Parks Director

• Develops and directs all park system plans, procedures and policies, ensuring the successful day-to-day and long-term operation and performance of the County's passive park system in alignment with the system's mission and outcomes
• Directs the appropriate management, maintenance, and restoration of the park system's natural habitat
• Develops and manages the annual department budget and purchasing plans with an eye toward maximizing resources, including vendor utilization and grant management
• Crafts a high-performing team through staff development, teambuilding and performance management
• Leads community engagement and collaboration by managing the park system's programming, outreach, volunteer and community service plans; facilitating the Parks Advisory Committee; cultivating relevant partnerships; and ensuring appropriate community use of park facilities
• Promotes the park system's role as a key component of Catawba County's quality of life through involvement in park system marketing and communications plans
• Oversees development and implementation of the 10-year Parks Master Plan

• Bachelor's degree in Park and Recreation Management, Natural Resources Management/Forestry or other related degree and 5 years of experience in parks management/development as a director, assistant director, or other advanced leadership role
• Master's degree in Park and Recreation Management, Natural Resources, or Public Administration preferred

• Ability to think analytically to prioritize work, make data driven decisions, meet established deadlines, delegate duties and attend to details as appropriate
• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate by example with excellent interpersonal and consensus-building skills, inspiring staff to high performance
• Capacity to work collaboratively and maintain effective relationships with Board of Commissioners, County Management, other county departments, advisory boards and committees, partner municipalities and organizations, state and federal regulatory agencies and institutions, vendors, consultants, and the general public
• Impeccable judgment in analyzing situations and making decisions involving a variety of fiscal and business areas, and the ability to carry out that judgment with considerable professional and managerial discretion
• Independent and self-directed initiative and drive, with the capacity to learn new things and the appetite to take on new challenges over time
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills; accompanied by a strong capability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and assignments simultaneously
• Competence in organizing, supervising, and evaluating the work of diverse teams and individuals
• Knowledge of principles and practices of passive park and natural habitat management
• Exceptional customer service orientation; including strong traits of diplomacy, tact, patience, and empathy
• Excellent communication, both written and oral, including strong command of grammar and the essential ability to communicate complex information in a manner that facilitates decision-making
• Adaptability in a dynamic and fast-paced environment with changing job requirements and duties as they occur
• Strong creative, systems-level, and critical thinking skills
• Valid driver's license with a safe driving record

• Health: For a small bi-weekly premium, employees may choose between a traditional (co-pay) health plan and a high deductible health plan coupled with a Health Savings Account (HSA). Coverage may also be purchased for spouse, child(ren), or family.
• Dental Insurance: At no cost to full-time employees, the County covers preventive, routine, and non-routine care. Coverage for the same benefits may also be purchased for spouse, child(ren) and family. In addition, a $2,000 benefit toward orthodontia coverage is provided for children up to age 19.
• Vision Care: Coverage is available, at group rates, for employee and dependents, with 2 plan options to choose from.
• Supplemental critical care and accident insurance plans: These optional coverage plans are available at a nominal cost.
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Pre-tax accounts which can be used to pay for qualified out-of-pocket medical, dental, vision expenses.

• Employee Health Clinic (EHC): An employee medical clinic, available to all County employees, which operates 40 hours a week. Services provided include acute care, first aid, evaluation and care for workers' compensation injuries, pre-employment screenings, health education, and behavioral health referrals. Services offered both in person and through telehealth. Acute care available to employee's children ages 5-17 regardless of health insurance coverage and for employee's adult children (ages 18-26) or employee's spouse if covered on the county's health insurance.
• Wellness: The County recognizes the importance of our health and well-being. We maintain a very proactive and effective Wellness Program, including reimbursement and discounts for gym membership, incentives for physical activity, on-site nutrition counseling, free exercise opportunities, wellness education and more.
• Employee Assistance Program: Counseling services are available to all County employees and immediate family members in the home. Services are provided in a private and confidential setting (in-person or virtually). The County provides coverage for the first six visits.

• Annual Leave: Full-time employees earn from 10-21 days annually based on years of service. Service credit from other NC and Local Governments in the retirement system may be transferred to the County.
• Sick Leave: Full-time employees earn one day (8 hours) of sick leave per month. Sick leave from other NC and Local Governments in the retirement system may be transferred to the County.
• Holiday Leave: Throughout the year, 11 days of paid leave are provided in recognition of holidays.
• Flexible work schedules.
• Time off for activities that support our local schools.
• Continuing educational assistance.
• Discount tickets to recreational venues.
• Employee appreciation days/activities.
• Tax-free flexible spending account to pay for dependent care.

• Local Governmental Employees Retirement System: For employees assigned to work 20 hours per week or more in a benefitted position, participation in this program is automatic. Employees contribute 6% of their salary, which is tax deferred. After (5) years of creditable service, you become fully vested in the retirement system. Employees may also take advantage of individual and group retirement counseling through the Human Resources department.
• 401K: The County provides a 2% contribution plus an additional 1% match (up to 3% total contribution by the County). Our sworn law enforcement officers receive a flat 5% contribution to their 401k.
• Other Tax Deferred Programs: Other tax-sheltering programs are available through IRS Code 125 (Cafeteria Plan), and a 457 supplemental retirement plan (Deferred Compensation).
• Longevity Pay: After 5 years of creditable service, employees receive an annual longevity payment that is paid every year thereafter. This lump sum payment rewards employees for their length of service to Catawba County. The amount is based on years of service.
• Life Insurance: Death benefit equal to one times employee's annual salary with a minimum coverage amount of $25,000. Optional supplemental life insurance coverage is also available for both employee and dependents through payroll deduction at group rates.
• Short Term Disability: Available at no cost to employees, benefits are available after a 55-day waiting period.
• Long Term Disability: Available through payroll deduction at group rates.
• Eligibility for membership and financial services at State Employees Credit Union (SECU)/Local Government Federal Credit Union (LGFCU).

Catawba County Government