Superintendent of Parks

Deerfield Park District • Deerfield, IL

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Deerfield Park District was formed in 1951 with a mission to provide outstanding parks, services, facilities, and recreation programs that enrich lives, promote healthy living, and provide memorable experiences. The Park District has over 25 parks and facilities including the Deerfield Golf Club, Sachs Recreation Center, Patty Turner Center, Jewett Park Community Center, Mitchell Pool and Deerspring Pool. The Park District employs an average of 300 staff with over 500 seasonally. The district maintains a modern, well-designed environment and is an IAPD/IPRA Illinois Distinguished Accredited Agency and a two-time National Gold Medal Finalist in 2021 and 2022. For additional information visit us at www.deerfieldparks.org . The Superintendent of Parks, reporting directly to the Director of Parks, is responsible for managing daily general park maintenance, special projects, and support for special events across the District. This work requires knowledge of grounds, athletic field, and playground maintenance, and includes oversight of landscaping, site restoration, snow removal operations, and the parks facility inspection program. The role directly supervises the Parks Foreman and a team of 7–12 full- and part-time maintenance employees. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a skilled maintenance team, shape capital improvement projects, and contribute to budget planning and long-range park development.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent (GED) required
• Minimum three years of progressively responsible or supervisory experience in turf and athletic field maintenance, landscape design and construction, horticulture, natural resource management, or a related field.
• Valid driver's license required
• Proficiency with Microsoft programs including Word, Teams, and Excel, with the ability to learn in-house computer applications.
• Strong understanding of grounds maintenance, safety practices, and park operations.

Nice To Haves

• BS or Associate's degree in Park Management, Landscape Architecture, Horticulture, Agriculture, or related field preferred.
• CDL license preferred.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a National Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) certification and an Illinois Dept. of Agriculture Pesticide Applicators License in turf, ornamental, and right-of-way categories.

Responsibilities

• Directly supervise, train, and evaluate full-time, part-time, and seasonal Parks Department staff, creating a positive team environment with clear expectations and consistent, professional feedback.
• Manage maintenance, landscaping, and site restoration activities, including playgrounds, athletic fields, skate park, disc golf course, sport courts, pathways, drainage, fencing, signage, ice rinks, and special events.
• Coordinate and oversee the parks facility inspection program and establish proper safety practices for each task performed.
• Manage and evaluate snow removal operations and oversee outsourced landscape maintenance contracts and service performance.
• Collaborate with the Director of Parks on annual budget preparation, cost estimates, plans and specifications for park development, and equipment purchases.
• Ensure compliance with all ADA guidelines and respond to public inquiries and complaints in a professional, timely manner.

Benefits

• Pension
• Paid days off (vacation, sick, holiday)
• medical, dental and life insurance
• free annual fitness center pass
• pool pass
• free and/or subsidized Park District activities and events for employee and family members

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED