Clermont, Florida City Government
Open position:
Parks & Recreation
Director
Clermont City Hall
685 W. Montrose St.
Clermont, FL 34711
About Clermont
Clermont, Florida, has a population of 31,000 and is
the largest city in Lake County. This picturesque city,
which sits among rolling hills and 14 lakes, is known
as the “Choice of Champions” due to its
international reputation as a training ground for
Olympic medalists and other elite athletes.
Clermont was named one of the Top 20 Cities in
America. Located just 20 miles from Orlando and
major theme parks, Clermont has top-performing
schools, nationally-ranked healthcare, a state
college and the nation’s second-largest university.
www.ClermontFL.gov
Clermont City Government
The City of Clermont has a council-manager form of government.
City Manager Darren Gray serves as the CEO overseeing all the
city operations and carrying out the policies set by the five,
elected city council members.
The city government leadership team includes the assistant city
manager and 12 department directors, including the director of
parks and recreation.
The city has almost 300 employees with a budget of more than
$70 million.
Darren Gray
City Council
Mayor
Gail Ash
Seat 1
Tim Bates
Seat 2
Ray Goodgame
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Our mission: To preserve and enhance the
quality of life for the Clermont community
by providing exceptional services.
Seat 4
Keith Mullins
Seat 5
Diane Travis
Founded in 1884 as a “model town”
Land area: 14.85 square miles
Runner-Friendly Community
Bicycle-Friendly Community
Tree City USA
Largest performing arts center in Lake
County
Longest white-sand beach in inland
Florida
Designated as “Open for Business”
Just minutes away from major theme
parks and Orlando International Airport
Major transportation routes: Florida
Turnpike, US Highway 27, State Road 50
23 parks & 14 lakes within the city limits
Major employers: healthcare, education,
sports training, theme parks and
hospitality
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Clermont Parks & Recreation
Department
The Clermont Parks & Recreation Department plays
a big role in the city government and in the
community. In a city where Olympian medalists live
and train, and people place a high value on
recreation and fitness, the parks and recreation
department is one of the most visible and frequent
ways people interact with the City.
While the gold standard for many communities is one
park per 10,000 people, Clermont has 23 parks – or
about one per 1,300 people. The parks represent
more than 109 acres and include 3.5 miles of scenic
trail, the center of the Coast-to-Coast Connector.
The park system includes:
• Waterfront Park – Home to the longest, whitesand beach in inland Florida and many festivals
and events. It is the site of numerous triathlons,
including the country’s oldest, continuing running
triathlon. Waterfront Park is the site of Champions
Splash Park, the Clermont Boathouse, the
Highlander Pavilion and Pig on the Pond, the city’s
biggest festival, which draws more than 30,000
people each March.
• Lake Hiawatha Preserve – This 230-acre park is
a popular destination. The park includes a
playground, boat ramp, fishing pier, hiking trails,
picnic pavilion and two dog parks. The Coast-toCoast Connector runs through the park.
• Hancock Park – With five softball fields, two
soccer fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, full
concession, playground, pavilion and picnic areas,
Hancock Park is a popular sports destination. It is
home to the Clermont Girls Softball League and is
one of the venues for the Spring Games, the
world’s largest softball tournament.
Comprehensive list of parks at www.ClermontFL.gov.
Additionally, this department oversees the Clermont
Community Center, a 45-acre property that is home
to the Clermont Arts & Recreation Center and
Clermont Performing Arts Center. The department is
responsible for other amenities including the
Clermont City Center, Clermont Boathouse, Clermont
Historic Village and Champions Splash Park.
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Parks & Recreation Director
The Clermont Parks & Recreation Director position demands an extensive knowledge of parks
and recreation operations, including performing arts, local partnerships, facility promotion and
management as well as budget development.
The successful candidate will be a strong leader and self-starter, committed to following the
progressive direction of one of Central Florida’s fastest-growing cities.
General Description
Highly responsible and professional position, administering the planning, organization and
direction of all parks and recreation functions for the City. The director performs managerial
and strategic work in the areas of recreational programs, organized sports leagues, special
events, waterfront and splash pad, parks and the Clermont Arts & Recreation Center. Duties
include: contracts management, budgeting and continual communication with the general
public, businesses and vendors. Work is performed with considerable independence under the
general supervision of the City Manager.
Primary Duties
These job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed.
Employees may be assigned additional duties by management as deemed necessary.
• Plans, directs and manages the development and delivery of parks and recreation programs
in addition to the modification or enhancement of existing facilities, programs and events.
• Oversees the programming and scheduling of recreation buildings, parks, sports/ball fields,
and events on City-owned property, including but not limited to leagues, lessons, camps and
clinics.
• Administers the application process, collection of deposits and fees, and delivery of services
for fields, recreation building rentals and events.
• Acts as the point person for alcohol, fee, parking waiver/variances for City events, City
building rentals and downtown area street parking.
• Manages and oversees related contracts, including but not limited to the performance hall
and external production company and ball fields’ fine turf contract/services to assure the
fulfillment of required services to ensure a safe playing environment and regular inspections.
• Makes recommendations regarding the planning and construction of new or existing
recreation facilities, and supervises approved and implemented projects.
• Prepares and manages the department budget, monitors and controls expenditures, reviews
and approves purchase requisitions and bids, assists with writing and submitting recreation
grant applications for ongoing and new projects.
Continued
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Continued
• Supervises department staff, including selecting or recommending selection, establishing
staffing standards, organizing training, assigning and evaluating work, coaching and
counseling, discipline up to and including termination, and preparing periodic employee
performance evaluations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with employees, supervisors, other
organizations and the general public.
• Develops short and long-range plans and oversees implementation of plans to ensure
adherence to organizational standards, policy and procedures and makes adjustments as
needed.
• Oversees administrative matters such as conducting special studies, reviewing and preparing
Council agenda items, preparing routine or special reports.
• Reviews all existing parks and recreation responsibilities and programs for effectiveness and
makes recommendations for enhancement or modification as appropriate.
• Ensures compliance with related laws and guidelines, and affords related training for
personnel.
• Receives and responds to employee and public inquiries, concerns and complaints regarding
parks and recreation responsibilities and functions, including the services provided by
department staff.
• Prepares and/or directs the preparation of various reports, presentations, recommendations
and other documents as required by the City, state, federal and/or other agency.
• Conducts staff, committee and other meetings and conferences. Prepares and makes oral and
written presentations to exchange information, including presentation to the City Council.
• Attends training, seminars and conferences, and conducts research to stay abreast of
legislation and trends in the field of parks and recreation.
• Must be accessible, will wear a cell phone and maintains phone contact as needed.
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Qualifications
Education and Experience
The ideal candidate should have a bachelor’s degree
in public administration, recreation, leisure services,
sports administration, performing-arts management or
other closely-related field.
A minimum of eight years’ experience of department
management and supervising programs in a similarlysized or larger operation, encompassing three or
more of the following areas: recreation, parks, leisure
services, sports, events, performance facility/hall,
water amenities, or other closely related area.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered, provided that the education and
experience are in a relevant and related field.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of modern principles, methods and practices of public parks and recreation programs, including
laws, regulations and safety standards. Knowledge of principles and practices of management and
supervision, including the ability to direct, train, coach, and evaluate the work of assigned staff. Knowledge
of the principles of budget development and management. Knowledge of current technological capabilities
and applications, including ability to use a computer, modern office equipment, Microsoft Office Suite, and to
learn new online programs and software. Skilled in preparing clear and concise written reports and keeping
accurate records. Skilled in utilizing problem-solving strategies on a daily basis. Ability to develop and
evaluate programs and services that meet the recreational needs of the community. Ability to communicate
effectively, both verbally and in writing, with other employees, program participants, community groups,
vendors, other agencies and the public. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with
other employees, community members, contractors, other agencies and the general public. Ability to read,
interpret, apply, and explain regulations, guidelines, policies, and procedures. Ability to exercise initiative
and independence of judgment and action. Ability to work irregular hours, including nights, weekends and off
hours as required by department needs and special events.
Licenses or Certifications
Must have a valid Florida Drivers license.
Essential Physical Functions
The City of Clermont is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Americans with Disabilities Act requires the City
to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current
employees are encouraged to discuss potential accommodations with management.
Continual light work and occasional heavy work. Requires frequent walking and standing, climbing, stooping,
reaching, bending, good finger/hand dexterity and hand/eye coordination, good eyesight, hearing and speech
and regular driving of vehicle.
Environmental Conditions
Works mostly inside in an environmentally controlled space, but will intermittently work in adverse
environmental conditions (e.g., sun, heat, cold, wind and rain) for moderate periods of time working with
events planning, set up, event execution and post event. Will be exposed to field hazards, chemicals, vehicle,
bike and foot traffic. It is essential that the employee in this position is alert to safety hazards within the area
of services.
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More about Clermont
We understand that for some candidates
considering the Parks & Recreation Director
position, accepting the job may mean
changing locations – and that’s a big deal.
The city of Clermont has many charms and
enjoys a quality of life that has put it in the
Top 20 Cities by the International City/County
Management Association.
Here are just a few of Clermont’s many
attractive qualities.
Recreation. With 23 parks and 14 lakes in the city limits (more than 1,000 in Lake County), there
are plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors. Amenities include a new splash pad and boathouse for
rowing and sailing. Recreational activities include boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing,
water skiing, wakeboarding, fishing, running, indoor and outdoor basketball courts, paved trail for
biking and a 10-mile clay trail loop for long-distance running and walking. Lake Louisa State Park
provides additional opportunities, including equestrian trails.
Education. Clermont schools rank among the top in the county. In addition to the public schools,
parents also have options in the private sector, including faith-based schools and nearby,
internationally acclaimed Montverde Academy. Quality higher-education is available right in our
backyard. Lake-Sumter State College and the University of Central Florida, the second largest
university in the nation, have campuses in Clermont.
Low Crime Rate. The Clermont Police Department is accredited by the Commission for Florida
Law Enforcement Accreditation, which requires meeting the highest standards. The city was
named in the top three cities in Florida for reducing crime.
Historic Downtown. The mark of any great city and “hometown” is a historic downtown, and
Clermont has just that. Residents and visitors can enjoy a variety of charming, unique shops and
some of the area’s best restaurants with traditional and local cuisine. On Sundays, shoppers are
treated to the second, largest farmer’s market in Central Florida. The first Friday of every month,
City Hall Park offers free, live musical entertainment plus gourmet food trucks. Downtown events
include the Annual Art Festival, Vintage Fair and Light Up Clermont and holiday parade.
Shopping, Dining & Tourist Attractions. Clermont has numerous national and local retail stores
and a variety of chain and local restaurants usually found in larger metropolitan areas. Clermont is
home to one of the state’s original tourist attractions -- the Citrus Tower, where visitors can see
seven counties atop Florida’s highest observation point. Other attractions include the Presidents
Hall of Fame, home to the miniature White House; Showcase of Citrus, which offers a swamp
safari eco-tour and Revolution Off-Road, a chance to see Florida up close with adventure rides on
jeeps, ATVs and dune buggies.
Entertainment. Clermont has Epic movie theater, a community theater, symphony orchestra and
world-class entertainment at the Clermont Performing Arts Center. The 2015-2016 season
includes everything from Broadway to bluegrass, opera to improv with legendary talents from the
worlds of rock and roll, theater, movie and television in addition to international shows.
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How to Apply for the Position of Parks & Recreation Director
Application deadline is Friday, May 15, 2015, at 3:00 p.m. To be considered you must apply online
and complete the entire application process.
Accessing the Online Application:
• Visit www.ClermontFL.gov.
• Click on “City Jobs” on the right-hand side of the webpage.
• Once you have accessed the “Employment Opportunities” page, scroll down to the list of
open positions and locate the Parks & Recreation Director posting.
• Click on the position posting link, and click “Apply.”
• Register/sign into NEOGOV to access and complete the application process.
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Complete Application Process Consists of the Following:
• Online application
• Online supplemental questionnaire
• Upload resume during online application process
• Include five (5) professional references in the application
• Include salary history (current and past eight (8) years) in the application
Questions? Please contact Susan Dauderis, Human Resources Director, [email protected],
352-241-7380.
Compensation and Benefits:
The salary for the position is negotiable based on qualifications and experience. The City offers a
competitive benefits package, including but not limited to retirement, vacation and sick leave,
health/dental insurance, and group life insurance.
The City is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages minorities and women to apply.
Thank you for your interest in the City of Clermont’s Parks & Recreation Director position. We look
forward to hearing from you and wish you the best of luck in your career.
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