SPRINGFIELD TWP.: Trustees approved hiring a director for the township’s Parks and Recreation Department and expanded the duties of the position that formerly was limited to activities at the Senior/Community Center.
The person appointed to the new position will be charged with developing and administering special events for the entire community with an eye to keeping up with the changing lifestyles of active, older adults, Trustee Dean Young said.
“People want parks and recreation opportunities. Baby Boomers are walking, jogging and enjoying the outdoors. They want events in our parks they can enjoy,” he said.
The new director will be expected to grow the township’s park programs and find ways to finance the growth by researching, writing and obtaining grants, Young said.
Other duties will include scheduling events, overseeing the concessions and maintenance of the buildings and grounds, supervision of park employees and oversight of staff and programs at the Senior/Community Center.
The parks director will be responsible for submitting annual budget requests for the operation of the parks and community programs and conducting a diverse variety of programs for township youths and families.
Young said the director also will be responsible for recruiting and coordinating volunteers for programs and events. The person might be required to be available on weekends and evenings for events.
Current senior programs at the center will not be affected by the changes, he said.
Kitty Phillips, who cooks lunch at the center five days a week, will take over the responsibility of running the senior programs at the center, Young said.
The legislation is the first step in transitioning the job, formerly under the supervision of the Road Department, to include overseeing the maintenance of township parks.
Resumes and applications for the position must be submitted to the township’s office manager by 4 p.m. March 15. Applications are available for download on the township’s website at www.springtwp.com/documents/Application.pdf.
The applicant must have a bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university or one to two years of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Salary will be commensurate with experience and ability and will fall in the range of $45,000 to $50,000 annually.
“The job will require a person who shows enthusiasm and initiative,” Young said.
Kathy Antoniotti can be reached at 330-996-3565 or kantoniotti@thebeaconjournal.com.