parks and greenways, including the policy, budget fees, concessions, maintenance techniques, contracts, liaisons with citizen groups, and all other matters necessary to the provision of publicly owned parks.

2. Direct the management, planning, promotion, and delivery of a comprehensive program of recreational activities to the general public, including liaison with citizen groups, budget, policy, fees, promotion development, and all other matters necessary to the provision of public recreation programs.

3. Direct the municipal forestry program and the establishment of policy regarding tree planting, maintenance, and removal of trees on public and private lands in the city.

4. Oversee the independent contractor in the administration of municipally-owned golf courses, including budget, fees, policy, concessions, golf pro services, recreation lessons, and promotion of the courses; acts as liaison with golf member associations and other citizen groups as necessary.

5. Direct the enforcement of the Parks and Recreation Board policies and rules, City Council ordinances and policies, state laws, and regulations within the City parks, golf courses, greenways, and other recreational facilities. Serve as executive officer of the Parks and Recreation Board, attend Board meetings, prepare agenda items, carry out the assignments and general policies of the Board, and coordinate Parks and Recreation Board responsibilities and efforts with the City Council.

6. Oversee the management contracts of Great Bear Recreation Park, Falls Park Visitor Center and Overlook Cafe, Great Plains Zoo and Delbridge Museum, Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum and East Sioux Falls Historic Site, and U.S.S. South Dakota Battleship Memorial for use by commercial, nonprofit, public, and volunteer organizations.

7. Serve as ex-officio member on the Sioux Falls Park Foundation.

8. Ensure compliance with executive orders, resolutions, and ordinances approved by the City Council, South Dakota Codified Laws, and federal regulations and guidelines.

9. Submit an annual departmental budget request and ensure that the spent amount and/or obligated for the department, or for any purpose within the department, will not exceed the total amount appropriated for such department or purpose except as otherwise specified.

10. Ensure the proper care and disposition of City property assigned to Parks and Recreation and file with Finance an annual inventory of all public/personal property, supplies, and stores in his/her custody; and upon termination, turn over all the public/personal property in his/her custody to the successor or Director of Finance and take receipts for all property requiring inventory.

11. Perform emergency/disaster management responsibilities to ensure the City is adequately ready to respond in the event of an emergency/disaster by performing emergency planning, training, and management as identified in the Minnehaha County Emergency Response Plan-Unified Incident Command organization structure.

12. Perform other such duties and functions as are necessary or incidental to the proper performance of this position.

Minimum Qualifications
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master's degree in recreation and park administration and a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in park and recreation program management; or any such combination of education, experience, and training as may be acceptable to the hiring authority.

Possession of a valid driver's license is desirable.

Supplemental Information

• Professional administrative skill in the organization, development, and maintenance of a comprehensive municipal park and recreation system involving the operating of areas and facilities and the recruiting, selection, training, and supervision of personnel.
• Knowledge of budgetary procedures, bid law requirements, and general governmental finance and property accounting procedures.
• Understanding of the function, design, and maintenance of park and recreation areas and facilities and the ability to direct a program of acquisition, construction, and maintenance of recreation and park areas and facilities.
• Professional administrative skill in the supervision of technically trained personnel from fields such as recreation, forestry, and horticulture.
• Ability to formulate and administer recreation programs to meet specific community needs and technical competence in directing their optimum use to meet the needs of people of all ages and interests.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to effectively work with, advise, and inform legislative bodies; assist the boards, the media, and the general public.

• Competitive salary with other public and industry positions, including step advancements.
• The City participates in the South Dakota Retirement System. Employees receive a 6% match. Additionally, employees may choose to enroll in a Deferred Compensation Plan.
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Competitive rates for single, 2-party, and family.
• 11 paid holidays and 2 personal leave days each calendar year.
• New employees are granted 40 hours of vacation at time of hire and accrue an additional 2 weeks in their first year.
• Sick leave accrues over 96 hours per year.
• The City of Sioux Falls is an eligible employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.