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Recreation Manager Community Engagement

Location:
Chicago, IL
Posted:
May 22, 2024

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Resume:

NICHOLAS WILLIAMS

Plantation, FL, *****

ad5vnz@r.postjobfree.com

PROFILE

Results-driven parks and recreation professional with 13 years of experience in designing and implementing programs that promote community engagement and wellness. Skilled in developing and managing budgets, overseeing staff, and collaborating with the community to improve public spaces. Dedicated to creating safe and inclusive environments that provide recreational opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

Parks and Recreation Manager, City of Parkland Dec 2022 City of Parkland

As the parks and recreation manager for the city of Parkland, FL, my primary responsibility is to oversee the operations and management of the city's parks and recreational facilities. Some key duties and responsibilities of my job include:

• Planning and implementing programs and activities: I am responsible for creating and implementing recreational programs and activities for residents of all ages, including sports leagues, fitness classes, camps, and special events.

• Maintaining parks and facilities: I ensure that all parks and recreational facilities are well-maintained and kept in good condition. This may involve overseeing maintenance staff, hiring contractors, and conducting regular inspections. In charge of field management, turf projects, and yearly maintenance schedule.

• Budgeting and financial management: I develop and manage budgets for the parks and recreation department, including monitoring expenses, preparing reports, and seeking additional funding sources. Oversee a budget of approximately 3 million dollars annually.

• Managing staff: I hire, train, and supervise staff members who work in the parks and recreation department, such as program coordinators, maintenance workers, and administrative support staff.

• Engaging with the community: As the face of the parks and recreation department, I engage with residents and community groups to understand their needs and interests, and to promote the department's programs and services. Currently involved in chamber of commerce, parks and rec advisory board, and City Anniversary Planning committee.

• Collaborating with other city departments: I work closely with other city departments, such as public works, to coordinate efforts and ensure that parks and recreational facilities are integrated with other city services and programs.

Overall, as parks and recreation manager, my job is to create and maintain high-quality recreational opportunities that enhance the quality of life for Parkland residents. I do this by leading by example and engaging my team daily.

Special Events Coordinator, City of Parkland Jun 2021 — Dec 2022 As the special event coordinator for the City of Parkland, my primary responsibilities included planning, organizing, and executing various events within the city.

• Planning events: I was responsible for developing and implementing plans for various events, including festivals, concerts, community events, and more. This involves coordinating with different stakeholders and vendors, obtaining necessary permits, and ensuring that all logistics are taken care of. Unique to our city was also our special event permit application process, which allowed outside organizations and groups to host events at our facilities.

• Budget management: I was responsible for managing event budgets, including estimating costs, negotiating contracts, and ensuring that events stay within budget.

• Marketing and promotion: I was responsible for promoting events and raising awareness within the community. This may involve creating marketing materials, coordinating with local media outlets, and utilizing social media and other digital marketing channels.

• Event coordination: I was responsible for overseeing all aspects of event coordination, including managing vendors, coordinating with volunteers, managing event staff, and ensuring that everything runs smoothly. Post-event evaluation: I was responsible for conducting post-event evaluations, which may include gathering feedback from attendees, analyzing event data, and identifying areas for improvement. Overall, my role as a special event coordinator involved a wide range of responsibilities related to planning and executing events within the city.

Parks and Recreation Supervisor, City of Coconut Creek Aug 2019 — Jun 2021 The Parks and Recreation Supervisor position for the City of Coconut Creek was an important leadership role, responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the city's parks and recreational facilities. The position involved supervising a team of employees and coordinating with other departments within the city. Some possible duties and responsibilities of the Parks and Recreation Supervisor include:

• Managing the maintenance and upkeep of the city's parks, recreational facilities, and other outdoor spaces. This might involve coordinating with maintenance staff, overseeing landscaping and groundskeeping, and ensuring that facilities are clean, safe, and well-maintained.

• Developing and implementing programs and activities that promote physical activity, community engagement, and healthy lifestyles. This could include organizing sports leagues, fitness classes, and other recreational activities for residents of all ages.

• Overseeing the scheduling of park facilities and other outdoor spaces, and coordinating with other city departments and community organizations to ensure that all groups have access to the resources they need.

• Managing the budget for the Parks and Recreation department, and working with the Director to develop and implement long-term strategic plans for the department. While here, I was able to increase field revenue over 100% YTY for two consecutive years.

• Ensuring that all programs and activities are compliant with safety regulations and city policies, and that all employees are properly trained and certified.

This position helped build strong organizational and communication skills, as well as the ability to work effectively with community groups/leagues.

Senior Park Ranger, City of Coconut Creek Feb 2016 — Aug 2019 As a Senior Park Ranger for the City of Coconut Creek, my primary responsibility was to manage and oversee the day-to-day operations of the city's parks and recreational facilities. This included maintaining the grounds, ensuring that all facilities are safe and well-maintained, preparing fields for league play, and coordinating events and activities for visitors.

In this role, I worked closely with other park rangers and staff to develop and implement strategies for improving park operations and enhancing visitor experiences. I was responsible for enforcing park rules and regulations, responding to emergencies, and addressing any issues or concerns that arise. As the go-to authority for park issues, my responsibility in that area established my ability to properly resolve conflicts. In this position, I developed a strong background in park management and operations, as well as excellent communication and interpersonal skills. I was able to work well in a fast-paced environment and be able to handle multiple tasks and priorities.

Park Ranger at City of Coconut Creek, City of Coconut Creek Feb 2015 — Feb 2016 As a Park Ranger for the City of Coconut Creek, my primary responsibility was to manage and oversee the day-to-day operations of the city's parks and recreational facilities. This included maintaining the grounds, ensuring that all facilities are safe and well-maintained, preparing fields for league play, cleaning trailways, enforcing rules, and coordinating events and activities for visitors. Park Attendant, Lake Waccamaw State Park Dec 2011 — Aug 2013 EDUCATION

University of North Carolina at Wilmington Dec 2012 — Dec 2014 Bachelors of Environmental Science

SKILLS

Leadership Expert

Customer Service Expert

Communication Expert

Adaptability Expert

Fast Learner Expert

Effective Time Management Expert

Critical thinking and problem solving Expert

Conflict Resolution Expert

INTERNSHIPS

Educator, North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher

During my time here I had the exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience in marine science and education. The aquarium is located in Kure Beach, North Carolina, and is home to a diverse array of aquatic species, including sharks, sea turtles, and jellyfish.

During my internship, I had the opportunity to work alongside experienced marine biologists and educators, and learned about the daily operations of the aquarium. 1. Assisted with the care and feeding of the aquarium's animals, including preparing food, monitoring water quality, and maintaining exhibits.

2. Conducted research on various marine species and habitats, and presenting findings to aquarium staff and visitors.

3. Assisted with educational programs for visitors of all ages, including leading tours, handling animals, and delivering presentations.

4. Assisting with administrative tasks such as record-keeping, scheduling, and event planning. Throughout the internship, I gained valuable experience in marine science and education, as well as developed important skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Educator, North Carolina Museum of Forestry

The North Carolina Museum of Forestry is located in Whiteville, North Carolina, and is dedicated to promoting an understanding and appreciation of the state's forests and their important role in the ecosystem. As an educator at the museum, I was responsible for developing and delivering educational programs for visitors of all ages. My responsibilities included:

1. Designing and leading tours of the museum's exhibits, which showcase the history, ecology, and conservation of North Carolina's forests.

2. Developing and delivering hands-on educational programs for school groups, summer camps, and other organized groups, which might include activities such as tree identification, forest ecology, and forest management.

3. Developing and leading public programs, such as lectures, workshops, and nature walks, which educate visitors about the importance of forests and their impact on the environment. 4. Developing and implementing outreach programs that promote the museum and its mission to schools, community groups, and other organizations.

5. Conducting research and staying up-to-date on current topics in forest science and conservation, and incorporating that knowledge into educational programs and materials. This position helped establish strong communication and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to work independently and as part of a team, and experience with children and adults in an educational setting. EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Current Speaker

Florida Recreation and Parks Association

Teach one hour lessons regarding “Utilizing Your Resources for Field Management.” CERTIFICATIONS

Certified Parks and Recreation Professional

NRPA

CPR/AED

Crowd Management

ICS 100, 200, 700, 703, 706, 800, 300

REFERENCES

Bruno Battel 754-***-****

City of Parkland ad5vnz@r.postjobfree.com

Phillip Randazzo 954-***-****

City of Coconut Creek ad5vnz@r.postjobfree.com

Christine Garcia 954-***-****

City of Parkland ad5vnz@r.postjobfree.com

Kristin Milligan 954-***-****

City of Fort Lauderdale ad5vnz@r.postjobfree.com

Leo Gordon 954-***-****

MVP Environmental Solutions Lgordon@mvpmold,com

Cindy Kaufman 954-***-****

Parkland Chamber of Commerce ad5vnz@r.postjobfree.com



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