Parks Manager

City of Davis

DEFINITION
 
Under general direction, plans, organizes, oversees, coordinates, and manages the staff and operations of the Parks Division; including planning and maintenance operations for City parks, athletic fields, greenbelts and streetscapes, and associated facilities; oversee and inspect the work of contractors engaged in landscape maintenance for the City; coordinate the design, review, and implementation of park renovation projects; plans, implements and monitors the City’s parks capital improvement program; provides complex and responsible support to the Parks and Community Services Director in the areas of expertise; and performs related work as required.  
 
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
 
Receives general direction from the Parks and Community Services Director or Assistant Director. Exercises direct supervision over supervisory and maintenance personnel.
 
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
 
This is a management classification responsible for planning, organizing, and managing the staff, operations, and activities of the Parks Division. Incumbents are responsible for performing diverse, specialized, and complex work involving significant accountability and decision-making responsibilities, which include division budget administration, program evaluation, and recommendation and implementation of policies, procedures, goals, objectives, priorities, operational needs and standards related to the modification, maintenance, repair, and operation of the City's parks, fields and landscapes. Incumbents serve as a professional-level resource for organizational, managerial, and operational analyses and studies. Performance of the work requires the use of considerable independence, initiative, and discretion within broad guidelinesExamples of Typical Job Functions (Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
 

• Plans, manages, and oversees the daily functions, operations, and activities of the park maintenance and irrigation program.
• Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the division; recommends within division policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
• Participates in the development, administration, and oversight of division budget; determines funding needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; prepares specifications and recommendations for the requisition of equipment and supplies; ensures compliance with budgeted funding; tracks, verifies, and authorizes budgetary expenditures.
• Develops and standardizes procedures and methods to improve and continuously monitor the efficiency and effectiveness of assigned programs, service delivery methods, and procedures; assesses and monitors workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities and makes recommendations for improvement.
• Maintains records of work performed, including costs of labor and materials; prepare information for use in the preparation of work plans, replacement plans, budget development and emergency response plans or reports, as needed.
• Participates in the selection of, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; works with employees to correct deficiencies; recommends and implements discipline and termination procedures.
• Develops and manages requests for proposals and bids for professional and/or contracted services; prepares scope of work and any technical specifications; evaluates proposals and recommends award; negotiates contracts; administers contracts to ensure compliance with City specifications and service quality; adheres to City purchasing policies and procedures.
• Coordinate, oversee and inspect the work of contractors related to maintenance services and minor construction and renovation services; coordinate with contractors in providing contract maintenance services and construction services.
• Identifies opportunities for improving service delivery and procedures; provides recommendations concerning process changes; reviews with appropriate management staff; implements improvements
• Prepares work programs and estimates; prepares, reviews, and authorizes related supplies and equipment purchases.
• Coordinates with landscape architects, developers, and construction firms in the development of new parks and related landscaping and facilities projects.
• Prepares and presents staff and agenda reports and other necessary correspondence related to assigned activities and services; presents reports to various commissions, committees, and boards.
• Conducts a variety of organizational and operational studies and investigations; recommends modifications to assigned programs, policies, and procedures, as appropriate.
• Serves as a liaison for assigned functions with other City departments, divisions, and outside agencies; provides staff support to commissions, committees, and task forces as necessary.
• Attends and participates in staff, safety, capital improvement project, pre-construction, and professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in water operations and integrated pest management; researches emerging products and enhancements and their applicability to City needs.
• Monitors changes in regulations and technology which may affect operations; implements policy and procedural changes after approval. 
• Receives, investigates, and responds to difficult and sensitive problems and complaints in a professional manner; identifies and reports findings and takes necessary corrective action.
• Directs the establishment and maintenance of working and official division files.
• Ensures staff compliance with City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols; monitors the training of crews in the proper use and safe operation of equipment and materials, and the accepted methods of performing maintenance and repair and related projects.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
 
Knowledge of:
 

• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Principles and practices of leadership.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• Principles and practices of developing, monitoring and management long term capital improvement programs.
• Contract specifications, bidding, administration and management.
• Principles of parks planning and design.
• Principles, practices, methods, and techniques involved in the maintenance of City parks and landscaped areas.
• Materials, methods, equipment, and tools used in parks maintenance activities.
• Principles and best management practices of Horticulture and Arboriculture.
• Drought tolerant plant identification and care methods.
• Plant pest and disease control and methods of eradication and use of chemicals including regulations governing their use and application.
• Operation and maintenance of maintenance and construction equipment.
• Purchasing policies, procedures, forms, and techniques.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, and procedures relevant to assigned areas of responsibility.
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation, and evaluation, and project management.
• Principles and practices of budget development and administration.
• Organization and management practices as applied to the development, analysis, and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs of the assigned area of responsibility. 
• Principles and practices of contract administration and management.
• Mathematical principles.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping.
• Methods of estimating time, labor, materials, and equipment necessary to perform assigned work.
• Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• Recent and ongoing developments, current literature, and sources of information related to the operations of the assigned program.
• Methods and techniques of preparing technical and administrative reports, and general business correspondence.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

 
Ability to:
 

• Plan, organize, oversee, and manage the staff and operations of the Parks Division.
• Develop and implement goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.  
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Provide administrative, management and professional leadership for the division.
• Identify problems, research and analyze relevant information, and develop and present recommendations and justification for solutions.
• Plan, organize, direct, design, and evaluate maintenance programs.
• Prepare written cost estimates, reports, and statistical data.
• Promote and enforce safe work practices; organize and conduct training programs.
• Review and analyze development plans and environmental impact reports.
• Direct, lead, motivate, influence, and guide division staff towards the accomplishment of its mission and goals as a service-oriented team.
• Communicate technical information clearly and concisely to a variety of audiences, including but not limited to division staff, management, and City Council.
• Analyze operations and maintenance problems and develop and implement appropriate procedures for correction.
• Inspect work in progress and upon completion; identify areas needing improvement.
• Respond to complaints or inquiries from citizens, staff, and outside organizations.
• Read, understand, and interpret blueprints, construction drawings, plans, maps, and specifications.
• Prepare and administer large and complex budgets; allocate limited resources in a cost-effective manner; develop cost estimates for supplies and equipment.
• Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.  
• Evaluate and develop improvements in operations, procedures, policies, or methods.
• Develop, plan, and oversee installation of drought tolerant landscapes.  
• Develop specifications and contracts for minor capital projects related to parks, including all phases from planning to project construction.
• Organize, prioritize, and manage workload and timelines for self and others.
• Organize, implement, and direct multiple operational activities and projects.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Analyze, interpret, summarize, and present technical and numerical information and data in an effective manner.
• Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals; prepare effective technical staff reports.
• Effectively represent the division and the City in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, and various businesses, professional, and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with individuals.
• Direct the establishment and maintenance of a variety of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

 
Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education:

• Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in urban forestry, environmental horticulture, parks and resource management, or a related field.

 Experience:

• Six (6) years of increasingly responsible experience in the management or administration of municipal parks, or a related field, including three (3) years of supervisory responsibility.

 Licenses and Certifications:
 

• Possession of a valid California Driver’s License, to be maintained throughout employment.  
• Possession of, or ability to obtain within probationary period, a Certified Playground Safety Inspector's Certification 
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, within probationary period, Certified Irrigation Technician.
• Certification by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) as a California and Recreation Professional (CPRP) or Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) or similar certification is highly desirable. 

Physical Demands

When assigned to an office environment, must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone; ability to stand and walk between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.

When assigned to field inspection, must possess mobility to work in changing site conditions; possess the strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; to reach, twist, turn, kneel, and bend, to climb and descend ladders; and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to inspect site conditions and work in progress. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards, with exposure to hazardous materials in some site locations. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 40 pounds, or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.  

Environmental Elements

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees also work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Working Conditions

Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.