LEONARDTOWN, MD — St. Mary’s County Government is searching for a new Director for its Department of Recreation & Parks, following the retirement of long-serving leader, Arthur Shepherd. This pivotal role offers a significant opportunity to impact the community by overseeing the development and enhancement of local parks, recreational facilities, and museums.
The new director will manage the department’s staff and operations, striving to meet both immediate and strategic objectives. Directly reporting to the County Administrator, the position involves formulating extensive strategies to enhance the county’s parks and recreational services. The role demands a deep understanding of public park planning and recreation program development, alongside effective collaboration with advisory boards and community stakeholders.
Reflecting on the tenure of his predecessor, Commissioner President James Randy Guy praised Shepherd’s over 40 years of dedication. “Arthur has been a steadfast leader, dedicated to enriching the lives of our residents by enhancing our parks, public beaches, museums, and recreational programs. His transformative improvements have significantly uplifted our community’s quality of life,” Guy said.
The position, based in Leonardtown, Maryland, offers an annual salary ranging from $165,000 to $185,000. Ideal candidates will hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, with a master’s degree preferred, and should have a minimum of seven years in supervisory or managerial roles. Applicants are expected to be St. Mary’s County residents and exhibit strong leadership, communication, and fiscal management skills.
Arthur Shepherd shared reflections on his long service, emphasizing the role’s community impact. “The joy of seeing our parks flourish, our beaches come alive, and our recreational programs grow has exceeded my expectations. I encourage those with a passion for public service, a vision for growth, and a dedication to community well-being to step forward,” said Shepherd.
Applications are open and interested candidates can apply online at www.stmaryscountymd.gov/careers. The recruitment process will continue until the position is filled. For further inquiries, candidates may contact the Department of Human Resources at (301) 475-4200 ext. 1100.
