Park Operations Superintendent

The Park Operations Superintendent is responsible for planning, developing, directing, and supervising programs related to the operation, management, and maintenance of NOVA Parks’ facilities and properties. Work is performed under the general direction of the Director of Park Operations with considerable latitude for independent judgment and action. Supervision is given to park operations staff. Annual performance goals will be set for the Park Operations Superintendent.

Hiring Salary Range: $100,112.13 - $120,532.13

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (with illustrative examples of work)  

Oversee management of personnel:  

• Plan, direct, and control the work of park staff in the operation, management, and maintenance of park facilities, grounds, and equipment.
• Set and review annual performance goals for park managers and staff.
• Review and approve staffing and scheduling for all parks and make changes necessary to ensure proper park operation and coverage.
• Conduct meetings and trainings for operations staff to identify and resolve problems, inform staff of current operations activities, and encourage close coordination and communications among parks.
• Analyze and resolve employee work problems through application and interpretation of Personnel Policies.
• Interview and hire applicants for regular, full-time employment.
• Develop performance standards and indicators and evaluate performance of employees against those standards; review evaluations of other park employees.
• Ensure adherence to fair and equitable employment practices.

Oversee management of park facilities and programs:  

• Inspect parks and facilities and enforce conformance with NOVA Parks standards and policies.
• Develop, implement, and oversee maintenance and park inspection programs.
• Identify operations needs and problems and recommend and/or initiate appropriate action.
• Identify historic, cultural, and natural resources and develop appropriate policies and procedures.
• Develop, review, and apply business standards and procedures to revenue producing facilities.
• Develop, implement, and oversee pricing models including promotional, discount, and/or incentive programs to encourage public visitation of facilities.
• Negotiate, prepare, and execute park operations contracts and permits.
• Develop and monitor operational procedures in accordance with policy.
• Coordinate the planning and execution of large special events and programs.
• Manage the park lands in a sustainable manner.
• Manage issues dealing with unauthorized or special-permit uses.
• Manage and monitor day-to-day activities and matters involving boundary conflicts, encroachments, easements, and other real estate issues.

Develop and oversee implementation of budget: 

• Assist in the preparation and administration of operating budget by coordinating, reviewing, and editing individual park budgets.
• Assist in the planning and review of capital projects and budget.
• Review revenue and expense performance against operating budget for consistency.
• Develop focused strategies on revenue generation across a variety of amenities and facilities.

Establish and maintain positive public relations program: 

• Develop and foster a positive public image for NOVA Parks.
• Collaborate with Director of Marketing and Communications to develop, plan, and implement marketing strategies.
• Provide information to the public and special interest groups through presentations and other means with accurate, courteous, and diplomatic communications.
• Maintain effective relationships with groups such as vendors, local law enforcement, and special user groups.
• Encourage visitor comments; investigate and respond to complaints.
• Initiate interpretive/educational programs, exhibits, and literature to promote historic, cultural, and natural resources.

Perform administrative duties: 

• Act as liaison between operations management and executive staff to facilitate problem-solving and to promote effective communications.
• Interpret, apply, and adapt NOVA Parks’ policies, regulations, and procedures to meet personnel, budget, property management, and general service needs of the parks.
• Approve purchase orders and payment requests related to park operations.
• Attend NOVA Parks board meetings; give presentations, make reports and recommendations.
• Prepare periodic and special reports.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS (minimum)  

Education: Graduation from an accredited college/university with a bachelor's degree in park management or closely related field.

Physical: Non-manual and manual work with strength and dexterity necessary to perform all required tasks, including lifting, stooping, bending, and working in tiring and uncomfortable positions in office and outdoor settings; will perform heavy manual labor in all weather conditions, lift items at or greater than 80 pounds, climb ladders, use tools, and operate equipment.

Experience: Five years of progressively responsible experience in parks or conservation work, (with two years at Park Manager level) or any equivalent combination of education, training, or experience which provides:

• Considerable knowledge of principles, methods, and practices in park management, maintenance, and construction.
• Considerable knowledge and experience in personnel management.
• Considerable ability to develop comprehensive operating procedures and performance standards and to evaluate programs and employees against those standards.
• Considerable ability to review and analyze expenditures and revenues in determining appropriate budgets.
• Considerable ability to deal effectively with the public and special interest groups, and to provide a strong public relations program; with considerable ability to interpret and explain NOVA Parks’ policies, rules, and procedures to employees and to the public.
• Considerable ability to communicate clearly and effectively, with considerable ability to prepare and present accurate reports.
• Considerable knowledge of the materials, equipment, and procedures involved with park maintenance.
• Ability to carry out NOVA Parks’ goals and objectives through planned work projects and programs.
• Considerable knowledge of business management practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of outdoor education and historic interpretation.
• Considerable ability to identify and isolate problems and to initiate action.
• Ability to work in unusual weather conditions and to perform manual labor as required.
• Working knowledge of personal computers and various software applications.
• Possession of or ability to obtain a driver's license; must maintain license with safe driving record.
• Availability for call in emergency situations and to work additional hours during peak operating times including weekends.
• Possession of or ability to obtain special licenses as required.
• Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of the position.

Duties and responsibilities are designed to be the essential elements of the job. They do not preclude the performance of related, or even unrelated, jobs which may be necessary to properly and efficiently complete all work assignments. NOVA Parks reserves the right to amend job specifications to meet current needs.  

Benefits: This position is a benefit eligible position. Benefits include medical and dental insurance, life insurance, long-term disability, retirement plan, and more.  

Background Check/Testing: The successful candidate will be required to undergo a thorough pre-employment background check as well as a pre-employment drug screening. 

It is the policy of the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority to prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or disability in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.  

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-352-5900 and ask for Human Resources for assistance.