Superintendent-Trails - DPW-Trail&Greenway Ops

Role overview

The Indianapolis Department of Public Works works to raise quality of life by improving public spaces, infrastructure, and city services. Its work covers multi-modal connections, accessible and vibrant green spaces, capital projects, public-private collaboration, solid waste collection, and management of the municipal vehicle fleet. This role sits within a large civic operations team focused on dependable and efficient service for residents and visitors across Indianapolis and Marion County.

Position summary

This position carries full responsibility for directing, controlling, and overseeing maintenance operations within an assigned district. The role requires allocating people, vehicles, equipment, materials, and budget resources, along with making decisions that involve hiring, assigning work, developing, promoting, and separating staff. Independent judgment is essential, because many situations may arise without established policies or procedures to guide the response. Mistakes can affect the City’s reputation and create liability, cost, or embarrassment related to street and park maintenance. Reporting is to the Administrator Operations, and supervisory support is limited.

What you will do

• Lead, organize, and control all resources, programs, and processes tied to operational maintenance and park maintenance facilities.
• Track the performance and complaint handling of team members.
• Make sure district and park repairs, upkeep, and improvements are completed in a quality-focused and cost-conscious way.
• Monitor the funds assigned to the district and the way they are spent.
• Build productive relationships with the bargaining unit and the appropriate City staff.
• Support a safe, efficient, and positive work environment for employees.
• Keep streets, sidewalks, and trail areas clear during weather events and make them passable as quickly as conditions allow.
• Alert supervisors and the public information officer about any issue that could negatively affect public perception of the City.
• Follow City policy and procedure for hiring and termination decisions.
• Set priorities, plan schedules, and establish goals while reviewing work quality and employee performance.
• Track progress after assignments are completed, provide training direction, and handle coaching and disciplinary actions when needed.
• Protect confidential information at all times.
• Be prepared to take on additional duties as management deems necessary.

Qualifications

The preferred background is a bachelor’s degree in a related field plus five years of increasingly responsible experience, including two years in a supervisory capacity. Candidates may also qualify through any mix of related education and work experience totaling nine years. The role calls for knowledge of local, state, and federal rules, ordinances, and other relevant documents, as well as familiarity with planning, directing, supervising, and reviewing street maintenance work. Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office tools, especially Word, Excel, and Outlook, is expected, along with solid office management experience. Applicants should remain professional under pressure, solve problems effectively, handle multiple priorities, work both independently and in teams, adapt quickly when priorities shift, and show strong attention to detail and ownership. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required, and a valid driver’s license is mandatory.

Preferred background

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

Hiring and selection process

If the application meets the posted requirements, it will be forwarded to the hiring agency. After that point, all interview and selection communication will be handled directly by the agency. Applicants must save the contact details of the person arranging the interview. City-County HR will not manage interviews, will not have access to that contact information, and can only confirm whether the application was referred. Once a final candidate is selected, HR will issue the formal offer.

Working conditions

Work is mainly done in an office setting and at street locations. The job includes exposure to outdoor and operational conditions common to maintenance and park oversight, such as dirt, dust, odors, and weather of all types. Depending on weather conditions, the schedule may require twelve-hour shifts, and the position includes responding to weather-related emergencies.

Physical requirements

• Most of the day is spent seated at a desk.
• Some light lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling is required, generally around 5 to 10 pounds.
• Work may involve long periods at a keyboard or workstation.
• The job requires the ability to hear sounds, notice visual cues, and observe signals.
• Clear oral communication is necessary.

Equal opportunity statement

The City of Indianapolis and Marion County are equal opportunity employers. Candidates are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. The organization values diverse perspectives and experiences among coworkers and the residents it serves.