Parks Operations and Maintenance Manager

About the role

The Parks Operations and Maintenance Manager is a front-line management position responsible for planning, directing, and supervising field staff engaged in maintenance and repair activities across Santa Clara’s parks and facilities. The role assists the Division Manager in organizing and supervising one or more Park Maintenance sections, including Park Landscaping and Buildings, Athletic Fields, Sports Courts, Aquatic Facilities, Dog Parks, and Playgrounds. The position is part of the City’s Unclassified Service and serves at the discretion of the City Manager.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and supervise maintenance and repair activities for parks and facilities.
• Oversee construction, maintenance, and repair of landscaping, buildings, athletic fields, sports courts, aquatic facilities, dog parks, and playgrounds.
• Lead and supervise park maintenance teams, assigning and evaluating work to ensure quality and safety.
• Manage budgets and resources for park operations and improvement projects.
• Coordinate projects with internal departments and contractors, ensuring compliance with safety standards, environmental regulations, and city policies.
• Respond to service requests and community concerns regarding park conditions and facilities.
• Develop long-term plans to improve parks and recreational amenities.
• Perform related duties as assigned by the Division Manager.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate’s degree in Forestry, Horticulture, Landscape Design or Architecture, Civil Engineering, Public or Business Administration, or a related field; and
• Four (4) years of increasingly responsible experience in construction, repair, and maintenance of landscaping, swimming pools, athletic and park facilities, two (2) years of which in a supervisory capacity.

Acceptable Substitution

Graduation from high school or equivalent and additional years of increasingly responsible experience in construction, repair, and maintenance of landscaping, swimming pools, athletic parks and facilities in a supervisory capacity may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis.

Licenses/Certifications

• Valid Class C California Driver’s license at the time of hire and for the duration of employment.
• Certified Arborist Certification issued by the International Society of Arboriculture or Qualified Applicator Certificate in categories B (Landscape Maintenance), C (Right of Way), and F (Aquatic) issued by the Department of Pesticide Regulation, required within one year of appointment.
• Additional license(s) and/or certification(s) may be required by future regulation during employment.

Desirable Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Park Management, Business or Public Administration, Forestry, Horticulture, Civil Engineering, Landscape Design or Architecture, or a related field.
• Certificate of completion of the Certified Playground Safety Inspector course administered by the National Recreation and Park Association or California Parks and Recreation Society.
• Possession of an Agricultural Pest Control Adviser License.
• Certificate of Completion from the National Recreation & Parks Association, Park & Recreation Maintenance Management School, or California Parks & Recreation Pacific Southwest Maintenance Management School.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, computer software maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Public Sector Experience.

Special Conditions

• May be required to work unusual hours in shift assignments, in emergency situations, and to be on an “on-call” basis as assigned.

Pay

The annual salary range for this position is $142,750.80 – $184,752.36. This position may be filled at or near the minimum of the salary range.