Business and Financial Operations Manager - Parks and Recreation

Why It's a Great Opportunity: 
This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled business and finance professional who is energized by both leadership and public service. In this role, you will help shape and strengthen the financial systems, processes, and practices that support the ongoing success of Pierce County Parks and Recreation.

Working within our large and fast-moving department, you will play a key role in ensuring resources are managed responsibly, strategically, and transparently. Your work will directly support the department’s ability to deliver high-quality services, maintain accountability, track performance, and create meaningful value for the communities we serve across Pierce County.

Why It's a Great Department: 

Pierce County Parks and Recreation manages more than 5,200 acres of parks, trails, and open space, ranging from community hubs to natural areas. We deliver diverse recreation programs and maintain the infrastructure that supports both active play and quiet connection with nature.

Our department is made up of four divisions: Park and Recreation Operations, Business Operations, Volunteer and Resource Development, and Park Stewardship and Infrastructure Delivery, working together to serve one of the most dynamic and fast-growing regions in Washington. Guided by our mission to create livable communities, we provide opportunities for people to connect with nature, learn about sustainability, live healthy lives, and experience inclusive, thriving public spaces.

Joining Pierce County Parks means being part of a forward-thinking team that values collaboration, innovation, and community impact, where your work truly makes a difference every day. 

Learn more about the Pierce County Parks and Recreation Department

How to be Successful in the Role: 
Success in this role will come from your strong foundation in government administration, business operations, and public sector financial management. Experience with contracting, procurement, grant management, budgeting, complex accounting, and navigating multiple funding sources and projects will be essential as you help guide the department’s financial and operational success.

You will also bring experience using financial and performance management systems to support strategic decision-making, accountability, and long-range planning. Just as important, you are someone who values relationships, collaboration, and building strong teams. In leading the administrative support team, you will help foster a culture of continuous improvement, operational excellence, and shared accountability while supporting staff growth and organizational effectiveness.

This position is ideal for someone who is motivated by public service and energized by the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community through thoughtful stewardship of resources and support of the services that improve quality of life across Pierce County.

Your Future in this Role: 

In this role, you will help shape the future of Pierce County Parks and Recreation by strengthening and modernizing the financial practices, systems, and procedures that support one of the County’s most visible and community-focused departments. Your leadership will help ensure resources are aligned strategically to support daily operations, long-term planning, capital development, and the delivery of programs and services that residents rely on every day.

The work you do will directly contribute to creating safer, healthier, more connected, and more vibrant communities across Pierce County. From supporting major capital investments to improving operational efficiency and accountability, your impact will be felt throughout the organization and in the communities we serve.

Pierce County is also committed to investing in its people. You will have access to ongoing professional development, leadership training, and learning opportunities designed to support your continued growth and long-term success throughout your career.

Core Daily Responsibilities:  

• Take a central role in the development, presentation, and implementation of the department’s budgets for operations, capital, maintenance, administration, and performance management systems. Serves as an integral member in the preparation of long and short-term financial plans for the department and ensure alignment with key stakeholders.
• Perform operational reviews, financial analysis and solve operational problems. Develop sound allocation methodologies in alignment with generally accepted fiscal practices.
• Provide effective leadership to assigned staff.
• Analyze and develop policies, procedures and protocols for administrative efficiencies.
• Support the development, measurement and execution of the mission, goals, and objectives of the department and County.

A classification description with a more detailed list of essential functions can be found here.

• A related degree can be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.
• Ten years of progressively responsible experience in financial monitoring and developing large complex budgets with multiple funds, accounting and financial planning and finance experience that clearly demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of this position.
• Three years of supervisory experience.
• Experience working with capital budgets.
• Please attach a current resume and cover letter with your application. Failure to attach these will result in an incomplete application.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Public Administration, or Business Administration strongly preferred.

To be considered for this opportunity please:

• Complete and submit an online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting "APPLY" above or go to:   www.piercecountywa.gov/jobs.
• If you have a question about this opportunity, please email the Recruitment Team at PCHRRecruit@piercecountywa.gov and specify the Job Number and Title.
• If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or any WorkSource location and use their computers.
• Individuals needing accommodation in the application, testing process, or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (253) 798-7480, at least two days prior to the need.

This is a competitive selection process. Your application will be reviewed and evaluated for the quality and quantity of education/experience in the areas listed. Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the County's needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status normally occurs 2 to 3 weeks after the closing date. Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes which may include assessments, phone screen, and interviews.

At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion means commitment, not a single step. We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career. We want to recruit, develop, and maintain a talented workforce from various backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, committed to our vision.  Employees of the County have local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community. Will you join us in keeping Pierce County a place people are proud to call home?

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.