Park Operations Director

The Trail Conservancy • Austin, TX

1d • $90,000 - $95,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Trail Conservancy is entering an important period of growth, guided by an ambitious 2026–2031 strategic plan. The Park Operations Director (POD) will help translate that vision into the systems, standards, and stewardship practices that keep the Trail safe, welcoming, and resilient. Reporting to the Chief of Park Operations (CPO) and serving on TTC’s Leadership Team, the POD leads day-to-day park operations across 300 acres, including staff management, work planning, operational systems, and implementation of the Park Operations and Maintenance Agreement (POMA). While the CPO establishes departmental strategy, external relationships, and long-range direction, the POD translates that vision into actionable operating plans, staffing models, and high-quality execution. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who enjoys developing teams, improving processes, solving complex operational challenges, and collaborating across the organization and with public partners.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Park Management, Landscape Architecture, Horticulture, Forestry, Turfgrass, Natural Resources, Construction Management, or related field.
• 7 years of progressively responsible experience in park operations, grounds, facilities management, natural resources, landscape management, or a related field, including at least 5 years leading multiple teams, contractors, and budgets.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex field operations, including staff, contractors, budgets, schedules, equipment, and competing priorities.
• Working knowledge of urban park operations and relevant areas such as horticulture, irrigation, tree care, ecological restoration, facilities, equipment, or park infrastructure.
• Strong organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills, including experience improving operational processes, standards, work plans, and systems.
• Ability to build productive relationships and communicate effectively with staff, colleagues, contractors, public agencies, and community partners.
• Experience leveraging technology and data to support operations, including work order systems, asset management, ArcGIS, and standard office software.
• Ability to frequently lift up to 50 pounds and work regularly in outdoor park environments under varying Central Texas weather conditions (heat, humidity, sun, rain), traverse uneven terrain, and participate in field-based operational activities, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to operate and train staff on utility vehicles, tractors, mowers, and other landscape equipment.
• Texas Pesticide Applicator and Playground Safety Inspector or ability to obtain within 12 months.
• Valid driver's license and ability to meet TTC driving requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Spanish language proficiency preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop high-performing Restoration and Grounds teams through effective hiring, onboarding, goal setting, coaching, performance management, and workforce planning.
• Establish clear expectations, roles, and accountability for staff while fostering a culture grounded in collaboration, safety, respect, continuous learning, and high-quality work.
• Translate maintenance standards and seasonal priorities into efficient work plans, schedules, and staffing assignments.
• Identify training, cross-training, and professional development needs that strengthen individual performance and build long-term team capacity.
• Direct day-to-day operations across approximately 300 acres of parkland, ensuring high performance and safety standards and for landscape management, ecological restoration, and field operations.
• Oversee field operations related to horticulture, forestry, irrigation, ecological restoration, park infrastructure, and related technical services.
• Proactively assess landscapes, infrastructure, facilities, restoration, and maintenance needs with staff, designers, consultants, contractors, and partners to develop and implement solutions.
• Procure, coordinate, and evaluate vendors and contractors to ensure quality, safety, schedule, and contractual performance.
• Routinely partner with the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department (APR) operations on restroom care, tree care, irrigation, trash management, and other operations as appropriate.
• Use GIS, work order systems, and operational data to track efforts, prioritize work, and execute park programs in accordance with the Park Operations and Maintenance Agreement (POMA).
• Develop, document, implement, and continually improve operating protocols, maintenance standards, inspection practices, workflows, and performance measures.
• Oversee preventive maintenance, inventory, lifecycle management, and replacement planning for operations facilities, tools, equipment, vehicles, and other assets.
• Maintain a proactive safety culture and ensure timely training, identification, documentation, escalation, and correction of operational risks.
• Ensure Park Operations activities comply with applicable organizational policies, environmental requirements, permits, and regulations.
• Develop and manage annual Park Operations budgets; monitor expenditures, forecast needs, and provide recommendations to the Chief of Park Operations for departmental planning and budgeting.
• Coordinate operational support for environmental programs, special events, and other cross-departmental events without compromising baseline park care standards.
• Review capital project plans and construction documents and provide operational input on maintenance feasibility, staffing, equipment, lifecycle costs, and long-term park stewardship.
• Build effective working relationships across TTC and with public agencies, contractors, consultants, community partners, and other stakeholders whose work affects park operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of TTC's mission.

Benefits

• Health Insurance (100% coverage for employee’s medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) eligibility + up to 2% match with vesting period
• 120 hours of paid time off
• 11 paid holidays
• TTC’s annual office closure between December 25 and New Year’s Day

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager