DIRECTOR OF PARKS, RECREATION AND CONSERVATION

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FLORIDA

THE COMMUNITY

Hillsborough County, located midway along the West Coast of Florida, has 1,048 square miles of land and 24 square miles of inland water for a total of 1,072 square miles and a population of 1,055,800. The unincorporated area encompasses 929 square miles and has a growing population of 707,950. The three municipalities of Tampa, Temple Terrace and Plant City account for 143 square miles and a population of 347,850.

Quality of life considerations continue to be an attraction in Hillsborough County. There are a number of major family attractions within an hour drive or less of the area including Disney World, Busch Gardens, Cypress Gardens, Florida Aquarium, and Clearwater beach.

Tampa Bay is Florida’s second largest metropolitan area and the third largest in the southeastern United States. Growth has not diminished the quality of life in Hillsborough County. In 1999, Tampa ranked as one of the nation’s best places to live for business and careers. Tampa Bay is a haven for new residents who enjoy the region’s cultural diversity, which permeates the community’s population, expands the area’s dynamic offerings, and enhances the overall quality of life.

Education is a major component of life in Hillsborough County. The County is home to the University of South Florida, the University of Tampa and Hillsborough County Community College. Hillsborough County’s schools are tops in mathematics among Florida’s ten largest school districts and Hillsborough’s schools have consistently ranked as one of the top two school districts in the number of Florida Academic Scholars for the past 15 years.

Hillsborough County boasts 340 days of sunshine with average temperatures in January of 60 degrees and 82 degrees in August. Average annual rainfall is 47 inches, 30 of which come in the form of summer thunderstorms.

Professional sports teams in the area abound. The Stanley Cup winning Tampa Bay Lightning thrill hockey fans at the St. Pete Times Forum. The 2003 Super Bowl Champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers draw sellout crowds at Raymond James Stadium and Arena football’s four-time world champion Tampa Bay Storm score big at the St. Pete Times Forum.

Tropicana Field is home to Lou Piniella and the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Legends Field is the training home for the New York Yankees. The area has played host to Super Bowls in 1984, 1991 and 2001.

Hillsborough County is governed by a Home Rule Charter that was approved by voters in a countywide referendum held in 1983 and the first County Commissioners elected under this new charter took office in 1985. The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), which composes the legislative branch, sets overall policy by means of ordinances, resolutions and motions.

Hillsborough County‘s executive powers of government are vested in the County Administrator, appointed by County Commissioners and who is responsible for carrying out all decisions and policies made by the Board. The County’s main administrative offices are housed in a 28-story office building that is a significant part of downtown Tampa’s impressive skyline.

Hillsborough County has 5,600 employees and a $3.4 billion budget.

Hillsborough County has adopted an over-arching goal of becoming the best county government in the country.

The Director of Parks, Recreation, and Conservation reports to the Assistant County Administrator for Human Services.

The Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department proffers a myriad of services that provide citizens of Hillsborough County and visitors leisure opportunities in a wide variety of activities. This is accomplished through sections that oversee recreation centers/playgrounds, athletics, resource management, regional parks, therapeutic recreation, design, construction, and maintenance.

The Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department operates 205 sites, including 160 Local Parks, 10 Regional Parks, and 35 Managed Areas. These cover 66,226 acres: Local Parks – 2,480 acres, Regional Parks – 13,746 acres, and Managed Areas – 50,000 acres. These sites serve more than 9 million visitors annually.

The Department has more than 450 full-time employees, 320 seasonal/temporary employees, and 6,000 volunteers.

This office provides league play in slow-pitch softball in adult men, women, and coed divisions, as well as Leaguerett softball for girls, and basketball for men and boys. Athletics also schedule and manage 39 complexes providing youth baseball, soccer and football leagues.

This section provides in-house building construction services to the department and other Hillsborough County agencies. Construction includes items such as shade shelters, multi-purpose courts, sidewalks, playground areas, building renovations, and post/rail fencing.

Two units provide professional building and grounds maintenance services to Parks, Recreation & Conservation facilities including playground areas, boat ramps, athletic complexes, and selected landscaped roadways.

Planning and Design Services

This section plans and implements improvements to the Parks, Recreation & Conservation system through new facilities and improvements to existing ones.

Park Services

This section provides accessibility to ten regional parks of diverse natural character, with facilities and programming that encourages safe, responsible, and enjoyable resource-based activities such as: picnicking, boating, canoeing, swimming, hiking, nature study, bicycling, horseback riding, and camping. This section also oversees trails/greenways, providing facilities for popular recreation such as bicycling, in-line skating, running, and walking.

Recreation

The recreation program provides County residents with year-round activities at recreation centers and playgrounds throughout Hillsborough County. Staffed by professionals, programs are provided for tiny tots, school-age youngsters, teens, adults, and senior citizens through recreational activities and special interest classes.

This section provides environmental expertise to Parks, Recreation & Conservation and other agencies. It administers the County's Environmental Lands Acquisition and Protection Program (ELAPP), including site assessment and ranking, acquisition activities, and administrative operations. This section also ensures that lands acquired through the program are properly managed to protect the resources and provide compatible resource-based recreational activities.

Education A pertinent Bachelor’s degree is required, preferably in parks and recreation.

Work Experience Ideally, the candidate will have at least seven year’s experience in parks, recreation, and conservation management, with at least five years at the senior supervisory level. This experience should have occurred within the context of either a large metropolitan area or a moderate to large county with a comprehensive and sophisticated parks and recreation system.

•    Knowledge of and experience with a broad range of parks, recreation, and conservation programs

•    Possesses and models for employees a strong work ethic and enthusiasm for the job

•    Strong commitment to excellence

•    Strong commitment to a positive and rewarding work environment

•    Capital programs management expertise

•    Public relations skills

•    A strong customer service orientation

•    Commitment to a team approach to management

•    Strong written and oral communication skills

•    Dynamic leadership orientation and skills

•    Progressive and creative thinker

•    Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills

•    Strong Interpersonal skills

•    Excellent planning skills

•    Experience with multicultural communities

•    Demonstrated competence in developing and motivating a good team

•    Commitment to workforce diversity

•    Sound knowledge of management principles and practices

•    Advocate of rewarding employee excellence

•    Expertise in negotiating and managing contracts

•    Experience and skills in budgeting and financial oversight

•    Possesses a high energy level and seeks challenges

•    Relates effectively to diverse constituents

The starting salary range for the position is $91,000 to $113,000, depending on qualifications. Fringe benefits are generous.

Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and salary history for initial screening by June 20, 2005 to: Tom D. Freijo, Ph.D., Senior Vice President, The Mercer Group, Inc., Freijo@Mercerfl.com P.O. Box 9328, Winter Haven, Florida 33883. TEL: (863) 299-3571 FAX: (863) 299-6737. Minorities are encouraged to apply.

Applicants should be aware that applications in Florida become a matter of public record upon receipt.

Pre-employment drug testing is required.