HomeMy WebLinkAboutRecreation SuperintendentUpdated: August 2025 (Admin Review)
CITY OF IOWA CITY – JOB DESCRIPTION
Position Title: Recreation Superintendent
Department: Parks & Recreation
Division: Recreation
Supervisor: Parks & Recreation Director
FLSA: Exempt
Civil Service: No
Pay Grade: 30
Job Number: 3010
Job Summary
Organizes, directs, provides vision and supervises the City sponsored special events, recreation
facilities and recreation programming. Coordinates the provision of leisure skills and
recreational services for the general public. Ensures that the diverse population of Iowa city
feels welcome and is well-served through recreation staff and services that reflect and enhance
community identity.
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive
or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
• Leads division operations, recreation programs and special events at recreation centers,
aquatics facilities, dog parks, and venues.
• Assists with long term planning for facilities, staffing, and program needs for the
community.
• Performs budgetary responsibilities including preparing, documenting, amending and
monitoring of division budget; oversees contract administration; writes grant
applications; recommends program fees and charges.
• Responsible for cash management and deposits from Recreation facilities and programs.
• Represents division to the media, outside agencies, and general public; monitors
department branding and communications; monitors activities and relationships of
outside organizations and other City departments with division; coordinates all use of
recreation facilities by City programs and community groups.
• Supervises production and dissemination of division program brochures, social media
and other branding/marketing channels.
• Responsible for all on-boarding paperwork and background checks.
• Develops, maintains and coordinates policies for operation of division.
• Listens and responds to complaints, suggestions and ideas from the general public
regarding division activities.
• Attends meetings of and provides information to Park & Recreation Commission.
• Functions as liaison to youth sports organizations on monthly basis.
• May perform as acting Parks & Recreation Director in his/her absence.
Updated: August 2025 (Admin Review)
• Conducts self in a professional manner which demonstrates courtesy and respect for all
community members and coworkers.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited educational institution and three to five years of
related experience; or seven to nine years of related experience and/or equivalent
combination of education and experience. Degree in Recreation Administration or
related. Experience in community recreation. Supervisory experience.
• Certified Parks and Recreation Professional within one year of hire. Valid State of Iowa
driver's license with satisfactory driving record. Must be 18 years of age. Must pass
criminal background check.
Preferred Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited educational institution and six years of related
experience; or ten years of related experience and/or equivalent combination of
education and experience.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions,
proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate with a diverse community.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or
boards of directors.
• Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or
diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
• Ability to make analytical decisions based on department policy statements.
• Ability to read and understand technical materials, reports and journals, financial
reports, and legal documents.
• Ability to reliably and predictably carry out duties.
• Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory
agencies, or members of the business community.
• Ability to write reports and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and
format.
• Knowledge of community resources and the administration of principles, techniques,
and methods of providing recreational opportunities.
• Skill in organization of recreational programs and establishing and maintaining positive
public relations.
• Skill in using computers and applicable software applications (Microsoft Office – Word,
Excel, Outlook).
• Skill in using creativity to offer unique events and programs.
Updated: August 2025 (Admin Review)
Supervision
Assists with the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of a program function or unit for
the department. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's
policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include supervising direct reports including
interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; writing
and delivering performance reviews; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing
complaints and resolving problems; and terminating employees.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an
employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform
the essential duties and responsibilities.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The
employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands
and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or
crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision
abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception
and ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee
encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
duties and responsibilities.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Duties are generally performed in
an office setting with a controlled environment. The job requires sitting for extended periods of
time and the work may expose the employee to unpleasant social situations and significant
work pace pressure. Schedule may include evenings and weekends.
Iowa City is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities
Act as Amended, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with
disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential
accommodations with the employer.
Reviewed/Approved by: Juli Seydell Johnson, Parks & Recreation Director (4/2024)
Updated: August 2025 (Admin Review)
I have read and understand the duties of this job description, and I
agree that I can perform the duties of this position with or without reasonable
accommodation.
Employee Date
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