Parks Superintendent

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Indian River County

The Parks Superintendent is a senior-level administrative position responsible for overseeing the strategic management and operation of county-wide parks. This role involves high-level planning, coordination, and execution of park maintenance and development initiatives, ensuring that park spaces remain safe, accessible, and well-maintained. The Superintendent provides executive leadership in managing departmental resources, budgets, and capital projects aimed at enhancing park facilities.

In addition to overseeing the overall maintenance and care of park infrastructure, the Superintendent directs the planning and implementation of long-term initiatives, including facility upgrades, resource allocation, and large-scale improvements. The position requires strong leadership skills, the ability to make high-stakes decisions, and expertise in managing complex projects and staff.

Working under the guidance of the Assistant Director of Parks and Conservation, the Superintendent is responsible for achieving performance goals through strategic oversight, staff management, and ensuring effective execution of park initiatives. This role is critical to maintaining the integrity and public value of the county’s parks system.

Budget and Financial Management:

• Capital Project Oversight: Lead the planning, budgeting, development, and execution of capital improvement projects, including facility upgrades, new construction, and major repairs. Ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and according to specifications.
• Contract Management: Responsible for all procurement within the Division including maintenance contracts, warranties, and agreements.
• Reporting: Compile and prepare reports on maintenance activities, including labor, equipment usage, materials, and associated costs.

Operational Planning & Coordination:

• Staffing: Oversee the hiring and job performance evaluation of Division staff including ensuring division adherence to terms and conditions of the bargaining unit agreement, including wages, benefits, work hours, and other labor-related provisions. Regularly review and interpret the bargaining unit agreement to ensure accurate application to workplace situations.
• Work Schedule Development: Create and manage work schedules in collaboration with subordinate supervisory staff to meet operation and maintenance standards.
• Supply & Equipment Coordination: Ensure the timely provision of necessary supplies, tools, and equipment for scheduled maintenance activities.
• Maintenance Coordination: Oversee the management of large-scale or complex maintenance needs beyond the scope of routine grounds maintenance.
• Process Improvement: Evaluate and recommend improvements to work methods and maintenance procedures for greater efficiency.
• Recordkeeping: Oversee the maintenance management system's record-keeping process and ensure compliance with reporting standards.

Compliance & Safety:

• Inspection & Safety Oversight: Conduct regular inspections of parks, buildings, and park amenities, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and maintenance standards.
• Safety Monitoring: Ensure adherence to safety protocols and promote a safe work environment for all staff.
• After Hours Response: Availability for response to emergencies or disaster declarations during non-working hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Collaboration & Community Engagement:

• Coordination with Teamsters
• Collaboration with Other Departments: Coordinate with other departments and community organizations for the provision of maintenance services during special events or programs.
• Community Engagement: Serve as a liaison to citizens, community groups, and stakeholders, responding to inquiries, requests, or complaints regarding park and facility maintenance.
• Public Interaction and Law Enforcement: Must be able to work effectively with the public, address concerns or complaints, and deal with situations involving law enforcement as needed, including responding to emergencies or conflicts.

Leadership & Representation:

• Supervision: Lead, manage, and evaluate the performance of subordinate supervisory personnel. Make decisions regarding hiring, promotions, merit increases, and disciplinary actions.
• Training & Development: Provide ongoing orientation and training for new and current staff, fostering skill development and safety practices.
• Leadership: Serve as a role model for professionalism, ethical behavior, and positive representation of the County.
• Team Leadership: Foster teamwork by actively contributing to the development of team goals, recognizing achievements, and encouraging initiative.

Education/Experience: 

• Required: Bachelor’s degree in Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Management, Public Administration, or a related field, with at least ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in parks/grounds/sports facility management, including five (5) years in a supervisory or administrative capacity. 

Licenses, Certifications, or Registrations: 

• Required: Valid Florida Driver's license
• Required: Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) within one year of hire; Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) preferred
• Required: FDACS Herbicide/Pesticide License within 6 months of hire
• Required: Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) within 6 months of hire
• Preferred: Certified Arborist and/or Horticulturist Certification

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills: 

Grounds, Parks, and Maintenance Knowledge:

• Knowledge of the practices, methods, and techniques involved in grounds, parks, and facilities maintenance.
• Knowledge of turf management, particularly for athletic fields, including soil management, fertilization, irrigation systems, pest management, and seasonal care for optimal field conditions. 
• Knowledge of equipment and materials used in maintaining park facilities. 
• Knowledge of plumbing, electrical, irrigation, and painting practices, as well as local and state building codes.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and the necessary precautions to mitigate risks. 
• Knowledge of the application of pesticides and herbicides, with a strong awareness of safety regulations. 
• Knowledge and experience in overseeing capital projects, including facility upgrades, new construction, and major repairs. Understanding of project management principles, cost control, scheduling, and coordinating with contractors and consultants.
• Must be able to work effectively with the public, address concerns or complaints, and deal with situations involving law enforcement as needed, including responding to emergencies or conflicts.

Budgeting and Financial Management:

• Proven ability and knowledge of budgeting and financial management practices, including experience in preparing and managing operational budgets, tracking expenses, and forecasting future needs. 
• Knowledge of modern management principles, including building maintenance operations, budgeting, and contract management. 

Leadership & Team Management:

• Ability to collaborate with various teams and departments to achieve shared goals and address challenges.
• Skills in leading, managing, and motivating a team of employees and contractors to achieve division and departmental goals. 
• Ability to adjust plans and procedures to ensure accuracy even when faced with unexpected challenges or changes in scope.

Communication & Presentation Skills:

• Skill in strong verbal and written communication, with the ability to prepare reports and engage effectively with the public and staff.
• Ability to present information to small and large groups that may be controversial in nature. 

Attention to Detail & Accuracy:

• Ability to review complex information, identify discrepancies, and ensure that all maintenance activities are documented and executed with precision.

• Ability to compile and present reports and data accurately, ensuring all figures, schedules, and resources are correctly documented and reported.

Computer & Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite including Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), with advanced skills in Excel for data analysis, budgeting, and report generation.
• Experience with Munis for financial management, budgeting, and procurement processes.
• Familiarity with Granicus for managing public communications, website content, and online services.
• Familiarity with Kronos for timekeeping and scheduling.
• Knowledge of CivicRec for managing parks and recreation registration, scheduling, and program management.
• Proficiency in using ESRI GIS (Geographic Information Systems) for mapping, spatial analysis, and managing geographic data for maintenance and planning purposes. 

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Outdoor Weather Conditions: Exposure to varying weather conditions, including extreme temperatures including heat and humidity.

Terrain and Landscaping: Work in various types of terrain, including uneven ground, hilly or sloped areas, and wet areas, requiring adaptability to different surfaces.

Wildlife Interaction: Exposure to wildlife and insects, which may involve safety concerns such as bites, stings, or allergic reactions.

Allergens: Exposure to allergens, including pollen, mold, and other irritants common in outdoor environments.

Work in Public Areas: Interaction with the public in parks and recreational areas, necessitating public interactions that may require law enforcement intervention.

Supplemental Information

This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position.  While it is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements, management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary.  This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

JOB DESCRIPTION / ADA ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

ATTESTATION 

I understand that a qualified employee or applicant with a disability may be afforded a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions of a position in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

I have read the job description for the above position and understand the job duties, requirements, and responsibilities for the position. I attest that I am able to perform the essential functions as outlined in the job description either with or without accommodation. I understand that if I require accommodation, I will contact the Human Resources Department to request accommodation.

If I have any questions about the job duties described in the above job description, I should discuss them with my immediate supervisor or a member of the Human Resources staff.

I have discussed any questions I may have had about this job description prior to signing this 
 form.

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Salary : $75,291 - $120,466