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Make a diﬀerence in the community you live in! As a Community Builder—an employee with the City of Gainesville— you will have a direct hand in building and improving your community and making a visible impact on the lives of your neighbors. Working for local government is more than a job, it’s a chance to contribute to community success and to help enhance the Gainesville way of life.

Department:

GG_Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs: Park Operations

Salary Range Minimum:

$67,200.00

Salary Range Maximum:

$105,903.00

Closing Date:

02/10/2025

Job Details:

This is highly skilled managerial work planning and administering the programs and activities of the Park Operations Division in the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs.
The single position allocated to this classification reports to the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Director and works under general supervision. Work in this class is distinguished from other classes by its emphasis on planning, construction, maintenance and repair of City parks.

Job Description:

SUMMARY

This is highly skilled managerial work planning and administering the programs and activities of the Park Operations Division in the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs.

The single position allocated to this classification reports to the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Director and works under general supervision. Work in this class is distinguished from other classes by its emphasis on planning, construction, maintenance and repair of City parks.

EXAMPLES OF WORK*

*This section of the job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of duties and responsibilities of the position. The omission of a specific job function does not absolve an employee from being required to perform additional tasks incidental to or inherent in the job. Performance of lower level duties may be required.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Administrative Operations:

Responsible for management of the Park Operations Division’s administrative support services, warehouse and materials management staff and activities.

Plans and organizes activities and operations of the Nature Operations Division.

Directs City of Gainesville park operation activities, including planning, design, construction, and maintenance.

Directs and oversees maintenance of landscaped areas around city buildings and roads, roadside mowing, and management of City right-of-ways.

Prepares, submits, and monitors annual division budget. Analyzes financial information for future construction and maintenance program needs.

Coordinates gathering and analysis of area resources data and develops short and long range nature and cultural plans. Investigates and reviews proposals for new activities, services and facilities. Promotes eco-tourism.

Manages the preparation of cost estimates, specifications, requisitions and authorization of materials, equipment and supplies needed by the division.

Manages continuing safety program for the protection of the public and city employees.

Maintains and develops reports from the division’s management information systems (automated or manual).

Provides significant input on capital projects including design, implementation, management and maintenance. Assists in developing budgets and cost analysis for capital construction projects within the Department.

Directs or conducts the preparation and management of the division’s contractual agreements between the city and vendor agencies.

Supervises facility planning and construction, and nature park development

Serves as staff liaison to designated City and County Advisory Boards and non-profit community support organizations

Identifies potential sensitive land acquisitions, works closely with staff, City and other officials in the acquisition process.

Administrates the planning and design of parks, recreational facilities, and landscaping of public grounds. Prepares estimates, specifications, documents, and written reports regarding park development and/or improvements. Inspects construction in progress.

Makes recommendations on parks and equipment maintenance repairs and maintains records of work, services and repairs.

Administers Departmental annual inventory.

Administers the parks maintenance inspection programs.

Performs timely, fair and non-discriminatory evaluations of performance of employees under his/her supervision.

Initiates and assists with division staffing assessments with Human Resources.

Recommends selection, promotion, discharge, and other appropriate personnel actions.

Reviews general program results with subordinates and determines or recommends revisions in work priorities and reassignment of personnel and equipment.

Conducts and reviews operational assessments for field crew scheduling; productivity and performance measures to ensure optimization of resources.

Prepares and administers contracts of work within the Division.

Approves requests for the installation and modification of equipment and supplies for the parks.

Responds under emergency conditions.

Attends work on continuous and regular basis.

Field Operations:

Responsible for management of the Park Operations Division’s infrastructure staff and maintenance activities.

Directs or conducts the preparation of cost estimates and time tables on maintenance and new construction projects; prepares specifications, authorizes requisition of materials and supplies needed for project completion.

Compiles labor, equipment and material records submitted by supervisory staff to produce benchmarking, quarterly and Stormwater activity reports.

Oversees the maintenance and repair of designated facilities and grounds.

Responds to citizen complaints and requests for maintenance and repair of City buildings, streets, grounds, and/or facilities.

General Duties Performed in Both Areas:

Plans and supervises work of assigned staff in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale.

Recommends selection, promotion, discharge, and other appropriate personnel actions.

Processes timesheets and maintains annual/sick leave records.

Conducts regular and periodic performance reviews of subordinates.

Coordinates the use of available equipment to obtain optimal usage, effective and efficient utilization of all staff.

Periodically checks work projects for compliance with specifications, work schedules, and safety precautions.

Prepares annual estimates of expenditures, maintains budgetary and inventory controls and makes recommendations to management.

Review and responds to correspondence from City employees, vendors and the general public.

Prepares reports and presentations in a timely manner.

Works with other division managerial staff to prepare the division’s project management plans.

Required to respond under emergency condition.

Participates in administration of labor agreements.

Studies areas needing improvement and makes recommendations concerning such.

Attends work on a continuous and regular basis.

NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Works with and provides input to other departments on development of facilities and programs.

May serve as liaison to City Advisory Boards.

Participates in administering labor agreements.

Acts as Departmental liaison for Fleet needs, including vehicle procurement and specifications.

May act in absence of supervisor.

May be responsible for enforcing the drug policy, based on physical location and organizational structure.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily. Below are the required education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor degree from an accredited college or university in recreation or management is preferred and six (6) years of administrative operations or field operations maintenance and repair experience, three (3) years of which involve supervisory or management level experience;

Or an Associate degree from an accredited college or university with course work in recreation or management and eight (8) years of administrative operations or field operations maintenance and repair experience, three (3) years of which involve supervisory or management level experience.

Or Graduation from high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma and ten (10) years of administrative operations or field operations maintenance and repair experience, five (5) years of which involve supervisory or management level experience.

A Master degree from an accredited college or university in business or public administration may substitute for one (1) year of non-supervisory experience.

Management work experience with a municipal park system or cemetery is preferred.

Experience with agency accreditation and municipal or governmental (Veterans Affairs – VA; Morale, Welfare and Recreation –MWR; or state) recreation services is preferred.

CERTIFICATIONS OR LICENSES

Licenses

Valid Driver license is required upon appointment and at all times while employed in this classification.

Certifications

American Red Cross certification (or equivalent) in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and First Aid is required within one (1) year of appointment.

National Recreation and Parks Association certification as a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) is required within two (2) years of appointment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Thorough knowledge of maintenance procedures essential to upkeep of parks and operational systems.

Thorough knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions of the work.

Thorough knowledge of landscape principles, practices, and theories including design, plant identification, turf grass management and pest management.

Thorough knowledge of irrigation principles and practices.

Knowledge of techniques and equipment used in construction, maintenance, and operation of park and recreational areas and facilities.

Knowledge of athletic field design and maintenance.

Knowledge of multiple sports, including but not limited to, football, baseball/softball, tennis, basketball and soccer.

Knowledge of the materials, methods, techniques and equipment commonly used in maintenance and construction activities.

Knowledge of electricity, plumbing and power equipment commonly used in parks.

Knowledge of governmental budget procedures.

Knowledge of principles, theory, and practices of business and public administration.

Knowledge of laws, ordinances, regulation and statutes which govern nature operations functions.

Knowledge of effective promotional, public relations and fund raising activities

Knowledge of grant sources and application procedures

Knowledge of computer and related software, including Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.

Ability to develop and execute a well-defined and effective program of park construction and maintenance.

Ability to administer and manage a city-wide program of nature activities

Ability to direct activities of large labor force of maintenance personnel assigned over large territory, maintaining effective use of personnel and equipment through subordinated supervisors.

Ability to make cost and material estimates for park development projects.

Ability to prepare written reports, work orders, specifications, and contracts for services.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Ability to work effectively with elected officials, charter officers, department heads, representatives of other agencies, other city employees, and the general public

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must possess certain physical abilities and be able to withstand work related environmental conditions.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work requires physical strength and agility to sufficiently perform all essential functions, including the ability to lift, kneel, push, pull and stoop while carrying a load of 50 pounds without assistance.

Work requires normal color vision to distinguish the color and severity of many control and safety devices.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work may require exposure to prolonged high noise levels and the use of personal protection hearing equipment.

Work may require performance of tasks in extreme heat and confined areas requiring the use of special equipment.

While performing the duties of this job, work may require performance of tasks outdoors under varying climatic conditions.

May be required to attend events and meetings outside regular business hours, including evenings, weekends and holidays.

Note:

May Require Assessment(s).

May fill multiple positions.

May establish an eligibility list.

Come join our team! The City of Gainesville oﬀers a competitive beneﬁts package and opportunities to grow both professionally and personally.

All ‘regular’ employees are eligible for traditional beneﬁts such as health insurance, life insurance, paid leave, 11 paid a holidays a year, a pension plan and a deferred compensation plan, but we also oﬀer great things like on-site ﬁtness centers, tuition reimbursement, on-site medical staﬀ and a wellness program to keep you healthy and happy. Please note; benefits are not available for temporary employees.

Equal Opportunity

The City of Gainesville is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and does not discriminate in hiring. Minorities, women and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Individuals with a disability, who require special accommodations during the selection process, should notify the Human Resources Department at 352-334-5077 or TDD/TTY at 352-334-2292.

Veterans' Preference

Veterans are encouraged to apply. Veterans’ Preference ensures that veterans and eligible persons are given consideration at each step of the selection process. However, preference does not guarantee that a veteran or other eligible person will be the candidate selected to fill the position. Section 295.07, Florida Statutes (F.S.) specifies who is eligible for Veterans’ Preference. State of Florida residency is not required for Veterans’ Preference.

If you are unable to apply online due to a disability, contact recruiting at HR@cityofgainesville.org or by calling 352-334-5077.