Parks Manager

RIVER TRAILS PARK DISTRICT•Prospect Heights, IL

2d•$60,000 - $70,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Parks Manager is a hands-on position responsible for the maintenance of the district’s parks, overseeing full and part-time staff, and a maintenance shop with vehicles and equipment. Provides support and communication with the Trades and Golf teams.

Requirements

Minimum of 5 years of supervisory experience in landscape maintenance or any equivalent combination of experience
Ability to prioritize, plan and delegate as well as manage others to accomplish their tasks
Good knowledge of horticulture, chemicals and fertilizers
Strong understanding of personnel management practices
Excellent (oral and written) communication and organization skills
Possession of a valid driver’s license
Proficient knowledge and experience in Microsoft Office applications
Must obtain and maintain a valid Illinois Pesticide Public Applicator’s License within 3 months of hiring.
Certification in Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), First Aid, and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) within 3 months of employment
Must possess efficient time management skills and the ability to coordinate and prioritize numerous job functions
Ability to use good safety awareness, judgment and follow policies; report potentially unsafe conditions; use equipment, following manufacturer safety instructions
Ability to exhibit sound and appropriate judgment; support and explain reasoning for decisions; include appropriate people in decision-making process; and make timely decisions
Ability to identify and resolve problems in a timely manner
Ability to follow policies and procedures
Fosters teamwork within the Parks Department and in working with the Recreation and Golf Departments.

Nice To Haves

ISA Arborist Certification
CPSI Certification
A good level of financial management and budgetary techniques

Responsibilities

Create and maintain a horticultural maintenance plan for parks encompassing Integrated Pest Management (IPM), turf management, pruning, weed control, design and installation
Create and maintain fertilization and best-practice turf management program
Oversees maintenance of the grounds at 5 schools within the River Trails Park District boundaries.
Assess tree and planting beds for safety, functionality, and aesthetics
Manage the ball field and athletic field maintenance program
Manage the irrigation program
Develops and maintains the snowplow plan; is involved with snow removal
Oversees Parks Staff personnel including recruiting, hiring, training, disciplining and evaluating.
Assigns work and supervises full-time, permanent part-time and seasonal Parks employees.
Manage crew hours and staffing based on daily and annual needs of the park district
Train the team and perform demonstrations to ensure assigned tasks are completed safely and efficiently
Maintains work and time records of maintenance employees on bi-weekly payroll sheets, including the monitoring and approval of staff off-days.
Maintains a thorough understanding of the Park District’s policies and operations.
Assists with enforcing and interpreting those policies as needed
Assists with development of Annual Departmental and Safety goals
Attends and participates in the Park Department meetings as required
Develops and maintains working relationships with all park district departments
Continues educational growth and professional memberships allowing access to outside resources and information
Monitors outside contracts related to grounds maintenance. e.g.: mowing, spraying, tree removals etc.
Maintains and services an organized workshop with the required inventory of tools, equipment and supplies.
Maintains a maintenance and replacement plan for vehicles and equipment
Oversees costs and expenditures and receives approval on purchasing items based on purchasing policy
Codes receipts with General Ledger numbers.
Assists in developing budget requirements for park maintenance operations.
Assists with capital planning, research and recommendation
Recommends equipment and supplies needed for budgeting purposes to Superintendent of Parks
Assists with the preparation of specifications for contract bids
Researches and recommends large equipment purchases.
Attends and participates in the Safety Committee meetings as an active member.
Fosters a working environment that promotes safe work habits and active participation in the agency’s risk management program
Conducts inspections of park grounds and athletic fields/courts with proprietary or integrated software
Conduct safety trainings and audits of staff
Participates in the development of departmental safety and emergency procedures
Attends required safety program and in-service education meetings
Corrects unsafe conditions and/or reports them to Safety Coordinator
Attends board meetings and prepares monthly reports as requested
Attends Special events as required
Serves on assigned internal committees as required
On call nights and weekends, as needed
Perform other duties and functions as requested