New parks coordinator is a people person

Tamara Girling wanted something more out of her career.
As a mother, and someone who enjoys interaction with others, Girling wanted to add that knowledge and experience to her work in an office setting.
That’s why she left a position as office administrator, for a small manufacturing company in Rochester Hills, to become office coordinator for the Orion Township Parks & Recreation Department.
‘It’s more community,? Girling said. ‘Here you’re really dealing with people.?
An Oxford resident with children in Lake Orion Schools, Girling has experienced parks and rec as a citizen.
She noted taking advantage of many of the children’s programs, ‘but not so much the adult programs, because I had kids,? she joked.
Knowing how parks and rec can help a working mother is just one of the perspectives she brings to the department.
‘I’m really looking forward to being on the inside and helping to develop ideas,? Girling said.
After an application process that included two interviews, Girling was offered the position in early December. She started on Dec. 21.
She felt fortunate to start at one of the slower times of the year, but noted that every day presents a different challenge in her department.
‘The biggest thing is learning,? she said. ‘Learning new systems and getting to know everyone.?
Girling added that it’s difficult for the public to see all that goes into everything the department does.
‘When you’re at the nature center or on various trails, you don’t think of all that goes into it,? she said. ‘You just see the end result.?
Her new duties include communicating messages to the various members of the department and working with each individual member as needed, among other things.
‘It’s a very friendly environment,? she said. ‘I was treated kindly from day one.?
Girling has also spent time as the activity director for a nursing home, and knew that she wanted to get back to working with a community on a regular basis.
When she saw the posting for office coordinator at parks and rec, she thought the job was right up her alley.
‘I wasn’t unhappy with the position I was in,? Girling said of her previous job at the manufacturing company.
‘I just enjoy dealing with people,? she said, noting that her previous duties didn’t have as much of that element.
‘Plus it’s convenient being closer to home and to my children.?
Overall, Girling’s biggest goal is to make sure everyone’s experience with parks and rec is pleasant from start to finish.
‘I think someone that has people skills and is dedicated to the community can make it that way,? she said.