City of Fort Worth
Deputy Park and Recreation Director
City of Fort Worth, Fort Worth, Texas, United States, 76102
Overview
The City of Fort Worth, Texas is offering an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to help lead the Park & Recreation Department of one of the fastest growing large cities in the country. The Deputy Director will assist the Director by overseeing the Park Operations and Planning and Resource Management Divisions of the department. Aspirational new goals and initiatives have been outlined by GREENPrint Fort Worth, the updated strategic master plan, as well as the Good Natured Greenspace initiative. It’s a great time for Fort Worth parks – come join our team! The Park & Recreation Department
The Fort Worth Park & Recreation Department, a nationally accredited agency, oversees 310 parks and public spaces spanning more than 13,000 acres across the city. With a team of 851 employees and a Fiscal Year 2025 budget of $87.5 million, the department delivers a wide range of recreational programs and educational opportunities that enhance quality of life. The department oversees planning, design, development, and maintenance of Fort Worth’s parks, trails, and public rights-of-way, and manages the city’s recreational programs. It is structured into five divisions, and the Deputy Director will work with the Director to oversee multiple divisions and advance the department’s mission. Divisions include: Administration Division : coordinates volunteer programs, public communications, fleet and safety operations, budget, finance, HR, purchasing, and staff support to the Park & Recreation Advisory Board. Park Operations Division : oversees park maintenance, contracts, reservations, Graffiti Abatement, Fort Worth Water Gardens operations, and BRIT agreement for Botanic Garden. Recreation Division : oversees cultural and recreational sites including Log Cabin Village, Nature Center & Refuge, Forest Park and more, plus 23 community centers. Golf & Athletics Division : manages golf facilities and athletic centers, field reservations, and programs. Planning & Resource Management Division : manages capital construction and maintenance, parkland acquisition, long-range planning, GIS, and trees care. A Park & Recreation Advisory Board provides policy guidance to the City Manager and City Council. The Position
Under the leadership of the Department Director, the Deputy Director will have direct oversight of the Park Operations and Planning & Resource Management Divisions, while the Director oversees Administration, Golf & Athletics, and Recreation. Allocation of responsibilities may be adjusted based on the selected candidate’s strengths. The Deputy Director is also expected to: Support and champion the department’s vision
by providing strategic leadership for programs, projects, systems, procedures, standards, and service delivery. Develop and implement departmental goals, objectives, and policies
aligned with citywide priorities. Collaborate on capital and operational budget priorities
and guide the annual budget process. Lead and motivate staff , set priorities, assign responsibilities, conduct evaluations, ensure training and policy compliance, maintain safety, and participate in personnel decisions. Evaluate workloads and systems , identify opportunities for improvement, and lead changes. Provide executive-level support
to an Assistant City Manager, represent the department on boards/committees, and serve as acting Director when needed. Note: In response to the city’s focus on natural areas and cultural resources, the department plans to establish a sixth division for Cultural and Natural Resource Management, which will come under the Deputy Director’s oversight when implemented. Who We Are Looking For (Key Attributes)
Forward-Thinking Expertise : knowledge of national best practices and trends in parks and recreation with a track record of success. Commitment to Continuous Improvement : drive for innovation, efficiency, and excellence across the department. Exceptional Interpersonal Skills : ability to lead staff and build partnerships. Change Leadership : capability to manage organizational change. Master Planning Experience : critical experience in parks and recreation master planning. Excellence and Accreditation : uphold CAPRA accreditation standards. Community Presence and Engagement : visibility and engagement across the city, including at work sites and events. Qualifications
Minimum qualifications Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Parks & Recreation Management, Horticulture, Public or Business Administration, or a related field; seven years of increasingly responsible experience in parks and recreation management with at least three years in marketing, administration, and supervisory roles; valid Driver’s License. Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree in Public or Business Administration or related field; Certified Park and Recreation Professional or Certified Park and Recreation Executive. Salary & Benefits
The City of Fort Worth offers a starting salary range of
$150,000 - $177,000 , commensurate with qualifications and experience. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, Paid Time Off, Pension Plan, and Professional Development opportunities. Application Process
Applicants must submit a cover letter and resume online no later than
October 16, 2025 . Inquiries may be made by contacting Victor Escobedo at (817) 392-7778 or Victor.Escobedo@FortWorthTexas.gov. Conditions of Employment
The City of Fort Worth is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. It is the policy to recruit, hire, train and promote a diverse workforce without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, parental status, military service, or another non-merit factor. The City complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals to participate in the job application or interview process and to perform essential job functions. Candidates who do not meet the Education requirement may still be considered with more relevant work experience. Selected employees will be required to pass pre-employment checks (criminal background, drug screen, education verification, etc.). Criminal convictions will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Employees are paid by direct deposit only.
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The City of Fort Worth, Texas is offering an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to help lead the Park & Recreation Department of one of the fastest growing large cities in the country. The Deputy Director will assist the Director by overseeing the Park Operations and Planning and Resource Management Divisions of the department. Aspirational new goals and initiatives have been outlined by GREENPrint Fort Worth, the updated strategic master plan, as well as the Good Natured Greenspace initiative. It’s a great time for Fort Worth parks – come join our team! The Park & Recreation Department
The Fort Worth Park & Recreation Department, a nationally accredited agency, oversees 310 parks and public spaces spanning more than 13,000 acres across the city. With a team of 851 employees and a Fiscal Year 2025 budget of $87.5 million, the department delivers a wide range of recreational programs and educational opportunities that enhance quality of life. The department oversees planning, design, development, and maintenance of Fort Worth’s parks, trails, and public rights-of-way, and manages the city’s recreational programs. It is structured into five divisions, and the Deputy Director will work with the Director to oversee multiple divisions and advance the department’s mission. Divisions include: Administration Division : coordinates volunteer programs, public communications, fleet and safety operations, budget, finance, HR, purchasing, and staff support to the Park & Recreation Advisory Board. Park Operations Division : oversees park maintenance, contracts, reservations, Graffiti Abatement, Fort Worth Water Gardens operations, and BRIT agreement for Botanic Garden. Recreation Division : oversees cultural and recreational sites including Log Cabin Village, Nature Center & Refuge, Forest Park and more, plus 23 community centers. Golf & Athletics Division : manages golf facilities and athletic centers, field reservations, and programs. Planning & Resource Management Division : manages capital construction and maintenance, parkland acquisition, long-range planning, GIS, and trees care. A Park & Recreation Advisory Board provides policy guidance to the City Manager and City Council. The Position
Under the leadership of the Department Director, the Deputy Director will have direct oversight of the Park Operations and Planning & Resource Management Divisions, while the Director oversees Administration, Golf & Athletics, and Recreation. Allocation of responsibilities may be adjusted based on the selected candidate’s strengths. The Deputy Director is also expected to: Support and champion the department’s vision
by providing strategic leadership for programs, projects, systems, procedures, standards, and service delivery. Develop and implement departmental goals, objectives, and policies
aligned with citywide priorities. Collaborate on capital and operational budget priorities
and guide the annual budget process. Lead and motivate staff , set priorities, assign responsibilities, conduct evaluations, ensure training and policy compliance, maintain safety, and participate in personnel decisions. Evaluate workloads and systems , identify opportunities for improvement, and lead changes. Provide executive-level support
to an Assistant City Manager, represent the department on boards/committees, and serve as acting Director when needed. Note: In response to the city’s focus on natural areas and cultural resources, the department plans to establish a sixth division for Cultural and Natural Resource Management, which will come under the Deputy Director’s oversight when implemented. Who We Are Looking For (Key Attributes)
Forward-Thinking Expertise : knowledge of national best practices and trends in parks and recreation with a track record of success. Commitment to Continuous Improvement : drive for innovation, efficiency, and excellence across the department. Exceptional Interpersonal Skills : ability to lead staff and build partnerships. Change Leadership : capability to manage organizational change. Master Planning Experience : critical experience in parks and recreation master planning. Excellence and Accreditation : uphold CAPRA accreditation standards. Community Presence and Engagement : visibility and engagement across the city, including at work sites and events. Qualifications
Minimum qualifications Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Parks & Recreation Management, Horticulture, Public or Business Administration, or a related field; seven years of increasingly responsible experience in parks and recreation management with at least three years in marketing, administration, and supervisory roles; valid Driver’s License. Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree in Public or Business Administration or related field; Certified Park and Recreation Professional or Certified Park and Recreation Executive. Salary & Benefits
The City of Fort Worth offers a starting salary range of
$150,000 - $177,000 , commensurate with qualifications and experience. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, Paid Time Off, Pension Plan, and Professional Development opportunities. Application Process
Applicants must submit a cover letter and resume online no later than
October 16, 2025 . Inquiries may be made by contacting Victor Escobedo at (817) 392-7778 or Victor.Escobedo@FortWorthTexas.gov. Conditions of Employment
The City of Fort Worth is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. It is the policy to recruit, hire, train and promote a diverse workforce without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, parental status, military service, or another non-merit factor. The City complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals to participate in the job application or interview process and to perform essential job functions. Candidates who do not meet the Education requirement may still be considered with more relevant work experience. Selected employees will be required to pass pre-employment checks (criminal background, drug screen, education verification, etc.). Criminal convictions will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Employees are paid by direct deposit only.
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