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City of
Waconia, Minnesota
Park and Recreation Director
Position Profile
The Community
Waconia is a growing, thriving city located just 30 minutes west of the Twin
Cities metropolitan area. The City is composed of well-balanced residential,
commercial, and industrial elements in a setting of great natural beauty that is
enhanced by Lake Waconia, the second largest lake in the metro area. Spring-fed
Lake Waconia is approximately four miles long and three miles wide and features
the fully developed peninsula of Lakeview Terrace. Home to nearly 10,000
residents, Waconia is the third largest city in Carver County.
Waconia was settled by German pioneers in 1849. By the late 1800s, Waconia
enjoyed a tourist boom aided by excursion trains from Minneapolis and steamer
boats that transported visitors to a large resort on Coney Island in Lake
Waconia. The resort has since been abandoned and the island is currently under
private, undeveloped ownership.
There was little change in the population of Waconia until the 1980s when strong
residential and industrial growth began. Waconia has added nearly 3,000
residents since the 2000 Census and continues on a steady growth pattern. Last
year the City issued 200 new home and 1,300 building permits. New residential
developments continue with over 720 platted vacant lots.
Waconia has much to offer in public and private education. A large school
district, ISD #110, serves Waconia and nearby communities. Southview Elementary
Public School, Bayview School and Waconia High School are located within the
City of Waconia. Trinity Lutheran School and St. Joseph Catholic School serve
students in pre-school through grade 8. The Carver County Library, the Chamber
of Commerce and the Heritage Association are located in the Waconia Town Center.
Parks and Recreational Amenities
The beauty of the Waconia area set the stage for the development of several
large parks and nature preserves including the University of Minnesota Landscape
Arboretum, the developing Lake Waconia Regional Park and the Carver Park
Reserve. This 3,500-acre reserve is six miles east of Waconia and features
picnic areas and a trail system. At the heart of the Reserve is the Lowry Nature
Center with exhibits and programs for children and adults.
The Safari Island Community Center features a large recreational pool and lap
pool, indoor playground, suspended walking track, four-court gymnasium, fitness
center, meeting rooms. The facility houses Ridgeview Sports Medicine and
provides personal fitness, massage, and sports medicine services. The Community
Center is located in a building with ISD #110, which has use of the gym and the
pool through a shared agreement. The School Districts Community Education
Department is currently responsible for all youth programming.
The City of Waconia owns and operates 13 neighborhood parks and three community
parks. City Square Park, features several war memorials and is extensively
restored with multi-use trails, a gazebo, and playground equipment. The picnic
area is furnished with grills and a shelter. Brook Peterson Park is an active
community park with a skate park, ice rinks, eight softball fields, a baseball
field, playground equipment and a concession building. Cedar Point Park is the
Citys only lakeside park and features two tennis courts and a popular fishing
pier.
The City Organization
The City of Waconia is governed by a Mayor and four City Councilmembers. The
City Administrator oversees City operations and recommends the hire of all City
staff. The City employs 28 full-time, 5 regular part-time and approximately 100
seasonal employees. The general fund budget is $5 million and the total budget
is $12 million.
The City of Waconia contracts for Police services with Carver County. Fire
protection service is provided by a professionally trained volunteer Fire
Department. The Public Works Department employs a staff of 11 in the areas of
streets, water, sewer, parks, stormwater, lighting, and sewer collection. City
water is provided to all businesses and residents. The water system consists of
four wells and has a storage capacity of 325,000 gallons. Sewer collection
consists of 11 lift stations. Wastewater treatment is provided by Metropolitan
Council Environmental Services.
The Park and Recreation Department
Mission Statement: The Waconia Parks and Recreation Board
will provide well-maintained, safe and environmentally sensitive park facilities
in addition to recreational programming that will
enhance our community and quality of life.
The Park and Recreation Department has 4 full-time, 3 part-time and
approximately 90 seasonal employees. The Park and Recreation Commission and
Safari Island Advisory Committee provide information to the City Council on
department projects and activities.
The Park and Recreation Department manages a total budget of nearly $1.38
million, with a general fund budget of $441,000 and the Safari Island Special
Revenue Fund budget of $938,000.
The Park and Recreation Department is responsible for:
The operation and maintenance of approximately 70 acres of parks including 13
neighborhood parks and 3 community parks.
Management, operations, and maintenance of the Safari Island Community Center.
Coordination of aquatic and adult recreation programs.
Coordination of programs including Music in the Park, Winterfest, Adopt-a-Park
and others.
Operating and maintaining more than 15 miles of sidewalks and trails.
Coordinating the use of volunteers for special parks projects.
Department Organization
The Position
The Park and Recreation Director is responsible for the Citys park system,
daily management of the Waconia Safari Island Community Center, and recreational
programming in conjunction with Independent School District #110. The Director
works closely with the City Administrator on long-range planning and major
projects.
Specific duties include:
Develop and coordinate programs, policies and procedures for recreation
programs and the Community Center.
Participate in the selection of department staff. Recruit and supervise all
full-time, part-time, and seasonal staff and volunteer staff.
Provide essential leadership to the Parks and Recreation Board and the Safari
Island Advisory Committee.
Perform necessary public relations duties.
Develop marketing and promotional plans for the park system, community center
and recreation programs.
Develop short and long-range goals.
Coordinate technical and safety training.
Prepare annual operating and capital improvement budgets for the department.
Oversee park maintenance efforts.
Prepare reports for the City Administrator, Finance Director and City Council
and attend meetings, as required.
Serve as liaison between the City, Park and Recreation Commission, ISD #110,
Carver County, the Metropolitan Council, DNR, volunteer groups and other
governmental agencies.
Background and Experience
Candidates for the Park and Recreation Director should possess a Bachelors
Degree in recreation, leisure services, business administration or a related
field and a minimum of three years of responsible experience in facilities
management with supervisory duties.
Qualified candidates will possess:
Experience in facilities development, management and maintenance. Prefer
experience with recreational amenities such as trails, aquatics, pavilions, and
arenas.
Background in recreational programming for youth, adults, and seniors.
Understanding of Community Education programs.
Knowledge of park and land use planning and development.
Leadership experience in strategic planning activities.
Experience in staff supervision including staff development, performance
evaluation and teambuilding.
Understanding of the budget process and finance options for capital
improvements.
Community outreach experience and working with volunteers.
Experience working with elected officials.
Technical and computer skills.
Understanding of marketing activities.
Skills in public relations and public presentation.
Understanding of joint powers agreements.
Understanding of business operations including financial management.
Management Capabilities
Enjoy working in a highly visible position representing the Park and
Recreation Department.
Effectively communicate the strategic priorities of the Park and Recreation
Department.
Value public involvement and working collaboratively with community
volunteers.
Maintain good public relations with active community groups. Build
relationships with community entities such as the School District, Lions Club,
Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, Ridgeview Medical Center, youth sports
associations, businesses, and others.
Be cognizant of long term plans and goals when dealing with staff and the
public.
Be service oriented, tactful and diplomatic.
Assign staff responsibilities and promote accountability. Provide consistent
staff direction and offer advice and constructive criticism.
Be able to work effectively in a political environment.
Take a creative and visionary approach to identifying and expanding on
recreational activities.
Department and Position Priorities
Provide leadership and vision in setting a direction for the Citys Park and
Recreation activities.
Define the role of the Park and Recreation Department. Integrate the various
park and recreational entities into a more cohesive unit.
Investigate methods to achieve continuity and a user-friendly approach to
recreational programming. Work with community entities to explore additional
options for recreational programming.
Develop a long range Master Plan for parks, trails and facilities that will
accommodate the growing community. Develop a phased approach for plan
implementation.
Develop marketing plans for promotion and use of Safari Island. Examine
pricing structure, expansion of amenities and operations that will enhance
profitability of the enterprise facility.
Work closely with the county, community groups and regional park agencies in
the development of a new county park.
Develop standards for maintenance and usage of the park system.
Work with community volunteers to identify and develop park beautification
projects.
Evaluate joint powers agreements with ISD #110.
Examine staffing levels and restructuring possibilities.
Identify ongoing training opportunities for staff.
Announcement
Park and Recreation Director, City of Waconia, MN (pop. 10,000) Starting salary
mid-$60s to mid-$70s. Growing city located 30 minutes west of the Twin Cities
metro area. Setting of great natural beauty enhanced by Lake Waconia, several
large parks and nature preserves. Position reports to the City Administrator and
is responsible for the operation of 70 acres of parks, trail system, the Safari
Island Community Center, and recreational programming. Manage a staff of 7 FT
and PT employees plus seasonal employees and volunteers. Total department budget
of $1.38 million. Qualified candidates will have a bachelors degree with 3+
years responsible experience in facilities management with supervisory duties
and experience in recreational programming, park planning, budgeting, and
outreach with community groups and schools. Position Profile available. Send
resume by 9/6/05 to The Brimeyer Group Executive Search; 50 S. 9th Ave. #101;
Hopkins, MN 55343. Phone: (952) 945-0246 Fax: (952) 945-0102
e-mail: brimgroup@aol.com web: www.brimgroup.com
For more information on the City of Waconia, please visit
www.waconia.org
Timetable
9/06/05 Deadline for Application
10/03/05 Present Candidates
Week of 10/17/05 Interviews/Selection
November 2005 Start Date
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