District Manager

Polk County Florida; Town of Florida (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Polk County Florida seeks an experienced park operations supervisor to oversee the operations and maintenance of county parks within a designated district. The role includes managing staff, coordinating maintenance and operations, and ensuring efficient use of resources across multiple park facilities.

You will supervise a large staff, work with contractors, plan maintenance programs, inspect parks, issue work orders, monitor safety, manage budgets, and prepare reports.

Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of park management principles and maintenance practices.
• Strong supervisory and staff development abilities.
• Experience planning and coordinating maintenance programs.

Responsibilities

• Supervises a large, geographically dispersed staff and subordinate supervisors.
• Oversee private contractors providing services within assigned areas.
• Plan, organize, and schedule grounds and facility maintenance programs.
• Inspect parks to identify maintenance needs and supervise pest control and landscaping.
• Issue work orders for equipment and facility repairs; oversee safety procedures.
• Develop budgets and monitor expenditures; prepare reports on operations.

Skills

Park management

Supervisory leadership

Budgeting

Staff training

Communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Bachelor’s degree in Park and Recreation Management

Job description

Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation. Essential functions and job-related requirements, including physical and cognitive demands, are described below.This job description outlines the general scope of duties and responsibilities and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all tasks that may be assigned.

MAJOR FUNCTION

This is advanced supervisory and administrative work overseeing operations and maintenance of parks within a designated district or countywide specialized services. The role includes managing staff, coordinating maintenance and operations, and ensuring effective use of resources across multiple park facilities.

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

Supervisory and Administrative

• Supervises a large, geographically dispersed staff, often through subordinate supervisors.

• Oversee private contractors providing services within assigned areas.

• Manage specialized staff and operations for high-traffic or high-visibility countywide park services.

• Provides input on hiring, promotions, discipline, and employee evaluations.

• Approves overtime and leave requests; monitors staff performance and morale.

• Trains staff on equipment use, safety procedures, and park operations.

Operations and Maintenance

• Plans, organizes, and schedules grounds and facility maintenance programs.

• Inspects parks to identify maintenance needs; supervises pest control and landscaping activities.

• Issues work orders for equipment and facility repairs.

• Oversee the application of pesticides and insecticides to preserve park vegetation.

• Ensures compliance with safety procedures and instructs staff in occupational hazards.

• Identifies and reports the need for renovation or replacement of parts, facilities, and equipment.

Financial and Budgetary

• Manages revenue collection and accounting for park operations.

• Develops and monitors budgets; reviews budget requests from subordinates.

• Requisitions equipment, materials, and supplies needed for park operations.

• Prepares reports on operations, maintenance, and expenditures.

• Manages expenditure for goods, services, and equipment.

Program Planning and Community Engagement

• Assists recreation staff in scheduling activities and planning and implementing events.

• Collaborates with community groups to assess recreational needs and adapt programs accordingly.

• Develop policies and implement new methods and programs to improve services.

• Directs safety initiatives and supports subordinates in facility administration.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Leadership & Operations

• Extensive knowledge of park management principles, maintenance techniques, and operational planning.

• Strong supervisory skills with the ability to lead diverse teams and maintain high morale.

• Ability to assess maintenance needs and implement responsive action plans.

Technical Knowledge

• In-depth understanding of turf management, irrigation, landscaping, and pest control techniques.

• Familiarity with safe use of pesticides, insecticides, and related regulations.

• Proficient in the use of personal computers and basic software for operational tasks.

Budget & Administration

• Skilled in budget preparation, monitoring, and expenditure control.

• Ability to prepare clear and concise reports and manage records effectively.

• Competent in performing basic and advanced mathematical calculations.

Communication & Community Relations

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to engage with the public and community groups to tailor programming and address concerns.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma.

• Three (3) years of responsible administrative, supervisory, managerial, or professional experience in park system maintenance and operations.

• Ability to obtain Trenching & Excavation Competent Person certification per current OSHA regulations within one year.

• Ability to obtain a Florida Ornamental and Turf Pest Control license within one (1) year of hire.

• Must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to secure a Florida driver’s license at the time of employment.

A comparable amount of training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications,

except for required licensure and certification.

SPECIAL PREFERENCES

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in Park and Recreation Management or a related field.

• Certification as a National Playground Inspector.

• Certification as a Plant Nursery Professional.

• Completion of an advanced supervisory training program.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must undergo a Level 2 (FDLE) screening submitted electronically before commencing work. Those obtaining this certification must maintain certification as a condition of employment.

All employees will be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.