Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Park Supervisor

🎯 Role Definition

As a Park Supervisor, you are the hands-on leader and steward of our community's public green spaces. You will be responsible for the day-to-day management of park operations, including the supervision of maintenance staff, the meticulous upkeep of facilities and landscapes, and ensuring a superior visitor experience. This pivotal role blends strong leadership, technical expertise in horticulture and groundskeeping, and a genuine passion for public service to create and maintain vibrant, safe, and accessible community assets for generations to come.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Lead Park Ranger
Senior Grounds-keeper / Parks Maintenance Worker
Horticulture Technician

Advancement To:

Parks Manager
Superintendent of Parks
Director of Parks and Recreation

Lateral Moves:

Recreation Supervisor
Facilities Supervisor
Public Works Foreman

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Direct, supervise, and evaluate the performance of full-time, part-time, and seasonal park maintenance staff, providing ongoing training, coaching, and disciplinary action as required.
Develop, prioritize, and assign daily work schedules and long-term maintenance plans to ensure efficient use of personnel, resources, and equipment.
Oversee the comprehensive maintenance and care of park grounds, including turf management, athletic field preparation, mowing, fertilizing, and aeration.
Manage all horticultural activities, such as planting, pruning, watering, and pest/disease control for flower beds, shrubs, and trees to maintain park aesthetics.
Conduct regular and thorough inspections of all park facilities, including playgrounds, restrooms, shelters, trails, and benches, to identify and address safety hazards and repair needs promptly.
Supervise and participate in the operation of a wide range of light and heavy equipment, such as mowers, tractors, backhoes, and trucks, ensuring proper use and adherence to safety protocols.
Develop and implement a preventative maintenance program for all park equipment, vehicles, and tools to maximize lifespan and minimize downtime.
Enforce park rules, regulations, and ordinances in a firm but courteous manner to ensure public safety and enjoyment.
Manage the procurement of supplies, materials, and equipment, including preparing specifications, obtaining quotes, and processing purchase orders.
Maintain a detailed inventory of all tools, equipment, and supplies, implementing controls to prevent loss or misuse.
Respond to and resolve public inquiries, concerns, and complaints regarding park conditions or staff with professionalism and tact.
Coordinate and oversee the work of external contractors and vendors for specialized repairs or construction projects within the parks.
Ensure all operations comply with federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including OSHA safety standards and environmental guidelines.
Prepare and maintain accurate, detailed records and reports on work activities, incidents, equipment usage, and project progress.
Champion and implement sustainable park management practices, including water conservation, integrated pest management, and recycling programs.
Plan and supervise preparations for special events, community functions, and athletic tournaments held within the park system.
Perform hands-on maintenance and repair tasks alongside staff as needed, leading by example to foster a collaborative team environment.
Administer first aid and coordinate with emergency services in response to accidents or medical incidents within the parks.
Develop and conduct safety training sessions for staff on topics such as equipment operation, chemical handling, and emergency procedures.
Assist in the development and management of the park's operational and capital improvement budgets, monitoring expenditures and justifying variances.
Evaluate park amenities and infrastructure to provide recommendations for future upgrades, renovations, and new development projects.

Secondary Functions

Assist in the development and administration of the divisional budget, monitoring expenditures and making recommendations for capital improvement projects.
Collaborate with community groups, volunteers, and other departments to coordinate special events, park clean-up days, and community planting projects.
Respond to public inquiries and complaints regarding park conditions or staff in a timely and professional manner, seeking effective resolutions.
Maintain accurate records of daily work activities, equipment usage, safety incidents, and inventory of supplies and materials.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Horticulture & Arboriculture Knowledge: Deep understanding of plant health, soil science, turf management, and proper pruning techniques.
Heavy Equipment Operation: Proficiency in operating mowers, tractors, front-end loaders, backhoes, and other grounds maintenance equipment.
Budget Management & Administration: Experience with tracking expenses, forecasting needs, and participating in the budget creation process.
Irrigation System Management: Knowledge of the installation, maintenance, repair, and programming of automated irrigation systems.
Safety Compliance (OSHA): Familiarity with workplace safety standards, hazard identification, and risk mitigation procedures.
Project Management: Ability to plan, execute, and oversee small to medium-sized park improvement or repair projects.
Computer Proficiency: Competency with MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and work order or asset management software.

Soft Skills

Leadership & Team Supervision: Proven ability to mentor, motivate, and manage a diverse team to achieve high standards of performance.
Effective Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication for interacting with staff, the public, and other officials.
Problem-Solving & Decision-Making: Strong analytical skills to identify issues, evaluate solutions, and make sound, timely decisions under pressure.
Customer Service & Public Relations: A commitment to providing excellent service and positively representing the organization to the community.
Conflict Resolution: The ability to de-escalate situations and mediate disputes between park users or staff members effectively.
Time Management & Organization: Exceptional ability to prioritize competing tasks, manage deadlines, and maintain organized operations.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED, supplemented by vocational coursework or certifications in a relevant field.

Preferred Education:

Associate's or Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Parks and Recreation Management
Horticulture or Landscape Architecture
Public Administration
Forestry or Environmental Science

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3-5 years of progressively responsible experience in park maintenance, public works, groundskeeping, or a closely related field, including at least 1-2 years in a supervisory or lead worker capacity.

Preferred:

Experience working within a municipal or public-sector parks system.
Possession of specialized certifications such as Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI), a state-issued pesticide/herbicide applicator's license, or an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist credential.
Valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
First Aid/CPR/AED certification.