Job summary

The Park & Tree Superintendent is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and overseeing the daily operations of park grounds, landscapes, trees, and recreational facility maintenance programs. This position supervises Park & Tree Maintenance Technicians and seasonal staff, coordinates maintenance and improvement projects, and ensures parks and public recreation facilities are safe, attractive, well-maintained, and fully operational for public use. Responsibilities include personnel supervision, contract and vendor coordination, grounds and facility inspections, equipment, regulatory compliance, and customer service. Work is performed under general direction and requires independent judgment, leadership, technical expertise, and effective decision-making. The employee may be required to respond to emergencies, storm events, and other situations outside normal working hours to ensure the safety and functionality of park facilities and grounds.

Essential duties and responsibilities

-Plans, organizes, schedules, and supervises the daily work activities of Park & Tree Maintenance Technicians and seasonal/temporary grounds staff

-Assigns and inspects work; trains staff on proper landscaping, turf care, irrigation, equipment operation, and safety procedures; evaluates employee performance.

-Develops and implements maintenance schedules and quality standards for park grounds, landscaped areas, nature trails, and facilities.

-Oversee turf management, irrigation systems, tree care, and landscape/horticultural programs across all parks; determines fertilization, pest control, and mowing schedules.

-Plans and coordinates repair, renovation, and construction projects at park facilities, including plumbing, electrical, carpentry, playground equipment, and fencing.

-Manages inventory and preventive maintenance of tools, vehicles, and grounds care machinery (trucks, tractors, mowers, sprayers, and related equipment), coordinates repairs and replacement.

-Assists in preparing and monitoring the parks and grounds maintenance budget; recommends equipment, staffing, and capital improvement needs.

-Ensures crew compliance with safety regulations, OSHA standards, and applicable pesticide/herbicide application laws; maintains required licenses and safety training records.

-Oversees event set-up and tear-down and opening/closing of park facilities.

-Conducts regular inspections of parks, grounds, and facilities; documents deficiencies, hazards, or needed improvements and coordinates corrective action.

-Responds to and resolves citizen inquiries and complaints regarding park conditions, in coordination with the Project Manager.

-Assists with hiring, onboarding, training, and, when necessary, disciplinary action for ground maintenance staff, in coordination with the Project Manager and Human Resources.

-Maintains accurate records of maintenance activities, chemical applications, staff time, and equipment usage; prepares reports as requested.

-Available for emergency response outside normal working hours (storm damage, vandalism, irrigation, or facility failures).

-Perform other duties as assigned to support organizational objectives.

Qualifications and requirements                                                                                                                                           

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function. The requirements

listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Knowledge of:

Principles and practices of parks, grounds, landscape, and recreational facility maintenance.

Turf management, horticulture, arboriculture, irrigation systems, and landscape maintenance techniques.

Methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in grounds, tree, and facility maintenance operations.

Basic principles of plumbing, electrical, carpentry, playground maintenance, and facility repair.

Supervisory practices, employee training methods, performance management, and workforce development.

Inventory control, equipment management, and resource planning.

Federal, state, and local safety regulations, including OSHA standards and pesticide/herbicide application requirements.

Safe operation and preventive maintenance of grounds maintenance vehicles and equipment.

Ability to:

Plan, organize, assign, and supervise the work of maintenance staff in an efficient and effective manner.

Develop maintenance schedules, establish work priorities, and monitor project completion.

Inspect park grounds, facilities, equipment, and infrastructure and identify maintenance, repair, and safety needs.

Train, motivate, evaluate, and lead employees while promoting a culture of safety and accountability.

Interpret and apply departmental policies, safety regulations, and operational procedures.

Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with employees, contractors, citizens, and management.

Respond professionally to citizen concerns, complaints, and service requests.

Prepare reports, maintain records, and document maintenance activities, inspections, and operational needs.

Operate computer and standard office software applications.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, contractors, vendors, public officials, and members of the public.

Work independently, exercise sound judgment, and make decisions consistent with organizational goals and public safety requirements.

Experience & Training and License/Certificate:

High school diploma or GED required. Associate's degree or bachelor’s degree in Parks & Recreation Management, Horticulture, Turf Management, Landscape Management, Public Administration, or a closely related field preferred.

Minimum of three (3) years of experience in parks, grounds, landscape, tree, or facilities maintenance, including at least one (1) year in a lead or supervisory role.

Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia Driver's License.

Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) certification preferred, or the ability to obtain certification within a specified probationary period.

Demonstrated experience with landscape management, irrigation systems, grounds equipment operation, budgeting, staff supervision, and safety compliance.

Must be available to respond to emergencies, storm events, facility failures, and other operational needs outside normal working hours.