Parks Supervisor

City of Davis

DEFINITION

Under general direction, plans, schedules, assigns, reviews, and supervises the work of staff performing maintenance and irrigation control duties at City parks and recreational facilities to ensure a safe and clean environment for residents and visitors; plans and coordinates a comprehensive design, review, and implementation program for park renovation projects; provides complex staff assistance to management staff in areas of expertise; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from assigned management personnel. Exercises direct supervision over maintenance staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is the full supervisory-level class in the Parks Maintenance series that exercises independent judgment on diverse and specialized maintenance activities at City parks and related facilities with accountability and ongoing decision-making responsibilities associated with the work.  Incumbents are responsible for planning, organizing, supervising, reviewing, and evaluating the work of staff and for providing technical support to management in a variety of areas.  Performance of the work requires the use of independence, initiative, and discretion within established guidelines.
 Examples 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, organizes, assigns, supervises, and reviews the work of parks maintenance staff in the Parks Division; trains staff in work procedures; evaluates employee performance, counsels employees, and effectively recommends initial disciplinary action; assists in selection and promotion.
• Participates in the development of goals, objectives, policies, and procedures for assigned services and programs; recommends and implements policies and procedures including standard operating procedures for assigned operations.
• Monitors activities of the parks maintenance work unit; identifies opportunities for improving service delivery and procedures; provides recommendations concerning process changes; reviews with appropriate management staff; implements improvements.
• Coordinates assigned services and operations with other divisions and outside agencies.
• Participates in annual budget preparation; identifies resource needs; prepares detailed cost estimates with appropriate justifications; monitors expenditures.
• Provides staff assistance to management; prepares and presents staff reports and other written materials; supervises the establishment and maintenance of reports, records, and files; ensures the proper documentation of operations and activities.
• Answers questions and provides information to the public; investigates and responds to complaints and inquiries from citizens, other departments, and outside agencies; recommends corrective actions to resolve issues.
• Coordinates and evaluates park maintenance work performed by private contractors to ensure contractors meet all City contracting requirements.
• Oversees the work of staff responsible for installing, maintaining, repairing and operating the City’s automated irrigation systems; ensures systems are calibrated to meet water demand and conservation measures.
• Inspects landscaped areas and project sites to evaluate work progress, resolve work problems, and determine maintenance or repair needs; directs the preparation and maintenance of athletic fields; oversees and directs the installation and maintenance of irrigation and sprinkler systems.
• Directs the planting and care of plants, trees, and shrubs, and the watering, fertilizing, and maintenance of lawn areas; directs the preparation and application of chemicals for the control and eradication of plant and lawn pests and diseases.
• Prepares requisitions for materials and supplies; maintains, repairs, and inventories parks maintenance equipment.
• Develops and maintains staff training programs, including safe equipment and pesticide use, pruning techniques, and playground safety inspections; coordinates monthly safety meetings.
• Maintains files, databases, and records related to personnel matters, training materials, and park maintenance activities; prepares a variety of written reports, memoranda, and correspondence.
• Represents the City in meetings with members of other public and private organizations, community groups, contractors, developers, and the public.
• Ensures staff observe and comply with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• 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.
• Basic principles and practices of budget administration and monitoring.
• Principles, practices, methods, techniques, and equipment used in landscape, park and facilities maintenance, and irrigation system design, installation, and construction.
• Plant pest and disease control and methods of eradication and use of chemicals including regulations regarding their use and application.
• Principles and standard practices of field facility renovation and maintenance.
• Principles and practices of constructing and maintaining athletic fields, playgrounds, and facilities.
• Operational characteristics of a central computer controlled irrigation system and associated devices including controller programming procedures.
• Principles of water conservation as it relates to water demands and operational control of the irrigation system.
• Mathematical principles.
• Methods of estimating time, cost, and equipment to perform assigned work.
• Occupational hazards, safety precautions, and safe work practices including proper use and maintenance of power tools, vehicles, and equipment including, but not limited to, mowers, backhoes, chippers, fork lifts, tractors, front end loaders, stump grinders and trenchers.
• Purchasing policies, procedures, forms, and techniques.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, and procedures relevant to assigned areas of responsibility.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping.
• 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.
• 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:
 

• Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.
• Assist in developing and implementing 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.
• Identify problems, research and analyze relevant information, and develop and present recommendations and justification for solutions.
• Perform the most complex parks, facilities, and/or irrigation maintenance work.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Prepare written cost estimates, reports, and statistical data.
• Promote and enforce safe work practices; organize and conduct training programs.
• Analyze operations and maintenance problems and develop and implement appropriate procedures for correction.
• Utilize a computerized system for monitoring and controlling irrigation systems.
• Maintain efficient and effective irrigation systems using principles of water conservation.
• 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, plans, and specifications.
• Prepare clear, effective, and accurate reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
• Maintain accurate logs, records, and written records of work performed.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural 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 completion of the twelfth (12th) grade, supplemented by specialized training in environmental horticulture, parks and landscape maintenance, or a related field.

Experience:

• Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in park operations, maintenance and construction, or a related field, including three (3) years in a supervisory or lead capacity.

Licenses and Certifications:
 

• Possession of a valid California Driver’s License, to be maintained throughout employment.
• Possession of a valid California State Pesticide Applicators Certificate, to be maintained throughout employment.
• Acquisition of a valid National Playground Inspector Certificate (NPSI) from the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) within 12 months of date of appointment to the classification, to be maintained throughout employment.
• Possession of a valid Landscape Irrigation Auditor Certificate, to be maintained throughout employment.
• Possession of a valid certification in American Red Cross CPR, First Aid and AED, to be maintained throughout employment.

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.