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Playground Design Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

... playground games, playing games with large groups of students (100+), and modeling positive ... Design program schedule with input and support from school administration. * Communicate with ...

Playground Design information

What are common challenges faced by professionals working in playground design, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in playground design often encounter challenges such as balancing safety regulations with creative, engaging designs, accommodating diverse accessibility needs, and working within tight budget constraints. Collaborating closely with landscape architects, community stakeholders, and regulatory bodies is essential to ensure that the final playground is safe, inclusive, and enjoyable for all children. Staying updated with current safety standards and universal design principles can help address these challenges, while open communication with clients and project managers can assist in finding innovative solutions within budgetary limits.

What is the difference between Playground Design vs Playground Equipment Installer?

AspectPlayground DesignPlayground Equipment Installer
CredentialsDesign certifications, landscape architecture degreesTechnical training, safety certifications
Work EnvironmentOffice, design studios, on-site planningConstruction sites, installation locations
Industry UsagePlanning and conceptualizing playgroundsAssembling and installing equipment
Common Search IntentDesign process, planning, conceptsInstallation procedures, safety standards

Playground Design focuses on creating the overall layout, aesthetics, and safety features of playgrounds, often involving planning and design skills. Playground Equipment Installers, on the other hand, specialize in the physical setup and installation of playground equipment on-site. Both roles are essential in playground projects but differ in their focus, credentials, and work environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a playground designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Playground Designer, you need a background in landscape architecture or design, familiarity with safety standards, and knowledge of child development. Proficiency with CAD software, 3D modeling tools, and relevant certifications like CPSI (Certified Playground Safety Inspector) are typically required. Creativity, strong communication, and the ability to collaborate with clients and contractors are vital soft skills. These abilities ensure that playgrounds are not only engaging and imaginative but also safe, accessible, and compliant with regulations.

What is playground design?

Playground design is the process of planning and creating play spaces that are safe, accessible, and engaging for children of various ages and abilities. It involves selecting appropriate equipment, materials, and layouts to encourage physical activity, social interaction, and imaginative play. Designers must also consider safety standards, accessibility requirements, and community needs to ensure the playground benefits everyone. The goal is to create an inclusive environment that supports healthy child development while providing fun and creative play opportunities.
What are popular job titles related to Playground Design jobs in Indiana? For Playground Design jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Playground Design jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Playground Design jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Playground Design jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Playground Design job openings:
Infographic showing various Playground Design job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Director of Facilities

Conner Prairie Museum

Fishers, IN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Principal Function: The Director of Facilities is responsible for the management of the organization's physical spaces, overseeing maintenance operations, safety and planning for buildings, grounds and systems. This leader is responsible for providing direction and managing the various Facilities Departments including Grounds, Building and Playground maintenance, Balloon, Facilities Services, and Security. This role supports the Associate Vice President of Facilities in all facility-related functions and projects.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Duties include, but are not limited to:

  1. Manages the day-to-day operations of the Facilities Department supporting all areas, as appropriate.
  2. Manages short and long-range capital facilities design and construction projects.
  3. Collaborates with Program leadership to ensure facilities' functions are performed and staffed accordingly.
  4. Oversees outside contractors on the grounds.
  5. Ensures safety in buildings, playgrounds and grounds and mitigates risk related to all safety compliance requirements.
  6. Documents, prepares for and tracks all inspections in buildings, playground and grounds.
  7. Reviews and ensures completion of all routine maintenance requests.
  8. Collaborates with the Associate Vice President to create and manage the departmental and capital budgets.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Supervises the Support Services Manager, Grounds Manager, Maintenance Manager, Security Manager and Balloon Manager. Employee carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; scheduling and approving time worked; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Education and/or Experience: Bachelor's degree (B.A./B.S.) in facilities management, building construction, or other related field is required; or ten years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Previous experience in facilities management role is required. Previous supervisory experience is required. Previous experience working in the museum and/or entertainment park industry is desired.

Other Skills and Abilities: The following skills and abilities are either required or desired.

  • Computer software skills required include: Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Energy Management Systems.
  • A working knowledge of IDEM, OSHA, and other government regulations is required.
  • The ability to read concept designs and construction drawings is required.
  • The ability to read and understand vendor contracts and agreements is required.
  • A working knowledge of preventative maintenance programs is required.
  • A working knowledge of online work order systems is required.
  • The ability to prepare and maintain financial budgets is required.
  • The ability to operate a computer, printer, copy machine, scanner, fax machine, and other office equipment is required.
  • The ability to speak, read and write in English is required. Spanish is desired.

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty according to the requirements of the organization. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

Competencies: To perform this job successfully, all employees at Conner Prairie should demonstrate the following competencies:

  • Customer Service - Responds to requests for service and assistance; Manages difficult or emotional customer situations focusing on listening without interrupting and keeping ones emotions under control; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Maintains confidentiality and meets commitments; Remains open to others ideas and tries new things.
  • Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
  • Diversity - Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; Educates others on the value of diversity; Promotes a harassment-free environment; Builds a diverse workforce.
  • Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
  • Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; Supports organization's goals and values; Benefits organization through outside activities; Supports affirmative action and respects diversity.
  • Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
  • Quality/Quantity - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to promote and improve quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality; Meets productivity standards; Completes work in a timely manner; Strives to increase productivity and works quickly.
  • Safety/Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.
  • Attendance/Punctuality/Dependability - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and events on time; Follows instructions; Responds to management's direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternative plan.

Job-related Competencies - To perform this job successfully, employees in this job should demonstrate the following competencies:

  • Delegation - Delegates work assignments; Matches the responsibility to the person; Gives authority to work independently; Sets expectations and monitors delegated activities; Provides recognition for results.
  • Leadership - Exhibits confidence in self and others; Inspires and motivates others to perform well; Effectively influences actions and opinions of others; Accepts feedback from others; Gives appropriate recognition to others.
  • Cost Consciousness - Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; Contributes to profits and revenue; Conserves organizational resources.
  • Strategic Thinking - Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals; Understands organization's strengths & weaknesses; Analyzes market and competition; Identifies external threats and opportunities; Adapts strategy to changing conditions.
  • Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
  • Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear; and lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The employee frequently will climb or balance. The employee occasionally will sit; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; and lift and/or move more than 50 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less), distance vision (clear vision at 20 feet or more), color vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors), peripheral vision (ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or to the left and right while eyes are fixed on a given point), depth perception (three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and spatial relationships), and the ability to adjust focus (ability to adjust the eye to bring an object into sharp focus).

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently is exposed to working in outdoor weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet or humid conditions (non-weather), working near moving mechanical parts, work in high, precarious places, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme cold (non-weather), extreme heat (non-weather), risk of electrical shock, and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.

While the offices of Conner Prairie are open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, this position may require work beyond these hours and on the weekends. This job may require the ability to operate a Conner Prairie vehicle. Thus, a valid driver's license is desired.