Division Chief Park Maintenance

About the Role

The City of Alexandria is seeking a Division Chief of Park Maintenance for Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities (RPCA). The City of Alexandria’s parks are among our community’s greatest assets, and the Division Chief will play a critical leadership role in shaping the experience of park visitors.

A Message from the Director: The City of Alexandria’s parks are where families gather, children play, neighbors connect, and residents experience the quality of life that defines our city. Every park, trail, athletic field, playground, and green space represents our commitment to public service, and every visitor should leave with confidence that their park is safe, clean, welcoming, and exceptionally maintained.

About Us

The City of Alexandria’s Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities (RPCA) plays a vital role in shaping the quality of life, health, and character of our community. With more than 900 acres of parkland, 100 parks and open spaces, and over 30 recreation, nature, and cultural facilities, RPCA delivers programs and services that connect people to each other and to the world around them.

The Department’s mission is to create meaningful experiences that inspire community, foster creativity, and enhance quality of life for everyone. The Department’s vision is to have Alexandria as a vibrant, connected, and thriving community where every resident feels a sense of belonging.

Responsibilities

• Establish clear maintenance standards and daily operational expectations for all park maintenance crews, supervisors, and managers.
• Ensure parks, athletic fields, playgrounds, trails, natural areas, landscaped spaces, and public amenities are maintained to a premier standard.
• Develop and implement comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all maintenance functions.
• Implement a proactive inspection and quality assurance program.
• Establish measurable Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and operational dashboards to monitor park conditions.
• Oversee the daily operations of maintenance districts, maintenance shops, fleet and equipment, material inventories, and operational support functions.
• Develop preventive maintenance schedules for equipment, fleet, facilities, irrigation systems, athletic field assets, playgrounds, and other critical infrastructure.
• Promote operational readiness by ensuring crews are properly trained, equipped, and prepared to respond to emergencies.
• Foster a culture where supervisors and employees routinely identify opportunities to improve operations.
• Conduct regular field visits to observe operations firsthand, mentor supervisors, engage employees, verify maintenance quality, and ensure Department standards are consistently achieved.
• Collaborate with Recreation Services, Park Planning, Urban Forestry, Natural Resources, Facilities, and other City departments to ensure park operations are coordinated, responsive, and aligned with the Department’s strategic priorities.

Key Projects

• Develop and implement the Department’s Park Maintenance Standards of Care.
• Modernize Park Maintenance Operations by reviewing, updating, and implementing comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Implement a Comprehensive Park Inspection and Quality Assurance Program.
• Strengthen the Department’s Asset Management and Preventive Maintenance Program.
• Lead a Citywide Park Beautification Initiative that enhances landscaping, horticulture, tree care, cleanliness, signage, amenities, and overall park aesthetics.
• Enhance Operational Readiness and Workforce Excellence by investing in employee training, leadership development, succession planning, equipment readiness, maintenance shop operations, and performance management.
• Advance Data-Driven Decision Making and Performance Management by establishing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), service-level benchmarks, operational reporting, and customer service metrics.
• Strengthen Cross-Departmental Collaboration and Community Stewardship by working closely with Recreation Services, Park Planning, Natural Resources, Urban Forestry, ACPS, and other City departments.

Qualifications

Each member of our team is accountable for the outstanding delivery of services. You will bring your expertise on parks and recreation, employee engagement, high performing organizational culture, and change management; you will have a demonstrated ability to collaborate with employees throughout the department and City of Alexandria; your personal mission and values align with those of the organization and can analyze, synthesize and make data-informed professional recommendations.