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September 2, 2026

Hiring – Park Director

Parks Director

 

Definition of Position:

 

A salaried fulltime employee of the Charter Township of Comstock, under the overall direction and guidance of the Parks and Recreation Commission, responsible for 1) planning, directing and administering Park and Recreation programs and services, 2) allocating and scheduling of Township owned or utilized recreation facilities, 3) monitoring the operation and maintenance of park facilities, 4) supervising Parks and Recreation staff, and 5) preparing a Parks Director Report to the Parks and Recreation Commission at least monthly at the Commission’s regular open meetings.

 

Appointment:

 

The Parks Director is appointed by the Parks and Recreation Commission, which provides overall direction and guidance to the Parks Director and maintenance personnel in the development, maintenance and improvement of Parks and Recreation facilities and programs under its jurisdiction in compliance with a long-range plan adopted by the Commission in cooperation with the Township Board of Trustees. The Parks Director is a competent, well-trained professional whose appointment is based on professional experience, administrative qualifications, education and training.

 

Supervision:

 

The Parks Director hires, supervises and monitors the work of department staff involved with park programs and services.

 

Responsibilities:

 

  • Park – Monitors facilities, coordinates and schedules needed maintenance and repairs, advocates on-going maintenance improvements and long-term capital projects.

 

  • Recreation – Develops, plans, coordinates and administers recreational programs and services.

 

  • Supervision – Provides supervision of direct reports and seasonal staff.

 

  • Budget – The Parks Director is responsible for preparing the annual budget recommendations for the Parks and Recreation Commission’s consideration, for receiving suggestions and modification requests and altering the proposal, for estimating revenue, expenditures and capital needs, and for implementing the approved budget.

 

  • Coordination – Works closely with the Parks and Recreation Commission to advance their advocacy of services, programs, projects and facilities. Provides the Park and Recreation Commission with appropriate reports and analysis regarding past, current and proposed programs, services and initiatives, with the objective of meeting community needs by continually seeking/receiving Commission input regarding Parks and Recreation.

 

 

Duties (These are general functions of this position and do not include all of the specific tasks which may be this position’s responsibility):

 

The Parks Director:

 

  1. Maintains Robert Morris Park: the structures, property, and equipment, and manages and supervises all programs, activities and contracted services at RMP. The Director interprets and administers the RMP Ordinance No. 438 amended in 2024, as well as all established Park rules approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission.

 

  1. Oversees all parks under the jurisdiction of Comstock Township. Inventories, inspects and ensures the maintenance and repairs of all equipment and structures assuring they meet industry standards. Provides guidance to the Parks and Recreation Commission and to the Township for future capital and operational improvements and maintains all reservations and schedules of pavilions and other park areas and facilities as required.

 

  1. Works with the Commission, consultants and department staff to inform, develop and modify policy guidelines, discuss initiatives, review departmental operations, review and assess problems. Provides written summary reports on operations. Works with the Township Administrator to cooperatively identify operating policies and procedures in his/her areas of personnel responsibility.

 

  1. Administers and manages a year-round ball field facility in cooperation with Kalamazoo County Parks Department, and initiates and/or supervises any and all new sports programs and tournaments.

 

  1. Networks with Comstock Schools, Community Center, County Parks, community organizations, and other groups or agencies to initiate, develop and provide approved year-round recreational opportunities to service all age groups and a variety of interests in our community.  Works with civic and community groups in support of programs, facilities, grants and outside funding.

 

  1. Presents timely reports to the Commission regarding current financial status, recommendations for budget adjustments, income and expense estimates. Administers the department’s fiscal affairs in a manner calculated to convert available resources into maximum effective recreation and park services, economically employed in areas of demonstrated need and in accordance with the Parks and Recreation Masterplan priorities. Initiates purchase of supplies and materials for programs and operations. Cooperates with Maintenance staff in the identification and purchasing of materials and equipment for parks. The Park Director interfaces with the Township systems for payment handling and processing of daily deposits from Robert Morris Park entry and concessions from Robert Morris Park and Wenke Softball Park.

 

  1. Oversees day-to-day operations of the parks, schedules and supervises staff. Duties include:
    • Hiring/training all parks staff and evaluating performance on a regular basis
    • Preparing an annual draft budget for the Parks and Recreation Commission
    • Maintaining records, handling invoices, time sheets, bills, etc. in cooperation with Township administrative personnel
    • Developing recreation programs and services with the Program Coordinator, and planning and promotion and policy development as appropriate
    • Coordinating special events
    • Preparing correspondence and/or verbally responding to proper inquiries and complaints from residents, the elected officials of the Parks and Recreation Commission, and other individuals.
    • Managing communications and public relations duties including preparing and distributing marketing materials, press releases, brochures, website and social media.
    • Attending all Park and Recreation Commission meetings. Attending Township Board/other Township entity meetings that pertain to Parks and Recreation interests and decisions.
    • Maintaining professional knowledge, skills and contacts by participating in local, regional and state associations and through attending seminars and conferences.
    • Performing other duties as required.

 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Skill in the use of common computer programs and office machines, including Microsoft Office, Publisher, Power Point, Excel and athletic scheduling software.
  • Ability to communicate orally and in writing with Parks and Recreation Board of Commissioners, staff members, volunteers program participants and the general public.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, the public, and other departments within the Township and surrounding areas; ability to follow oral and written instructions; ability to direct the work of others.
  • Ability to follow and maintain a strict budget, prepare reports, and maintain records.
  • Ability to communicate and establish rapport, understanding and confidence with participants and the public; exercise independent judgement in the application of program and game rules and procedure; plan, promote, organize, and oversee coordination of athletic events and community programs.
  • Must possess a valid Michigan driver’s license; obtain First Aid and CPR certification within 6 months of employment. Must be able to pass a drug test, background check including driving record.
  • Assure staff is available to work evenings, weekends, split shifts, and some holidays, if required.

 

Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree with course work in business or public administration, parks and recreation administration, or related field. Master’s degree preferred.
  • Six years’ experience providing recreational services, including 3 years in a supervisory capacity preferred.
  • Parks and Recreation Professional or Parks and Recreation Executive certification preferred.

 

 

Physical Requirements / Work Environment:

  • The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made the enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • While performing the duties of this position, the individual is frequently required to sit, stand, stoop kneel and reach objects, tools and controls. Manual dexterity and coordination are required to operate equipment such as, but not limited to, computer keyboards, phones, standard office equipment, field grooming equipment and tools. The position may require the occasional lifting of objects weighing up to 50 pounds. Specific vision and hearing abilities will be required for this position.
  • The work environment will consist of working in an indoor office setting as well as outdoors in a park setting.

 

Compensation:

Salary range expected: Commensurate with experience. Annual performance evaluation is required

 

Comstock is an equal opportunity employer.

 

Please email resumes to

parks@comstockmi.gov