Jen Haskins, athletic coordinator for the Jefferson County Parks and Recreation Department, has left after more than eight years in the job, and a hunt for her replacement has begun, said Tim Pigg, the department’s director.
Haskins, 44, of Byrnes Mill said she left to take a job as recreational specialist with the Chesterfield Parks, Recreation and Arts Department.
“I can get teary-eyed thinking about leaving some of these people (at the Jefferson County parks department) because they became my family,” she said.
Haskins was making $45,760 for the Jefferson County parks department, and she will be paid a $47,661 annual salary in her new job at Chesterfield, which she started on June 13.
Pigg said Haskins, whose last day for Jefferson County was June 11, was a stellar employee. “She always put in the extra time,” he said.
Haskins said leaving Jefferson County was bittersweet.
“I have an opportunity that came my way to help me grow my career,” she said. “I am extremely grateful for Jefferson County for what they have allowed me to do here and grow here. Now it’s time to grow a little bit more.”
In her role as athletic coordinator for Jefferson County, Haskins ran the youth and adult sports programs, and all the classes at the High Ridge Civic Center.
“When I first started, there were only two classes at that building and now, there are over 10,” she said.
Haskins said one of the accomplishments she is most proud of was creating the Big River Run.
She said Chesterfield Parks has many running events, and she is excited to help with those.
Pigg said he hopes to hire someone to fill Haskins’ position soon.
He said the athletic coordinator position is important because the person plans and runs all the department’s activities.
“It’s going to be somewhat of a hard set of shoes to fill because it’s got to be somebody who’s got a good, positive attitude and is energetic,” he said.
Pigg said the new athletic coordinator’s pay will depend on his or her experience, but the person could make up to $19.31 an hour and would work full time.
He said the parks department has 10 full-time employees and one part-time employee.