Assistant Park Superintendent (Park Management)

Position Overview

This role is responsible for leading, organizing, supervising, and coordinating programs and day-to-day work within the Park Management Division. The position focuses on planning maintenance, repair, and renovation work for city parks and related recreation properties, coordinating with other departments and outside agencies, and providing senior-level administrative support to the Parks Superintendent.

The job description outlines the main duties tied to this classification, but it does not cover every task that may be assigned.

Core Responsibilities

• Support the Division Manager and Parks and Recreation Director with staff work, including participation in boards, commissions, and committees, plus preparation of reports and correspondence.
• Review complex designs, technical documentation, and plans to confirm they meet applicable codes and standards.
• Gather information and carry out research related to park landscape maintenance concerns.
• Help develop and put into action goals, priorities, policies, and objectives for the division, and recommend related procedures.
• Take ownership of assigned Park Management services, including scheduling and planning maintenance, repairs, and renovations for city parks and recreation properties.
• Assist in creating and carrying out policies, objectives, and procedures for assigned programs.
• Track service delivery methods and efficiency, and recommend staffing and service levels when needed under departmental guidelines.
• Plan, assign, coordinate, and review maintenance staff work; monitor projects and resolve work-related issues with the team.
• Evaluate plans and specifications for facility upgrades and renovations, prepare specifications when needed, and review or approve purchase specifications.
• Carry out regular physical inspections of facilities and verify compliance with park standards.
• Oversee turf care across parks, ensure watering schedules are followed, and coordinate irrigation maintenance and repairs.
• Hire, train, guide, and assess division employees; arrange training, address performance gaps, and manage discipline or termination steps when necessary.
• Assist with the division’s annual budget, forecast needs for staff, equipment, materials, and supplies, and monitor expenditures.
• Represent the division with other city departments, divisions, and external agencies, including handling sensitive or difficult issues.
• Provide direct administrative support to the Parks Superintendent.
• Carry out organizational, investigative, and operational studies, and suggest changes to programs, policies, and procedures.
• Attend professional meetings, stay current on park maintenance trends, and handle difficult citizen complaints and inquiries.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in planning, landscape architecture, horticulture, or park management.
• At least 6 years of experience in landscape construction project development or park management program development.
• At least 3 of those years must be in direct supervisory roles.
• Education and directly related experience may be considered interchangeable on a year-for-year basis.
• Valid New Mexico driver’s license, or the ability to obtain one by the hire date.
• City Operator’s Permit (COP) within 6 months of hire.
• New Mexico Department of Agriculture Public Pesticide Applicator License 3A and 3B within 6 months of hire.
• Ability to perform the role in office and field settings, including exposure to dust, dirt, bad weather, and computer screens.
• Physical capability to sit, stand, or walk for extended periods and travel between sites.

Working Conditions

The position involves both office and field work. Conditions may include dust, dirt, unpleasant weather, and regular use of computer screens. The work may require prolonged sitting, standing, or walking, along with travel from one site to another.

Additional Information

This job expects the employee to be able to perform all essential duties with or without a reasonable accommodation.

The city may assign related duties and responsibilities as needed.

The job classification uses a broad duty outline, so not every task is listed in the official description.

Education and experience that closely match the requirements may be counted on a year-for-year basis.

Required licenses and permits must be obtained within the stated timelines after hire.

No stipend or salary amount was provided in the source.