Superintendent of Park Services

Department: Park Services Full-time: Exempt

Position Description

The Superintendent of Park Services is under the direction of the Deputy Director. Responsibilities include the planning, supervision, organization, budgeting, evaluation and management of all aspects of the Park Services Department. The Park Services Department includes all parks, natural areas, non-recreation facilities and the zoo operations. This position is responsible for all capital projects related to the Parks Services Department and all District ADA projects. Leads the District for bidding and grant writing related to the Park Services Department. Works efficiently and productively without direct supervision. This is an at-will position.

Essential Responsibilities

• The Superintendent of Park Services is responsible for all aspects of the Park Services Department.
• Responsible for hiring, training, educating and evaluating all department employees.
• Responsible for all financial aspects of the department including budgeting, capital needs projection, payroll, purchasing, inventory control, and revenue enhancement.
• Must develop new park/facility projects or evaluate current parks/facilities and be the lead in projects from concept/design, to bid development to construction oversight.
• Develop and maintain a preventative maintenance program to include fleet, playground and other equipment replacement plans.
• Coordinate, schedule, organize, and delegate all department work/project assignments.
• Inspects/evaluates all parks/facilities and implements recommended projects.
• Coordinate, schedule and organize the District’s snow removal program.
• Coordinate the department’s continuing education program for all department employees.
• Researches opportunities for project financial assistance, prepares appropriate applications and upon award of assistance completes all required procedures/paperwork.
• Must maintain knowledge of Federal, State, and local rules/guidelines/statutes/law regarding functions of the Park Services Department.
• Develops, reviews, and evaluates department goals/objectives on a short term and long-term basis.
• Develops and implements department policies and procedures.
• Ensures that mechanical rooms and work areas are clean, organized, and well maintained.
• Manage District compliance with ADA requirements and complete ADA projects as outlined in the District’s Accessibility Audit.
• Performs the job safely and in compliance with District policies, procedures, and safety rules.
• Facilitates the Park Services Department’s compliance with OSHA guidelines in cooperation with the Superintendent of Human Resources and Risk Management.

• Supports the District’s Mission and exhibits the organizational values of accountability, communication, connected to community, team oriented and integrity.
• Assists all other Park District employees and departments when needed.
• Completes all additional duties as prescribed by management.

Supervisory Responsibilities – This position directly supervises five full-time Park Services and Zoo Department staff including the Facility Maintenance and Construction Supervisor, Park Grounds Supervisor, Fleet Supervisor, Zoo Animal and Park Curator, and Manager of Interpretation and Recreation Services. This position indirectly supervises all Park Services and Zoo Department full-time, part-time and seasonal staff. This position also shares supervision of the full-time Departmental Executive Assistant with the Executive Director and the Golf Course Superintendent.

Marginal Functions/Responsibilities

• Assists at Dundee Township Park District special events as required.
• Serve on District committees or teams as assigned.
• On behalf of the District, present information pertaining to the Parks Services Department to the Park Board, Staff and other public agencies and groups.

Communication & Customer Service

• Develops and maintains positive and effective working relationship with coworkers and to promote and maintain high morale and enthusiasm.
• Provides excellent customer service to both internal and external customers.
• Communicates matters of importance in a timely manner.
• Makes recommendations to management for improvements and efficiencies.
• Employee represents the Dundee Township Park District in a professional manner.

Safety & Risk Management

• Maintains a working knowledge of all general agency and department‑specific safety rules.
• Uses material handling equipment or staff assistance when lifting and/or moving objects 50 pounds or heavier.
• Reports any work-related injuries to supervisor promptly.
• Attends required safety program and in‑service education meetings.
• Corrects unsafe conditions, if possible, alerts co-workers to potential unsafe conditions and/or reports them to supervisor.
• Instructs co-workers, when necessary on safety procedures or precautions.

Must be able to use personal protective equipment based on job specific tasks, which may include, but is not limited to, the following:

• Safety goggles/glasses
• Earplugs, ear covers
• Appropriate work boots
• Protective gloves
• Helmets/hard hats
• Respirator
• Masks

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in park maintenance, forestry, horticulture, recreation or related field.
• Experience: Five years experience at a department head level in park maintenance or related field. Must demonstrate knowledge in the areas of construction, turn management, horticulture, maintenance, equipment, budgeting, HVAC, park design, and athletic field maintenance. Knowledge and history working with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Experience in preparing and administering grant applications and programs.
• Licensures: CDL driver’s license, Illinois Pesticide Applicator License turf/ornamentals highly desired.
• Certifications and/or Memberships: Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI certification), CPRP highly desired.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Good physical condition, sufficient strength, and mobility required.
• Mechanical aptitude required, including the use of tools, equipment, and machinery.
• Reading, writing, speaking and understanding English language.
• Ability to speak and understand Spanish strongly preferred.
• Knowledge and skills in technology, or the ability to learn.
• Ability to learn additional software and systems required for business transactions.
• Possess good problem solving skills and has capacity to act rationally and calmly in high stress and/or emergency situations.
• Ability to work a varied schedule including some nights and weekends as required.
• Ability to pay meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to execute the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Hours Standards

This is a full-time exempt position.

• Standard workweek is Monday through Friday, 40 plus hours per week.
• Work hours are core business hours, but can require early mornings or evenings.
• Weekend or holiday hours are required as well as extended hours as needed.
• Available to take calls during non-business hours. Respond to agency emergencies.