Parks Operation Manager
Department of Parks & Recreation
Full Time, 12 Months
Exempt, Pay Grade 35
Benefits Eligible, VRS Eligible
Job Summary/ Objective:
Performs complex administration and technical expertise in directing activities of the maintenance division to promote and foster a positive, safe, and inclusive environment. Requires independent judgment, decision making, creative thinking, innovation, in the performance of job duties.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Essential Functions:
- Develops a comprehensive maintenance program, using Best Maintenance Management Practices, ensuring public safety and care of all park facilities, greenways, recreational trails, athletic fields, playgrounds, natural, cultural and historical resources, and environmental stewardship on all County, City/County owned, and school properties.
- Responds to internal and external customer questions, needs and concerns related to department operation and initiates problem resolution.
- Develops and administers the department's annual operating and Capital budgets; provides budgetary analysis on all budgets; approves and monitors expenditures in accordance with approved budgets and procurement guidelines. Coordinates, supervises, and communicates departmental responsibilities in collaboration with the County Executiveโs Office and other department Directors during events that are deemed essential.
- Develops recruitment strategies to aid in the hiring, training, and retention of park personnel.
- Manages County wide special events on park property, manages property leases agreements, serves as department representative on the safety risk and reduction team.
- Performs administrative and accounting duties, e.g., purchases new equipment, materials, and supplies, generates, and submits reports and documentation, assists with grant preparation; manages time and attendance of department personnel.
- Serves as project manager for Capital Improvement Projects, coordinates preparation and management of bid packages and construction and repair contracts. Manages the work of private contractors and volunteer groups involved in park improvement projects, prepares and maintains project records, prepares project cost estimates, conducts productivity studies and computation of data involving Park repairs and maintenance; consults with contractors to ensure safety, cost effectiveness, aesthetics, and compliance with, local, state and federal codes and policies.
- Schedules, coordinates, and documents monthly/quarterly water samples, as required by Virginia Department of Health and the Department of Drinking Water, for all County owned private waterworks systems. Manages and documents safety inspection reports for all County, and City/County jointly owned park facilities.
Competency: Knowledge/ Skills/Abilities:
- Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of park operations, project management and security;
- Thorough knowledge of the custodial care and maintenance of public buildings, grounds, athletic fields, and related facilities;
- Thorough knowledge of the local, state and federal laws governing park operations; ability to plan and supervise progress;
- Utilizes computer software programs such as Excel, Word, SharePoint, PowerPoint, and Outlook;
- Excellent verbal, written, communication and problem-solving skills;
- Critical thinking;
- Prepare, maintain, and coordinate accurate maintenance, inspection, and service records for all Parks and Facilities;
- Analyze and compile information to make decisions
- Handle a high level of responsibility in managing the operation of the Maintenance Division
Required Education and Experience:
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Parks Administration, Civil Engineering, Project Management, Forestry, Turf Management, Landscape Architecture or comparable education and experience.
- At least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in the Parks and Recreation field,
- a minimum of 5 years at a supervisory level;
- or any equivalent combination of acceptable education and experience providing the knowledge, abilities, and skills cited above.
Preferred Qualifications/Certifications:
- Graduation from the NRPA Maintenance Management School and the NRPA Supervisorโs Management School
- Possess and maintain:
- Virginia Commercial Pesticide Applicator license, categories 3A-3B.
- Certified Playground Safety Inspector license.
- Certified Fertilizer Applicators License
- VA Commercial Driver's License Class A
Physical and Mental Requirements:
- Work is typically performed in an office environment but also in the field setting.
- Work occasionally includes climbing, moderate lifting and the operation of power tools and equipment.
- Some exposure to injury, adverse weather, and potentially hazardous substances.
- Regular contact with other internal organizations, outside organizations and the general public.
Remote Work:
- This position is not eligible for remote work. All County staff must maintain residence within the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Salary Range:
The hiring range for this position is $41.64 - $46.03 per hour, which is approximately $86,615.30 - $95,732.70 annually. Starting offer is based on applicable education beyond minimum requirements and internal equity. The position also provides excellent benefits including 12 paid holidays, paid vacation and sick leave, health insurance options with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, VRS retirement, and continuing education/training opportunities. This is a full time, FLSA non-exempt position. Internal candidates will receive pay adjustments in accordance with Local Government Personnel Policy, ยงP-60.
Deadline for Applications: Position open until June 25th, 2026
Albemarle County Core Values:
- Albemarle County holds its employees to the highest standards in fulfilling the Countyโs Vision and Mission. We believe in excellence in public service through:
- Community: We expect diversity, equity, and inclusion to be integrated into how we live our mission.
- Integrity: We value our customers and co-workers by always providing honest and fair treatment.
- Innovation: We embrace creativity and positive change.
- Stewardship: We honor our role as stewards of the public trust by managing our natural, human, and financial resources respectfully and responsibly.
- Learning: We encourage and support lifelong learning and personal and professional growth.
Virginia Values Veterans
Albemarle County is a Certified V3 organization.
EOE/EEO:
Albemarle County is an equal employment opportunity employer, and does not discriminate against any group or individual on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age or disability in regards to any aspect of employment policy and practice: recruitment, testing, selection, assignment, pay, conditions of work, training, leave, overtime, promotion, discipline, demotion, and separation.