Parks Manager Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary The Park Manager is a working manager position responsible for balancing administrative duties with active field supervision. This position is expected to routinely work alongside employees in the field, observe work in progress, verify quality of work, ensure compliance with safety standards, and provide leadership through direct involvement in daily operations. Duties include supervising staff, managing budgets, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and overseeing and executing park operations.

The Parks Manager is also responsible for building maintenance and mowing at other city facilities outside of the parks department. This position will also work with staff and other community stakeholders to plan, organize, and execute community events; and manages the Joshua Youth Sports Association (JYSA) contract to ensure compliance with established rules. Essential Job Funtions Supervise Parks personnel, volunteers, and community groups; assign work, provide training, conduct performance evaluations, and manage payroll in accordance with local, state, and federal policy guidelines.

Develop and manage the department's annual operating budget, including budget forecasting, expenditure monitoring, and capital improvement planning. Assist in developing long-range master plans for parks and recreation. Manage service contracts for park maintenance and recreational programming.

Manage the Joshua Youth Association (JYA) contract, ensuring the association adheres to established rules and regulations. Conduct an annual contract review with City administration and the Park Board. Develop preventive maintenance schedules for parks, playgrounds, irrigation systems, buildings, and equipment.

Manage, oversee, and participate in the maintenance, repair, and upkeep of parks, buildings, amenities, and equipment. Manage, oversee, and participate in the maintenance, repair, and upkeep of all municipal facilities, including conducting monthly building inspections with an approved building representative. Maintain mowing, landscaping, and grounds maintenance at designated City facilities to ensure a clean, safe, and well-maintained appearance.

Work with professional services to design and implement park improvements, including irrigation systems, picnic areas, playgrounds, and other park amenities as approved. Operate light and heavy equipment, including backhoes, front-end loaders, tractors, trenchers, bucket trucks, and dump trucks, as necessary to support departmental operations. Perform and oversee herbicide and pesticide applications in compliance with Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) regulations.

Conduct pond maintenance, including chemical treatments and dredging, in compliance with TDA regulations. Conduct routine inspections of completed maintenance work. Conduct and document monthly playground inspections to ensure compliance with applicable safety standards.

Develop and maintain standardized inspection forms and inspection logs for playgrounds, parks, irrigation systems, buildings, equipment, vehicles, and other departmental assets. Ensure records are accurate and retained in accordance with City record retention requirements. Conduct periodic audits of departmental records, equipment inventories, and safety documentation.

Establish and enforce department policies and standards to maintain compliance with safety regulations. Develop, implement, maintain, and periodically update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all Parks Department operations, including maintenance, inspections, equipment operation, chemical applications, facility maintenance, vehicle inspections, shop operations, safety practices, and emergency response procedures. Ensure all employees are trained on and adhere to established SOPs.

Ensure all employees maintain required licenses, certifications, and training applicable to their assigned duties. Immediately report any lapse, suspension, expiration, or revocation of required licenses or certifications to the Assistant City Manager and ensure corrective action is taken. Ensure compliance with City policies, OSHA requirements, Texas Department of Agriculture regulations, and all other applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

Work closely with City staff, volunteers, and community stakeholders to plan, organize, and execute community events, including Movies in the Park, Fourth of July celebrations, the Annual Kid Trout Fishing Event, and other joint initiatives. Attend and represent the department at City Council meetings, Park Board meetings, and professional association events. Respond to citizen and City Council concerns by providing professional recommendations, information, and presentations as needed.

Communicate effectively with residents, customers, vendors, contractors, and City staff in person, by telephone, and through written correspondence. Participate in rotating on-call duty for weekend coverage of City parks, recreation facilities, and emergency conditions. Work holidays, evenings, weekends, and after-hours emergency call-outs as required.

Maintain regular attendance and punctuality. Perform other duties as assigned. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge Knowledge of park maintenance, landscaping, arboriculture, horticulture, irrigation systems, and municipal facility maintenance.

Knowledge of parks and recreation operations, playground safety standards, and preventive maintenance programs. Knowledge of construction methods, equipment operation, asset management, and inspection practices. Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, OSHA standards, Texas Department of Agriculture regulations, and City policies.

Knowledge of contract administration, purchasing practices, and municipal budgeting. Skills Skill in supervising, training, evaluating, and motivating employees. Skill in budget development, expenditure monitoring, and financial planning.

Skill in planning, organizing, and coordinating multiple projects and priorities. Skill in operating computers and Microsoft Office Suite; ability to learn departmental software systems. Abilities Ability to develop and implement departmental policies, SOPs, inspection programs, and safety protocols.

Ability to interpret blueprints, maps, technical manuals, contracts, and construction documents. Ability to communicate effectively with elected officials, staff, contractors, and the public. Ability to analyze problems, exercise sound judgment, and implement effective solutions.

Ability to respond to emergencies and manage departmental operations during after-hours events. Preferred Education, Experience, and Certifications EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND CERTIFICATIONS Bachelor's degree in Recreation Management, Parks and Recreation, or a related field preferred. Minimum of six (6) years of experience in Parks and Recreation services, with at least one (1) year in a supervisory role.

Commercial Pesticide Applicator License through the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) or ability to obtain one within twelve (12) months. Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) or ability to obtain one within twelve (12) months. Must possess a valid Texas driver's license with a good driving record.

Must pass a pre-employment drug test, background check, and MVR check. Must be eligible for bonding under the City's public employee and fidelity bond coverage. PHYSICAL AND NON-PHYSICAL DEMANDS This role involves a combination of indoor and outdoor work in various weather conditions.

The Parks Manager must frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, and lift up to 100 lbs., with the ability to push or pull up to 100 lbs. of maintenance tools and equipment. Duties may require manual dexterity for operating machinery and handling small tools

This position requires the ability to multitask, manage time-sensitive projects, and handle stressful situations professionally. The Parks Manager must be adaptable to frequent task changes and capable of responding to emergency situations as needed. Work may involve exposure to hazardous materials, loud environments, and physical risks from heavy equipment.

WORKING CONDITIONS & SAFETY REQUIREMENTS Work is primarily outdoors, with exposure to extreme heat, cold, hazardous chemicals, and wildlife. Safety hazards include equipment-related risks, exposure to herbicides and pesticides, and encounters with stinging or biting insects. Employees must adhere to all safety protocols and wear protective equipment as required.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED Office equipment (computer, phone, fax, copier, printer, scanner). Park maintenance equipment, including mowers, trimmers, tractors, backhoes, skid-loaders, tillers, aerators, chippers, and chainsaws. Hand and power tools required for construction, landscaping, and facility maintenance.

OTHER IMPORTANT DUTIES This position requires strong reading, writing, and mathematical skills to interpret project specifications, plans, and reports while ensuring compliance with state and local regulations. The Parks Manager must be a self-starter, capable of working independently while maintaining compliance with city policies and safety standards. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and other specialized software is essential for managing work orders, records, and department communications.

Strong customer service and interpersonal skills are necessary to work effectively with citizens, city personnel, vendors, and contractors. The Parks Manager may also be responsible for budget recommendations, resource allocation, and implementing procedural improvements to enhance the efficiency of park operations.