Superintendent - Trails - DPW Trail & Greenway Operations

Overview

The Indianapolis Department of Public Works works to raise the quality of life for residents by improving public spaces, strengthening infrastructure, and delivering dependable public services. Its work includes creating stronger multi-modal connections, supporting healthy green spaces, delivering capital improvements, expanding universal accessibility, and partnering with public and private organizations. DPW maintains public infrastructure and parkland, oversees solid waste collection, and keeps the city fleet operational. As one of the city’s largest agencies, Team DPW emphasizes efficient service and a collaborative, compliant workplace that supports the needs of Indianapolis and Marion County residents and visitors.

Role Summary

This position holds full responsibility for the management, direction, and control of maintenance operations within an assigned district. The role involves organizing and allocating all resources, including staff, vehicles, equipment, materials, and budgeted funds. It also includes hiring, assigning, developing, promoting, and ending subordinate employment when needed. The work demands a very high level of independent judgment, including decisions in situations where rules, policies, or procedures may not already exist. Poor judgment could negatively affect the city’s reputation in relation to street and park maintenance and may create liability, embarrassment, and additional expense for the department and the city. Supervisory support is only occasionally available. This role reports to the Administrator of Operations.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The City of Indianapolis and Marion County is an equal opportunity employer. Employment consideration is open to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. The organization values diversity of experience, perspective, and background among staff and the communities served.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct, organize, and oversee all resources, processes, and programs connected to operational maintenance and park facility upkeep.
• Track the productivity of staff and ensure complaints are handled effectively.
• Make sure repairs, maintenance work, and improvement projects for district and park assets are completed with strong workmanship and cost awareness.
• Manage the use and spending of budgeted funds within the assigned district.
• Build and sustain positive working relationships with the bargaining unit and relevant city staff.
• Support the creation and maintenance of a safe, efficient, and productive work environment for all team members.
• Ensure streets, sidewalks, and trail routes are cleared and kept as passable as possible during weather-related events.
• Keep superiors and the public information officer informed about situations that may harm the city’s image or public perception.
• Follow city policy and procedure for hiring and terminating employees.
• Plan and schedule work by setting priorities and goals, then reviewing work quality and employee performance.
• Monitor assigned work through completion, lead training efforts, and provide counseling or disciplinary action when needed.
• Preserve confidentiality at all times.
• Perform additional duties as assigned, since the list above is not exhaustive.

Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree in a related discipline plus five years of progressively responsible experience, including at least two years in a supervisory capacity, is required. A combination of related education and work experience totaling nine years is also acceptable. The ideal candidate should understand local, state, and federal rules, regulations, ordinances, and related documents. Experience supervising, directing, and reviewing the work of others in street maintenance is important. Strong proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook is expected, along with solid office management experience. The role calls for the ability to remain professional under pressure, resolve issues effectively, handle multiple priorities, work independently and collaboratively, adapt to changing priorities, solve problems creatively, and pay close attention to detail. Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential. A valid driver’s license is required.

Preferred Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree in business management or operations management is preferred.

Working Conditions

The work is mostly performed in an office setting and at street locations. The role involves exposure to environmental conditions common in maintenance and park facility oversight, such as dirt, dust, odors, and all types of weather. The selected candidate must be available for 12-hour shifts depending on weather conditions and be able to respond to emergencies tied to weather events.

Physical Conditions

• Majority of the day is spent seated at a desk.
• Some light lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling of items weighing about 5 to 10 pounds may be required.
• Work may involve long periods at a keyboard or workstation.
• The job requires the ability to hear, notice visual cues or signals, and communicate verbally.

Additional Notes

After the application is referred, all interview and selection communication is handled directly by the hiring agency. Applicants should save the contact details of the person arranging the interview, since central HR will not have access to that information and is not part of the interview process. HR will only confirm whether the application was referred, and the formal offer will be issued after the successful candidate is selected.