Parks Manager

City of Modesto•Modesto, CA

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The City of Modesto is seeking a dynamic Parks Manager to oversee park maintenance, landscape contracts, and major events within its park system. This role collaborates with various departments and offers significant support to the Director of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhoods. The position requires five years of experience in parks or landscape operations, including two years of supervisory experience, and a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. The Parks Manager is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and coordinating the activities of the Parks Operations Division, including park maintenance, administering landscape maintenance agreements, and overseeing large events. This role also involves coordinating with other divisions and departments and providing high-level staff assistance to the Director.

Requirements

Five years of increasingly responsible experience in parks/landscape and recreational facilities operations, including two years of supervisory responsibility.
Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in landscape maintenance, parks and recreation administration, ornamental horticulture, biology, or a related field.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate and valid California driver's license.
Knowledge of principles and practices of park maintenance and operations, ballpark maintenance, horticulture, and landscape maintenance.
Knowledge of record keeping and reporting procedures, including computerized maintenance systems.
Knowledge of pertinent local, State and Federal rules, regulations, laws, and contract management.
Knowledge of office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications and databases.
Knowledge of principles and practices of budget development, implementation, and monitoring.
Knowledge of principles and practices of supervision, training, organizational management, and personnel management.
Ability to interpret and ensure project compliance with federal, state, and local laws, codes, rules, and regulations.
Ability to analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
Ability to organize, direct, and implement comprehensive programs related to assigned divisional operations.
Ability to perform the most complex work of the division.
Ability to gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion.
Ability to effectively conduct public presentations.
Ability to coordinate, prepare, and administer multiple budgets.
Ability to supervise, train, and evaluate personnel.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted during the course of work.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Ability to operate office equipment including computers, applicable software, and database applications.

Nice To Haves

Possession of a Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) certification within twelve (12) months of appointment.
A Certified Playground Safety Inspection certification issued by the National Playground Safety Institute is desirable.

Responsibilities

Plan, organize, and direct Parks Operations Division activities, including maintenance of neighborhood, community, and regional parks, Modern Woodman Field, parking lots, land/streetscape maintenance, rights of way, and other landscaped areas.
Develop and implement divisional goals, objectives, policies, and procedures.
Direct, oversee, and participate in the development of the Parks Operations Division work plan; assign work activities, projects, and programs; monitor workflow; review and evaluate work products, methods, and procedures.
Prepare the Parks Operations Division budget; assist in budget implementation; participate in forecasting additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; administer the approved budget.
Recommend personnel appointments; provide or coordinate staff training; conduct performance evaluations; implement discipline procedures as required; maintain discipline and high standards for efficient and professional operation.
Supervise the division’s safety program; coordinate and attend safety meetings; ensure adherence to safe work practices by subordinate personnel.
Inspect work sites before, during, and after completion to ensure satisfactory and thorough work; inspect work completed by outside contractors.
Negotiate, manage, and oversee complex operational and maintenance services agreements and maintain liaison with contractors; prepare and review cost estimates for proposed work and recommend final acceptance of completed work.
Manage automated management information systems and programs; serve as administrator for the City-wide Department of Motor Vehicle employer testing program.
Manage water usage and monitor backflow prevention devices in a complex park system.
Receive, investigate, and respond to citizen requests, suggestions, and complaints; manage large and complex special events.
Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.
Represent the division and department to outside agencies and organizations; participate in outside community and professional groups and committees; provide technical assistance as necessary.
Research and prepare technical and administrative reports; prepare written correspondence.
Perform related duties as assigned.