Parks Grounds Manager (Operations Maintenance Division/Parks and Recreation Department)

Minimum Qualifications
Education and/or Equivalent Experience:

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Parks and Recreation Administration, Education, Horticulture, Parks Management, or other related field and five (5) years experience in an area related to grounds keeping or general labor services, at least two (2) of which were in a supervisory capacity.
• Experience may substitute for the education up to the maximum of four (4) years

Licenses or Certifications:

• If required to occasionally operate vehicles, must possess the appropriate Texas Operator’s and/or Commercial Driver’s License for those vehicles.

Notes to Applicants

The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department ( PARD ) provides, protects and preserves a park system that promotes quality recreational, cultural and outdoor experiences for the Austin community. Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more! Click HERE for more information.

The purpose of this Parks Grounds Manager position will be to provide manager oversight for Parks and Recreation Department ( PARD ) Citywide Maintenance Services. This position will direct the activities of Graffiti, Playgrounds, and Horticulture wok units. This position will also develop and implement programs and standard operating procedures for maintenance, ensuring compliance with local, State, and Federal Laws.

Application Instructions/Job Requirements:

• Application: A detailed, complete application is required, and applicants must include on their Employment Record all experience (work and/or volunteer) related to this job posting - up to 10 years or more; this will be used to determine your base compensation. Employment Record dates must include month and year. Verification of employment history dates on resume should match online Employment Application. Statements such as “See Resume” will not be accepted and a resume alone will not be accepted in lieu of a complete online application.
• Skills Assessments: Skills assessment(s) may be required as part of the recruitment process.
• Virtual Interviews: PARD may conduct virtual interviews.
• Military/Veteran: An applicant claiming Military/Veteran status must provide a copy of his or her DD-214(s), or valid comparable document, at the time of interview.
• Driving Requirement:This position requires current possession of a Texas Class C Driver’s License or to have the ability to obtain within 90 days of employment. External New Hires must meet the City of Austin’s Driver Record Evaluation ( DRE ) requisite. To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months.
• Physical Requirements: Tasks may involve bending, lifting, walking, carrying, or using a force equal to lifting up to thirty-five (35) pounds. Work environment includes inside, and outside environmental conditions, extreme temperatures, and hazards associated with equipment operation including fumes, oils, gases, and mists. Must be physically and mentally able to communicate, respond, and work with participant’s needs and safety issues.

Other:

• Travel: If you are selected for this position and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.
• 90 Day Provision for Additional Vacancy: This posting may be used to fill other vacancies in other divisions/work locations within the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department. Decisions on assigned selection will be made at the time of hire based on the business needs of the department.
• Tobacco and Vape-Free Workplace: All PARD work site locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any PARD work site - including construction sites, parking lots, garages, or in any personal vehicles located on the premises.

Pay Range
$33.05 - $42.14 per hour.
Hours
Work/Location Schedule Notes:

• Monday - Friday: 6:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
• Work schedule and location is subject to change based on department needs and programs.
• May be required to work during city emergencies such as extreme weather events.

Job Close Date 07/31/2024 Type of Posting External Department Parks and Recreation Regular/Temporary Regular Grant Funded or Pooled Position Not Applicable Category Professional Location Central Maintenance Complex, 2525 Lakeshore Blvd Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Experience:

• Work experience managing Horticulture production and agricultural pesticides including an understanding of identifying plant pests and selecting treating options.
• Work experience conducting detailed safety checks and inspections of playground equipment and protective surfaces.
• Work experience managing Graffiti removal including an understanding of selecting treating options for all types of surfaces.
• Experience managing a large diverse workforce (40+) employees.
• Experience working with internal and external stakeholders.
  .

Preferred Licenses/Certifications:

• Current Certified Playground Safety Inspector ( CPSI ) certification, or the ability to obtain within six (6) moths of hire.
• Current State Non Commercial Political Certified Applicator License, or the ability to obtain within six (6) moths of hire.

Other:

• Ability to travel to more than one work location.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities
Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

1. Communicates section/division, projects and program information to management and others
2 Plans, organizes, directs, and controls division/section activities.
3. Develops short and long range plans.
3. Develops, revises, and ensures compliance with safety and other standard operating procedures
4. Develops and evaluates plans and criteria for a variety of projects, programs, and plans.
5. Attends meetings representing division or section.
6. Prepares and reviews reports monitoring and communicating, division or section performance results and budget.
7. Recommends major purchases and expenditures, developing specifications for product, price, and services
8. Coordinates park activities with outside contractors and various community groups.
9 Investigates customer or citizen complaints to determine validity and resolution.
10. Develops, negotiates and monitors contracts for special events
11. Obtains various permits.
12. Coordinates media coverage for PARD programs and events.
13. Solicits sponsorships from organizations for PARD programs and events

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

• Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling and recommendation for dismissal.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of park management and horticulture practices.
• Knowledge of safety practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of Federal, State and Local laws.
• Knowledge of city practice, policy and procedures.
• Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation.
• Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
• Knowledge of the applicable equipment used in the areas managed.
• Knowledge of contract development and monitoring.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in using computers and related software.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Skill in planning and organizing.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other city employees and the public.

Criminal Background Investigation This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation. EEO/ADA
The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual’s AIDS , AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.
Information For City Employees: If you are an employee within the department, are in good standing and meet both the minimum and preferred qualifications, then you will receive an initial interview.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
* This position requires graduation from an accredited four (4) year college or university with major coursework in Parks and Recreation Administration, Education, Horticulture, Parks Management, or other related field and five (5) years experience in an area related to grounds keeping or general labor services, at least two (2) of which were in a supervisory capacity. Experience may substitute for the education up to the maximum of four (4) years. Do you meet these minimum qualifications?

• Yes
• No

* This position requires a valid Texas Class C Driver License. Do you have a valid Texas Class C Driver License or, if selected for this position, do you have the ability to acquire a valid Texas Class C Driver License by your hire date?

• Yes
• No

* The City of Austin Driver Eligibility Standards require that External New Hires meet the City’s Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite. To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months. Do you meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

* This position requires a criminal background investigation (CBI). By selecting the following, you are acknowledging that you understand if you are selected as a top candidate for this position, you will need a successful CBI to be hired.

• I acknowledge and understand this position requires a Criminal Background Investigation.

* In reviewing the preferred qualifications section of this job posting, please describe in 500 words or less how you meet those preferred qualifications.
(Open Ended Question)
* In your professional work experience, what is the largest staff you have supervised?

• 1-20
• 21-40
• 41-60
• 61+

Optional & Required Documents

Required Documents Cover Letter Resume Optional Documents

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