Deputy Director of Operations, Parks

The Parks Deputy Director of Operations is a demanding administrative, supervisory, and field-oriented position responsible for the planning and implementation of the physical maintenance of City parks, trees, and public grounds, and the development and coordination of activities pertaining to all operational functions of the Parks Department. Work includes projection, coordination, and execution of programs, services, and seasonal activities in the Department's subdivisions to assure exceptional services and results. The position also acts as project manager for a variety of park construction projects, or on-going or special maintenance services and must be able to reconcile divergent public interests. The position also ensures that management practices and maintenance standards are met for projects, tasks, and significant community engagement and public involvement with elected officials.

In conjunction with the Deputy Director of Administration and Planning, this position will provide cohesive leadership to the Department. The Parks Deputy Director of Operations serves as liaison with other City agencies and external stakeholders.

• Assists the Director in planning, organizing, and directing the operational activities of the department.
• Directs operational staff and other resources in the daily operations of the department including park lands, buildings, park furniture, historical facilities, monuments, waterfronts, street trees, public grounds and trees, athletic facilities, gardens, greenhouses, and natural recreation areas to insure the safe use by the public.
• Monitors divisional operations ensuring conformance with department standards, policies, permits and statutory provisions.
• Monitors and ensures maintenance standards are being met for all parks facilities and grounds; collaborates with other department employees in planning for maintenance and program needs; plans and manages athletic field maintenance; oversees the delivery of supplies and equipment to recreation facilities.
• Confers with subordinate supervisor on the maintenance and landscaping of parks areas including but not limited to the planting of trees, care and maintenance of park, and equipment inventory.
• Reviews construction and landscape plans for appropriateness and adherence to Parks department standards
• Observes problem areas in the field and determines appropriate action to be taken; coordinates with other divisions and outside agencies when necessary to provide additional resources.
• Works with the Deputy Director of Administration and Planning with fiscal issues affecting the performance of the department.
• Participates in the planning and administration of capital projects for parks.
• Prepares operational manual and activity reports for the director as required; and may include the preparation and delivery of presentations of materials and reports.
• Monitor hiring, training, scheduling, and assignment of employees.
• Develops and directs the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for the department.
• Directs the implementation of programs, events, and services; evaluates efficiency and effectiveness of functional area operations and implements improvements as necessary.
• Make presentations to City agencies, Board of Alders or other stakeholders as required.
• Performs other related work as required.

Graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in Park Administration, Public Administration, Management, Construction Administration, Horticulture, Engineering, or related fields; and a minimum of 5 years of experience in maintenance operations at the management level; Considerable experience working with various levels of staff in the efforts to improve department efficiency and effectiveness.

• Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of park maintenance management.
• Considerable knowledge and aptitude in the interpretation of plans and specifications associated with public infrastructure related projects including construction and maintenance methods and techniques.
• Knowledge of OSHA, DMV, EPA, DEEP and relevant Building Regulations.
• Proficient computer skills necessary for the management of the department including Microsoft Office Suite programs such as Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access.
• Considerable knowledge and experience with technology-based programs such as GIS based work orders and asset management systems.
• Knowledge and skills in the use and maintenance of hand tools and ground equipment, including but not limited to riding and hand mowers, weed whips, chippers, chain saws.
• Understanding of appropriate chemical disposal
• Ability to safely operate a variety of maintenance equipment and machinery.
• Ability to interpret blueprints, sketches, and drawings.
• Ability to follow Park District safety rules and guidelines.
• Demonstrated supervisory skills and an understanding of labor relations in a unionized environment.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Ability to communicate effectively both written and orally with the public, employees, department heads, contractors, engineers, or other groups as necessary.
• Ability to develop long-term vision and plans in response to community needs and changing workforce.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, City officials, the public, and other stakeholders.

• Must have at time of application: Connecticut Driver's License and maintain throughout course of employment.

Applications will be reviewed by the Department of Human Resources. Applicants must demonstrate within their submission that they meet the minimum requirements as listed within the job description; failure to do so may result in disqualification. Applicants meeting minimum requirements may be invited to participate in a Civil Service exam process at a later date.

It is critical that you complete the application thoroughly, as the information you provide will be used to ascertain if you are eligible to move forward in the selection process. Your application and resume should indicate that you meet the minimum requirements as listed. This information may be used to determine the eligibility list. As such, this job announcement should be considered the exam announcement, and submissions may be evaluated prior to the posted closing date.

Information regarding the employment and selection process can be found HERE.

We reserve the right to extend an application deadline or close a job posting early to ensure we can attract and identify the best candidate(s) for a position.