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Playground Safety Inspector Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Playground Safety Inspector information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$37.1K

$53K

$79.3K

How much do playground safety inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for playground safety inspector in Chicago, IL is $53,006.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,200.00 and $62,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a playground safety inspector?

Playground Safety Inspectors are trained professionals responsible for evaluating playgrounds to ensure they meet safety standards and guidelines. Their work involves inspecting equipment, surfacing, and overall site conditions to identify hazards and recommend necessary repairs or improvements. By conducting regular inspections, they help to minimize the risk of injuries and create safer play environments for children. Many inspectors are certified by organizations such as the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).

What does a playground safety inspector do?

As a playground safety inspector, you inspect playground equipment and play areas to identify potential risks and hazards. These can range from a swingset in need of repairs to surface materials that are uneven or abrasive, which increases the likelihood that children may sustain cuts and scrapes. Your duties and responsibilities revolve around ensuring that playgrounds and parks comply with all applicable safety guidelines. In some roles, you recommend appropriate remediation and repair, while in others you work with a team to perform the needed work.

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

To thrive as a Playground Safety Inspector, you need a solid understanding of playground safety standards, hazard identification, and inspection procedures, usually supported by a certification such as Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI). Familiarity with inspection software, measurement tools, and regulatory guidelines is essential for accurate documentation and evaluation. Strong attention to detail, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities help inspectors effectively identify issues and work with stakeholders. These competencies are vital to ensure playgrounds remain safe, minimizing injury risks and maintaining compliance with safety regulations.

What are some common challenges faced by playground safety inspectors during site assessments?

Playground Safety Inspectors often encounter challenges such as identifying hidden hazards like deteriorating hardware or improper surfacing that may not be immediately obvious. They must also navigate varying equipment standards and modifications made by users or maintenance staff. Additionally, inspectors frequently need to balance thorough documentation with time constraints, especially when inspecting multiple sites in a day. Effective communication with facility managers and maintenance teams is essential to ensure that identified safety issues are understood and addressed promptly.

What is the difference between Playground Safety Inspector vs Playground Equipment Technician?

AspectPlayground Safety InspectorPlayground Equipment Technician
CertificationsSafety inspection certifications, such as CPSC or ASTM standardsEquipment repair and maintenance certifications, such as OSHA or manufacturer-specific training
Work EnvironmentInspecting playgrounds at schools, parks, and recreational facilitiesInstalling, repairing, and maintaining playground equipment
Employer & Industry UsagePublic and private parks, schools, municipalitiesConstruction companies, maintenance firms, equipment manufacturers

While both roles focus on playground safety and equipment, the Playground Safety Inspector primarily assesses existing playgrounds for safety compliance, whereas the Playground Equipment Technician handles installation and repairs. Both require knowledge of safety standards, but their daily tasks and certifications differ.

More about Playground Safety Inspector jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Playground Safety Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Playground Safety Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Playground Safety Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Playground Safety Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Playground Safety Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Playground Safety Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Playground Safety Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Playground Safety Inspector job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,006 per year, or $25.5 per hour.

Superintendent of Parks

Deerfield Park District

Deerfield, IL • On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Superintendent of Parks
Who we are?
The Deerfield Park District was formed in 1951 with a mission to provide outstanding parks, services, facilities, and recreation programs that enrich lives, promote healthy living, and provide memorable experiences. The Park District has over 25 parks and facilities including the Deerfield Golf Club, Sachs Recreation Center, Patty Turner Center, Jewett Park Community Center, Mitchell Pool and Deerspring Pool. The Park District employs an average of 300 staff with over 500 seasonally. The district maintains a modern, well-designed environment and is an IAPD/IPRA Illinois Distinguished Accredited Agency and a two-time National Gold Medal Finalist in 2021 and 2022. For additional information visit us at www.deerfieldparks.org.
What is the Opportunity?
The Superintendent of Parks, reporting directly to the Director of Parks, is responsible for managing daily general park maintenance, special projects, and support for special events across the District. This work requires knowledge of grounds, athletic field, and playground maintenance, and includes oversight of landscaping, site restoration, snow removal operations, and the parks facility inspection program. The role directly supervises the Parks Foreman and a team of 7-12 full- and part-time maintenance employees. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a skilled maintenance team, shape capital improvement projects, and contribute to budget planning and long-range park development.
Key Responsibilities
  • Directly supervise, train, and evaluate full-time, part-time, and seasonal Parks Department staff, creating a positive team environment with clear expectations and consistent, professional feedback.
  • Manage maintenance, landscaping, and site restoration activities, including playgrounds, athletic fields, skate park, disc golf course, sport courts, pathways, drainage, fencing, signage, ice rinks, and special events.
  • Coordinate and oversee the parks facility inspection program and establish proper safety practices for each task performed.
  • Manage and evaluate snow removal operations and oversee outsourced landscape maintenance contracts and service performance.
  • Collaborate with the Director of Parks on annual budget preparation, cost estimates, plans and specifications for park development, and equipment purchases.
  • Ensure compliance with all ADA guidelines and respond to public inquiries and complaints in a professional, timely manner.

Qualifications
  • High School Diploma or equivalent (GED) required; BS or Associate's degree in Park Management, Landscape Architecture, Horticulture, Agriculture, or related field preferred.
  • Minimum three years of progressively responsible or supervisory experience in turf and athletic field maintenance, landscape design and construction, horticulture, natural resource management, or a related field.
  • Valid driver's license required; CDL license preferred.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a National Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) certification and an Illinois Dept. of Agriculture Pesticide Applicators License in turf, ornamental, and right-of-way categories.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft programs including Word, Teams, and Excel, with the ability to learn in-house computer applications.
  • Strong understanding of grounds maintenance, safety practices, and park operations.

Scheduling, pay and benefits
Full-Time, Exempt Position. Salary Range: $90,000 - $110,000 +/- DOQ.
Excellent benefit package including Pension, Paid days off (vacation, sick, holiday), medical, dental and life insurance, free annual fitness center pass, pool pass and free and/or subsidized Park District activities and events for employee and family members, plus more.
A full job description will be provided during the interview process.

Apply