City of Gresham OR - Watershed and Parks Director

The City of Gresham is seeking a handson Watershed and Parks Director to lead and manage the planning development and oversight of the Citys watershed and parks infrastructure. The Director also manages all aspects of the Citys Stormwater Utility (Watershed) and Parks service area including operation planning design and construction. Reporting to an Assistant City Manager the Watershed and Parks Director is pivotal in setting the strategic direction mission goals and operations ensuring the programs align with the Citys objectives and regulatory standards.

The Director provides the leadership necessary to create and implement a strategic asset management program for stormwater infrastructure (gray and green) natural resources and parks infrastructure to ensure sustainable and costeffective management of the Citys assets. The Director also crafts and implements policies procedures and business practices to boost performance and outcomes while recommending and instituting administrative controls and enhancements. This position involves preparing strategic and annual work plans executing special projects and assessing programs and projects to ensure they meet the Citys benchmarks and goals.

The Watershed and Parks Director leads a highperforming collaborative team that includes engineers scientists planners project managers and operations crews who perform systemwide master planning design and construction of stormwater infrastructure natural resources management and parks infrastructure. The Director creates a shared vision and organizational structure that leverages the unique talents of the staff to achieve water quality natural resources and recreational improvements. The Director establishes clear and manageable goals delegates and empowers staff and supports professional development opportunities creating a welcoming atmosphere of belonging.

The Director formulates establishes and oversees the administration of the budgets committing the City to significant financial obligations. This position also develops justifications for budgetary recommendations and adjustments participates in forecasting funding needs for staffing and resources and provides data and input into the creation and maintenance of all budgets for their assigned areas. The Watershed and Parks Director interprets negotiates manages and enforces contracts ensuring that all financial commitments align with the Citys objectives and regulatory requirements. Additionally the Director fosters a collaborative environment working to implement CIP programs that are adaptable achievable and best meet the needs of the community while maximizing the allocated budget.

The Director represents the City to the public elected officials other agencies governments and organizations making presentations participating in meetings and conducting community outreach. The Watershed and Parks Director also serves as a representative on committees interagency task forces and special projects responding to inquiries and resolving complex confidential and sensitive issues. This position analyzes and reviews relevant laws statutes regulations ordinances policies and procedures to ensure compliance analyzes best practices and trends and formulates and implements recommendations. The Watershed and Parks Director also oversees the Citys NPDES and WPCF permits ensuring compliance and improving environmental health.

The Priorities

• Lead the implementation of the Watershed Master Plan Natural Resources Master Plan and Parks Master Plan. Realize projects that include wetland and stream protection and mitigation efforts of future development; deferred maintenance proactive mitigation and prevention for natural resources; and the funding design and construction of a sports park community garden and other park properties.
• Holistically integrate green infrastructure across parks and open spaces maintain low impact development projects and implement new technologies and initiatives that support environmental stewardship while being mindful of the limitations with funding sources.
• Develop a comprehensive asset management program for stormwater grey and green infrastructure natural resources assets and park assets. Align with industry standards ensure the appropriate data collection and properly plan for the future.
• Strengthen team unity and purposefully integrate various programmatic functions to enhance collaboration and improve efficiency.
• Develop and implement a proactive succession plan for the Watershed and Parks Division.
• Partner with Finance to develop and implement a financial plan for the stormwater funds to implement backlogged replacement and rehabilitation infrastructure projects. Engage community advisory groups and educate the City Council on funding strategies structuring discussions to navigate the complexities of financing Watershed and Parks programs projects and future initiatives.
• Champion and support the Citys diversity equity inclusion and belonging activities. Celebrate Greshams many cultures and vibrant neighborhoods and purposefully weave inclusive principles and equitable practices across the Watershed and Parks programs.
• Actively engage in relevant industry organizations and associations. Attend conferences represent Gresham network with peers and bring back best practices and other resources that enhance the Citys Watershed and Parks Division.

The Successful Candidate

The Watershed and Parks Director is a forwardthinking leader who plays a crucial role in shaping Greshams environmental and infrastructure landscape. They successfully integrate policy and strategy while driving innovation in a regulatory environment. The Director brings a strong commitment to sustainable practices and continuous improvement and works collaboratively to advance the Citys vision for a resilient and adaptive watershed and parks system that meets current and future needs.

As a visionary leader the Director brings a fresh yet experienced voice and perspective to stormwater infrastructure natural resources management and parks infrastructure and routinely stays informed on best practices and emerging trends. Through a holistic perspective the successful candidate recognizes the interdependencies between the watershed and parks programs and the broader Environmental Services portfolio. They effectively leverage resources adapt to changing issues and work collectively to solve problems. The Watershed and Parks Director continuously seeks creative solutions that address multiple initiatives and drive organizational progress.

The Watershed and Parks Director has a deep commitment to public service values diverse perspectives and promotes mutual respect in every interaction. The Director is an effective communicator and active listener who integrates the diversity of thoughts and experiences of others to deliver solutions that achieve desired results. With strong political acumen and effective communication skills they navigate complex environments while fostering transparency and trust and delivering practical and sustainable solutions that align with the departments mission.

The Director sets the tone for the division and brings a sense of calm and stability while thoughtfully identifying opportunities and implementing changes that support a workplace culture built on trust and mutual respect. They develop and articulate the strategy set realistic and actionable goals and provide clear expectations holding others accountable. A transparent leader with a strong background in successfully managing developing and empowering staff the Watershed and Parks Director promotes a collaborative environment and effectively leverages the teams talents to support the programs and services provided.

The Qualifications

At least six 6 years of progressively responsible experience relevant to the position. Direct experience in a combination of stormwater utility management watershed stewardship clean water regulations parks management and stormwater and parks utility operations are essential as is a strong understanding of environmental services. Prior leadership experience managing a team and working collaboratively across functions is required. Strong municipal management coupled with prior experience working with a City Council is essential. A sound financial background with an understanding of budgets financial management and identifying funding mechanisms is required. A background in asset management is ideal.

A bachelors degree in Engineering Natural Resources Management Parks and Recreation Management Planning Environmental Studies Public Administration or related field is required. An advanced degree in a related field is preferred. An equivalent combination of education training and experience that provides the required knowledge skills and abilities will be considered. An Oregon Professional Engineer license or the ability to obtain licensure in Oregon is preferred. The Watershed and Parks Director is required to be onsite four days a week.

Inside Gresham City Hall

Gresham is a dynamic city where families and businesses have a mutual desire and drive to thrive. Rapid growth everchanging needs and a prudent budget demand a resourceful and resilient city government. We pride ourselves on going above and beyond to serve the residents placing the community first in our decisions and practices. Gresham values collaborative partnerships practical strategies inventive ideas nimble approaches and equitable outcomes. Our work is challenging fastpaced and rewarding.

The City operates as a CouncilManager form of government designed to promote effective management within a transparent responsive and accountable structure. The Mayor and the six Councilors provide leadership develop policies to guide the City and adopt the budget and other ordinances. The Council appoints the City Manager to oversee operations and ensure policies are carried out and that City services are effectively efficiently and equitably provided. A City Attorney is employed by the Council to manage inhouse legal and risk management services for the City.

The Citys 686 fulltime regular status employees provide services through the following departments: Budget and Finance; City Attorneys Office; City Managers Office; Citywide Services; Community Development; Community Livability; Economic Development and Urban Renewal; Environmental Services; Fire; Parks and Recreation; Police; Urban Design and Planning; and Youth Services. The adopted 202425 budget is $880 Million with a general fund of $120.3 Million. The City proudly provides highquality services and seeks innovative approaches to meet the needs of the community while operating under one of the lowest tax rates in the state.

Aligned with the Citys equity and inclusion work Gresham strives to create a diverse and welcoming workplace. Our commitment to each other is built upon strong mutual trust collective responsibility and support. We value close collaboration and teamwork acceptance of change and public stewardship.

In Gresham we get things done. Every employee at the City of Gresham has an opportunity to contribute to this organizations success and is charged with delivering the very best services to our residents.

The Strategic Plan outlines the City Council and the communitys collective vision for the future. It directs City resources toward five strategic priorities: Financial Sustainability Community Safety Thriving Economy Housing for All and Community Vibrancy. Additionally the Citys decisionmaking and service delivery are guided by five core principles: Diversity Equity and Inclusion Stewardship of Resources Authentic Engagement Innovation and Adaptability and Trustworthiness and Accountability.

Mission

To foster a safe thriving and welcoming community for all.

Vision

Gresham is a vibrant inclusive and resilient community where everyone can share in economic prosperity enjoy connection and belonging and live a highquality life.

The Environmental Services Department and Watershed and Parks Division

The Department of Environmental Services (DES) provides services in the areas of transportation storm and surface water drinking water wastewater collection and treatment natural resources and recycling and solid waste. DES operates and maintains existing infrastructure systems as well as plans designs and manages the construction or implementation of new or upgraded facilities required to meet the needs of our customers. The service areas within DES are supported by shared administration community outreach public works construction inspection land surveying and development review and permitting. Together these core services provide a better quality of life for our customers and the general public with a mission to meet the essential needs of the community by efficiently and equitably providing clean water safe transportation waste disposal stormwater management and other core public services while protecting and enhancing the environment.

Watershed and Parks Division

The Watershed and Parks Division manages stormwater runoff to prevent localized flooding erosion and pollution problems through continual improvement and maintenance of the Citys stormwater system and the parks system to provide safe access to a variety of recreational opportunities. The Program employs close to 50 talented and dedicated employees with a Watershed budget of $9.6 Million and an $11.2 Million CIP budget and a Parks budget of $4.1 Million and a $22.7 Million CIP budget.

Greshams stormwater system handles 4.3 billion gallons of runoff each year through the Citys constructed stormwater system including approximately 9236 catch basins 242 miles of drainage pipes 1118 drywells 818 streetside stormwater planters and 105 publicly maintained regional and local stormwater treatment/floodcontrol facilities. The Watershed Program also works to meet state and federal water quality floodplain wetland waterway and protected species regulations through monitoring and improving the water quality and habitat of 54 miles and 688 acres of riparian corridors.

The Citys park system includes over 1200 acres of land designated as community or neighborhood parks trails and natural areas. The Parks Operations team maintains over 320 acres of active parks 25 miles of trails and paths and is the community steward for over 750 acres of natural areas.

The Gresham Community

As Oregons fourthlargest city with more than 114000 residents Gresham is a welcoming community of hardworking people where tradition and heritage meet innovation and opportunity.

Located just minutes from Oregons iconic Mount Hood Multnomah Falls the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area the City of Portland and the Portland International Airport Greshams location is ideal for families and businesses wanting to start something new and grow. Within the City of Gresham residents are encouraged to enjoy the active parks trails and natural areas.

Greshams network of schools provides educational opportunities for students of all ages with many of the public schools having recently been rebuilt and modernized. Gresham also offers many preschools charter schools private schools and higher education opportunities including Mt. Hood Community College.

Our diverse and growing population includes young professionals families new immigrant communities and longtime residents. Greshams residents care deeply about our heritage as a homestead and agricultural community and are committed to a thriving and vibrant future. Today Gresham is a dynamic innovative and rapidly growing city where families and businesses have a mutual desire and drive to thrive. In Gresham we are family.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for the Watershed and Parks Director position is $125872$181240 and will depend on the qualifications of the successful candidate. The City of Gresham encourages a healthy worklife balance and provides a robust benefits package that includes comprehensive medical dental and vision insurance employer HRA/VEBA contributions PERS retirement employer sponsored deferred compensation employer paid life insurance and longterm disability and generous PTO sick leave and holidays Full details can be viewed here.

To Be Considered

We believe that to deliver the highest level of service to all Gresham community members it is crucial we employ a diverse workforce foster an inclusive working environment and ensure our policies and systems result in equitable outcomes. The City seeks candidates who will support these values by continuously incorporating equity in their daily work and actively contributing to a workplace culture that respects unique viewpoints life experiences and cultural perspectives. Come build the future with us.

Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. The position will remain open until filled with the first review of applications on April 21 2025.

Questions

Please direct questions to Heather Gantz at or Niayla Hairston at .

RECRUITMENT BROCHURE