Park Maintenance Foreman

the South Dakota State Government•Madison, SD

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Park Maintenance Foreman supports the District in managing maintenance operations for Lake Herman State Park, Walkers Point Recreation Area, Lake Thompson Recreation Area, six lakeside use areas, and eight public water access sites. This position provides hands-on leadership for all facility, grounds, and infrastructure maintenance across the district. The Foreman leads and assigns work for two permanent Conservation Technicians, seasonal maintenance crews, and volunteers. Responsibilities include planning and balancing daily, weekly, monthly, annual, and long-range tasks to keep park facilities safe, functional, and well-maintained while responding to visitor needs, historic preservation requirements, aging infrastructure, and the demands of remote locations. This position oversees and implements remodels, repairs, construction projects, equipment operation, and district-wide grounds maintenance. The Foreman manages project priorities, supply purchases, equipment assignments, and crew scheduling, and ensures clear communication with the District Supervisor on progress, timelines, and emerging needs.

Requirements

Must be able to work outdoors in all types of weather and conditions.
Must be able to do manual labor including heavy lifting and strenuous physical activity at times.
Valid driver's license.
Ability to obtain Commercial Pesticide Applicators license, Wildland Fire s 130/190 and Wildland Fire red card.
Strong leadership experience in supervising maintenance crews, seasonal staff, and volunteers.
Proven ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and long-term maintenance plans.
Experience coordinating with contractors, vendors, coworkers, and the public.
A track record of training, and retaining high-quality staff.
The ability to make well-reasoned decisions related to projects, schedules, supplies, and equipment.
Adaptability to changing conditions, unexpected maintenance needs, and high-use recreation environments.
The candidate should have a strong desire to learn the Department of Game, Fish & Parks' policies, rules, and regulations, and be able to effectively teach them to volunteers, staff, and the public.
Knowledge of: plumbing; electrical systems; carpentry; HVAC; landscaping; tree care; equipment operation (including tractors, loaders, skid steers, and related attachments); familiarity with facility remodels, repairs, and new construction processes.
Skills: project planning, task delegation, and crew supervision; troubleshoot systems, and perform repair work; safely operate and maintain a variety of heavy equipment and tools; strong communication skills for interactions with staff, contractors, and park visitors; managing supply inventories, vendor selection, and purchasing decisions.
Ability to: balance short-term needs with long-range maintenance planning; assess project priorities and adjust schedules as needed; train, mentor, and support both permanent and seasonal employees; respond quickly to emergencies or unexpected maintenance situations; maintain safe working environments and ensure compliance with agency standards; safely operate and maintain a variety of heavy equipment and tools.

Responsibilities

Provides hands-on leadership for all facility, grounds, and infrastructure maintenance across the district.
Leads and assigns work for two permanent Conservation Technicians, seasonal maintenance crews, and volunteers.
Plans and balances daily, weekly, monthly, annual, and long-range tasks to keep park facilities safe, functional, and well-maintained.
Responds to visitor needs, historic preservation requirements, aging infrastructure, and the demands of remote locations.
Oversees and implements remodels, repairs, construction projects, equipment operation, and district-wide grounds maintenance.
Manages project priorities, supply purchases, equipment assignments, and crew scheduling.
Ensures clear communication with the District Supervisor on progress, timelines, and emerging needs.