Exceptional Candidate Sought
To lead the Onslow County Parks and Recreation Department
Parks & Recreation Director
Onslow County encourages you to apply for this role
Coastal Living
ONSLOW COUNTY RECENTLY ADOPTED A 5-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN OUR COMMUNITY. A MAJOR COMPONENT OF WHICH IS EXPANDED CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES.
Onslow County’s flat, gently rolling terrain covers 767 square miles and is located in the southeastern coastal plain of North Carolina, approximately 120 miles east of Raleigh, and 50 miles north of Wilmington. The City of Jacksonville is the County seat, and the areas surrounding the City constitute the major population centers and growth areas in the County. The County has a population of more than 215,000 people and includes the incorporated towns of Holly Ridge, Richlands, Swansboro, North Topsail Beach, a portion of Surf City and unincorporated Sneads Ferry.
Onslow County’s moderate climate lends itself to be an agricultural force with rich farmland yielding bountiful crops, and poultry. For the outdoor enthusiast there are recreational opportunities ranging from water skiing, sailing, canoeing, & biking, windsurfing, and fishing.
Mission: We will ensure that Onslow County is a thriving community for all by delivering exceptional services with good governance and fiscal responsibility.
There are 4 public beach access points on North Topsail Beach along with 2 bicycle routes, 3 paddle trails and 5 golf courses spread across the community. Onslow County also has 6 district parks that offer amenities such as tennis courts, basketball courts, baseball, softball, football, and soccer fields, sand volleyball courts, covered
pavilions and picnic areas, nature and exercise trails, play areas, an all-inclusive playground and a disc golf course.
The County also offers education, shopping, dining, and community activities galore with a wide range of annual festivals, recreation, cultural activities and sporting events.
Strategic Focus Areas
- Fiscally Responsible
- High Performing Government
- Community Vitality
- Focused and Sustainable Future
- Healthy and Safe Community
Onslow County's parks system spans nearly 880 acres across six parks, serving a significant role in community recreation and athletics. In 2024, the county hosted 31,500 participants in various events, programs, and camps, while 2,942 individuals took part in youth and
The Board of Commissioners identified four key priorities for fiscal year 2026, which include the development of a Community Resource Hub to enhance public services, the construction of an Indoor Recreation Facility, comprehensive improvements to parks and recreational spaces for greater accessibility and enjoyment, and an increase in communication efforts to ensure transparency and engagement.
adult athletic leagues. The county maintains 13 baseball fields and six multipurpose fields. Park visitation reached an impressive 1,193,484 visitors, with staff dedicating 4,822 hours to tourism site maintenance. Additionally, 583 facility reservations were made, drawing a total attendance of 20,446 guests.
Parks & Recreation Director
Onslow County is searching for an empowering leader equally dedicated to building a cohesive team throughout the Parks & Recreation Department.
SALARY WILL BE DETERMINED BASED ON QUALIFICATIONS, INTERNAL EQUITY, BUDGET, AND MARKET CONSIDERATIONS.
Onslow County is seeking a strong, creative and proactive Parks and Recreation professional to oversee the County’s extensive recreational programs and facilities.
We're looking for a candidate who has a track record in innovative recreational and athletic programming, strong leadership and interpersonal skills, a vision for growth of the department thatmatches citizen needs and desires, and a commitment to assess and use technology solutions to enhance programs,operations, and marketing.
The successful candidate must be committed to the County's Core Values, REACH - Resilience,Excellence, Accountability, Customer Service, and Honesty.
The Parks and Recreation Department has a budget of $3.2 million. This department of over 50 is comprised of the Parksand Recreation Director, Recreation Division Manager, Athletics Division Manager, Parks Division Manager, ParksMaintenance Supervisor, Parks Operations Supervisor, Athletics Assistant Division Managers, Athletic
Coordinators,Recreation Coordinators, Maintenance Technicians, Park Attendants, 15-20 seasonal/temporary employees, and administrative staff.
Apply online at OnslowCountyNC.gov/Jobs.
