Assistant Director of Leisure Services (Operations)

Salary: $72,716.80 - $116,355.20 Annually
Location : Dothan, AL
Job Type: FULL TIME
Job Number: 127OP-25-01
Department: LEISURE SERVICES
Opening Date: 04/01/2025
Closing Date: 4/14/2025 11:59 PM Central

Description
This position is responsible for directing assigned department leisure services operations.
Major Duties

• Directs the operations of assigned department recreation centers, athletic complexes, and tennis center.

• Hires, trains, assigns, directs, supervises, evaluates, and disciplines personnel.

• Serves as maintenance liaison to the city's Public Works, General Services and Utilities department; communicates maintenance needs for non-routine projects at department facilities.

• Manages and directs the maintenance of public playgrounds in accordance with National Recreation and Parks Association playground standards; inspects playgrounds for proper maintenance and oversees inspections performed by staff; evaluated playgrounds for replacements and repairs.

• Supervises department construction projects; meets and coordinates with architects, engineers, construction firms, and other city departments.

• Writes public and private grants for funding of projects; serves as liaison to Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs regarding recreational grant processes.

• Works with civic clubs and other community groups to manage sponsorships and funding relationships for facilities and facility improvements.

• Represents the department and its facilities, operations, and projects to the news media.

• Develops equipment specifications; writes fence specifications for construction projects; prepares bid packages.

• Prepares a variety of regular and special reports.

• Supervises the maintenance of park trails including Forever Wild property; serves as liaison to the State Lands Division.

• Plans for future needs and facilities in conjunction with other staff.

• Performs the duties of the Director in his or her absence as assigned.

• Performs related duties.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Knowledge of athletic facility operations.

• Knowledge of the principles, practices and methods used in parks and recreation administration, the management of programs and activities, and the acquisition and maintenance of facilities.

• 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.

• Skill in prioritizing and planning.

• Skill in interpersonal relations.

• 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 requirement, 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 the work.

• The purpose of this position is to direct parks and recreation operations, and facilities. Successful performance ensures the efficient and effective delivery of those 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 persons, 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 lifts 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 Tennis Center Manager, Athletics Complex Manager I and II, Recreation Center Managers, 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, Sports Management, Physical Education, or closely related field, and

• Ten (10) years recent experience in municipal management directing public parks, recreation centers, and recreation programs with responsibility for program management and budget administration including capital projects; and

• Possession of a minimum of one (1) of the following current/valid certifications:
• Alabama Recreation and Parks Association (ARPA) Professional Recreator Certificate
• Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) Certification
• CPR/First Aid Instructor
• Certified Festival & Events Executive Certification (CFEE)
• Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP)
• 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)
• 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 Trail Master Certification
• Turfgrass Management Certification
• USA Archery - Level I Instructor Certification
• Water Safety Instructor (WSI) Certification

• Possession of current/valid American Heart Association or American Red Cross CPR/AED certification preferred.
• Possession of current/valid Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) certification preferred.

• Possession of current/valid Trail Maintenance, Management, and/or Master certification(s) preferred.

• Possession of current/valid CPSI 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 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 Festival & Events Executive Certification (CFEE)
• Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP)
• 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)
• 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(s)
• Turfgrass Management Certification
• USA Archery - Level I Instructor Certification
• Water Safety Instructor (WSI) Certification

• Employees in this position are required to obtain/maintain an American Heart Association or American Red Cross CPR/AED certificate within six (6) months of employment/promotion/ demotion/transfer. (See condition for details.)

• Employees in this position are required to obtain/maintain a Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) certification within one (1) year of employment/promotion/demotion/transfer. (See condition for details.)

• An applicant for this position is subject to various background investigations up to and including a 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 / Examination
Qualified 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
An Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer
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.

02

Which best describes your highest completed level of education?

• None
• High School Diploma / GED
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree or higher

03

Check the appropriate field of study for your degree.

• Recreation
• Park Management
• Public Administration
• Sports Management
• Physical Education
• Other - Related
• Other - Non Related
• No degree

04

If you checked "Other" in question #3 above, please list your degree/major/field of study, etc. If not applicable, list "N/A"
05

Which best describes your recent (within the past 5 years) experience in municipal management directing public parks, recreation centers, and recreation programs with responsibility for program management and budget administration including capital projects?

• No experience
• Less than 2 years
• 2 - 4.9 years
• 5 - 9.9 years
• 10 - 14.9 years
• 15 - 19.9 years
• More than 20 years

06

List employer/s where you gained the experience in question #5. Employer(s) must be listed in both the work history section of your application and in your response below to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below.DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."
07

List examples of duties performed to support your answer in question #5. Employer(s) must be listed in the work history section of your application to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below.DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."
08

Check all current and valid certifications that you possess:In order to receive credit, you must submit a current copy of your certification by the closing date of this advertisement. You may fax it to (334) 615-3189, submit by mail or in person to the City of Dothan, Personnel Department, 126 N St. Andrews Street, Room 116, Dothan, AL 36303, or by email to jobs@dothan.org.

• Alabama Recreation and Parks Association (ARPA) Professional Recreator certification
• Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) certification
• CPR/First Aid Instructor certification
• Certified Festival & Events Executive (CFEE) certification
• Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) certification
• Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) certification
• Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certification
• Certified Sports Field Manager (CSFM) certification
• Certified Sports Official (Such as Dixie Youth, Special Olympics, etc.) certification
• Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) certification
• Certified Youth Sports Administrator certification
• Group Fitness Instructor (From an Accredited Institution/Program) certification
• Ornamental and Turf Pest Control Supervisor or Custodial (OTPS/OTPC) certification
• Personal Trainer Certification (From an Accredited Institution/Program) certification
• ServSafe Manager certification
• Trail Maintenance, Management, and/or Trail Master certification
• Turfgrass Management certification
• USA Archery - Level I Instructor certification
• Water Safety Instructor (WSI) certification
• American Heart Association or American Red Cross CPR/AED certification
• No certification

09

This position requires successful completion of at least one (1) of the following additional certifications within one (1) year of employment/promotion/demotion/transfer.o Alabama Recreation and Parks Association (ARPA) Professional Recreator certificationo Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) certificationo CPR/First Aid Instructor certificationo Certified Festival & Events Executive (CFEE) certificationo Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) certificationo Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) certificationo Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certificationo Certified Sports Field Manager (CSFM) certificationo Certified Sports Official (Such as Dixie Youth, Special Olympics, etc.) certificationo Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) certificationo Certified Youth Sports Administrator certificationo Group Fitness Instructor (From an Accredited Institution/Program) certificationo Ornamental and Turf Pest Control Supervisor or Custodial (OTPS/OTPC) certificationo Personal Trainer (From an Accredited Institution/Program) certificationo ServSafe Manager certificationo Trail Maintenance, Management, and/or Trail Master certificationo Turfgrass Management certificationo USA Archery - Level I Instructor certificationo Water Safety Instructor (WSI) certificationAre you willing to obtain and maintain this certification within eighteen (18) months of employment/promotion/demotion/transfer?

• Yes I am willing to obtain/maintain the required certification.
• No I am not willing to obtain/maintain the required certification.

10

This position requires a current and valid American Heart Association or American Red Cross CPR/AED certification within six (6) months of employment/promotion/demotion/transfer. Are you willing to obtain and maintain this certification within six (6) months of employment/promotion/demotion/transfer?

• Yes, I am willing to obtain/maintain the required certification.
• No, I am not willing to obtain/maintain the required certification.

11

This position requires a Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) certification within one (1) year of employment/promotion/demotion/transfer.Are you willing to obtain and maintain this certification within one (1) year of employment/promotion/demotion/transfer?

• Yes, I am willing to obtain/maintain the required certification.
• No, I am not willing to obtain/maintain the required certification.

12

This is to certify that I have read and understand the three (3) Conditions of Employment/Promotion/Demotion/Transfer forms for this position with the City of Dothan, Alabama.
Click here
Failure to check "I Agree/Understand" discontinues the application process. (A signed form will be requested at time of hire, promotion, transfer or demotion.)

• I agree.
• I do not agree.

13

Do you have a valid operator driver's license and an acceptable driving record?

• Yes
• No

14

I understand that once my application has been submitted for this specific position that I WILL NOT be able to make any changes to it. Any changes to my master application will only be reflected in any future positions for which I may apply. Should I desire to have updated information included for this specific position I should contact the Personnel/Human Resources office at (334) 615-3180 for assistance.

• Yes, I understand

15

Note: Before submitting your application, be sure to review your application for completeness and accuracy. Your score will be based on the information you have provided on your application and supplemental questionnaire. Failure to provide sufficient detailed information will result in your application being rejected or receiving a lower score. Therefore, it is important that you provide complete employment information to include the name of your employer, your official job title, dates of employment (from-to, month/year), hours worked per week, and a detailed description of your duties for each job listed on your application. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of the application or supplemental questionnaire.

• I understand that failure to provide sufficient detailed information may result in my application being rejected or receiving a lower examination score.

16

Personnel Use Only
Required Question