CPRS Job Listing

Job Ad ID: 4303

Deputy Director, Parks & Recreation

Salary: $136,108.50 - $204,162.74 Annually
Location: Queen Creek, AZ
Closing Date: February 15, 2026
Description:

The Town is excited to announce an opportunity for an experienced parks and recreation professional to join the Parks & Recreation Department in a senior leadership role. This position serves as second in command to the Parks & Recreation Director and plays a key role in leading departmental operations, park and trail development initiatives, and strategic planning efforts.

The full salary range for the position is $136,108.50 – $204,162.74, with a midpoint of $170,135.62. The starting salary will be determined based on qualifications, experience, and internal equity.

JOB CLASSIFICATION SUMMARY

Position assigned to this class is responsible for serving as second in command in the Parks & Recreation department; incumbent supervises, manages, and leads the activities and operations of assigned recreation, aquatics, and grounds division(s) and is responsible for fiscal, budgetary, and personnel in assigned area(s) of responsibility; incumbent is heavily involved in goal setting and policy making alongside the Parks & Recreation Director. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is a senior management level position, recognized as a supervisory and organizational authority within a specific discipline or demonstrates broad practical knowledge in several major functions. Work involves directing, planning and coordinating across staff and projects/programs. Assists with policy development within assigned functional area or the organization.  Typically reports to a department head and is a third- or higher-level supervisor.

Examples of Duties

The following are intended to describe core work functions of this classification.  While the level and broad nature of essential duties may not change, specific work tasks will vary over time depending on the Town’s needs.

  • Plans, directs and oversees assigned divisions in Parks & Recreation.
  • Collaborates with the Parks & Recreation Director in the development and implementation of the department’s long- and short-term plans, goals, and objectives including serving as the department’s liaison with capital improvements; evaluates efficiency and effectiveness of operations, services, procedures, and use of resources; recommends and/or implements modifications or improvements as needed.
  • Plans, directs, and oversees park and trail development initiatives; manages projects through all phases including concept development, planning, design, construction, and final operational implementation.
  • Supervises, directs and evaluates assigned staff, processes employee concerns and problems; directs work; counsels, disciplines, and completes employee performance appraisals; interviews and selects new employees.
  • Organizes, prioritizes, and assigns work; monitors status of work in progress and reviews completed work; confers with assigned staff, assists with complex/problem situations; provides technical expertise; coordinates staff development and training activities.
  • Communicates with the applicable stakeholders as needed to coordinate work activities, reviews status of work, exchanges information, resolves problems, or gives/receives advice/direction.  
  • Responds to requests for information; responds to politically sensitive inquiries and concerns; resolves the most complex issues, often in collaboration with the Parks & Recreation Director; provides advice and counsel as needed.  
  • Facilitates meetings with internal departments and a variety of committees; prepares presentations for Council, management, staff, and citizens as needed.
  • Manages customer service activities relating to area(s) of assignment.
  • Prepares, reviews, approves, completes, processes, or retains various forms, reports, correspondence, personnel information, performance evaluations, invoices, budget reports, financial records, contracts, codes, ordinance, policies, procedures, manuals, reference materials, or other documentation.
  • Attends meetings, serves on committees, and makes presentations as needed.
  • Prepares Council Action reports as needed.
  • Assists in the preparation and monitoring of the annual departmental budget.
  • Conducts special projects and reviews.
  • Assumes the duties and responsibilities of the Parks & Recreation Director in his/her absence.
  • Performs related work as assigned.
Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Business or Public Administration, Parks, Recreation, Community Services or a related field; 10 years of related experience; and 5 years of supervisory experience, or an equivalent combination of directly related education and experience. Master’s Degree preferred. 

LICENSING/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

  • Driver’s License;
  • Maintain all certifications/licenses required at job entry.

KNOWLEDGE

  • Managerial principles, practices, techniques and options to successfully motivate and supervise staff;
  • Parks and recreation operations principles, methods and practices;
  • Budgeting and finance principles and practices;
  • Project management principles and practices;
  • Applicable state, local and federal laws relating to parks and recreation operations;
  • Personnel related laws and policies;
  • Standard office equipment including the computer and programs relevant to the performance of applicable duties and responsibilities;
  • Applicable Federal, state and local laws, codes, ordinances, rules and regulations;
  • Customer service principles and practices.

SKILLS

  • Supervising and leading staff;
  • Managing, identifying, communicating and carrying out the objectives of the Parks & Recreation department and assigned divisions;
  • Interpreting and applying community services principles, methods and practices;  
  • Using computers and related software applications;
  • Interpreting and applying applicable Federal, state and local laws, codes, ordinances, rules and regulations;
  • Solving problems and proposing sound decisions;
  • Communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, and other interested parties sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.
Agency: The Town of Queen Creek
Apply To: 22358 S. Ellsworth Rd.

Website: Go to Website
Contact Name: Town of Queen Creek
Contact Phone: (480) 358-3204
Contact Fax: