Parks Maintenance Supervisor

City of Marshall Parks & Recreation; Marshall (MI); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Marshall Parks & Recreation is seeking a Parks Maintenance Supervisor to lead park maintenance operations, ensuring safety and cleanliness across all public green spaces. Responsibilities include supervising staff, performing inspections, and managing invasive species. The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma and experience in parks management, along with strong communication and organizational skills.

Qualifications

• Knowledge acquired through high school education.
• 1-3 years experience in parks management.

Responsibilities

• Oversee maintenance staff and coordinate seasonal operations.
• Inspect parks for safety hazards and maintenance needs.
• Conduct routine safety checks and inspections.

Skills

Effective communication skills

Time management

Stress management

Computer literacy

Education

High school diploma

Job description

As the face of the city’s park system, the Parks Maintenance Supervisor represents the department in the community—interacting with residents and responding to concerns The Parks Maintenance Supervisor is responsible for the maintenance, safety, and overall appearance of all city parks, trails, playgrounds, and public green spaces. This full-time, hands-on leadership role oversees maintenance staff, coordinates seasonal operations, and ensures that Marshall’s outdoor spaces remain clean, safe, and welcoming year-round. Key responsibilities include landscape and turf care, tree and brush maintenance, playground inspections, invasive species control, and coordination with the Parks & Recreation Superintendent on long-term planning and resource management.

General Park Maintenance & Groundskeeping

Inspect parks daily for safety hazards, vandalism, cleanliness, and maintenance needs.*
Oversee mowing, trimming, edging, and blowing of all parks.*
Install and maintain mulch in designated areas for appearance and weed suppression.*
Maintain gravel and stone pathways; remove debris and replenish as needed.*
Perform seasonal turf repair, including seeding and light fertilization.*
Manage weed control in landscaped areas using mulching, manual removal, and limited herbicide application.*

Tree, Shrub, and Brush Maintenance

Trim low-hanging branches and clear vegetation from trails, walkways, and shelters.*
Coordinate the removal of hazardous or dead trees with certified professionals.*
Remove brush and overgrowth from natural areas and fence lines.*
Perform deadheading, pruning, and seasonal cutbacks of perennials and flowering shrubs.*

Invasive Species Management

Identify and control common invasive species in the region (e.g., garlic mustard, knotweed, phragmites), and coordinate with contracted services.*
Use mechanical and approved chemical methods per MDNR and EGLE guidelines.*
Maintain records of treatment areas and provide training for seasonal staff.*

Riverwalk & Trail Maintenance

Conduct weekly inspections of the Riverwalk for damage, debris, and overgrowth.*
Power wash trail surfaces as needed to remove algae and buildup.*
Repair trail features (e.g., loose boards, railings) and maintain signage and furnishings.*
Monitor erosion and coordinate with city staff on stabilization efforts.*

Playground Maintenance

Conduct routine safety checks and inspections following best practices.*
Repair or replace damaged components and hardware.*
Rake, level, and replenish safety surfacing (e.g., mulch).*
Document maintenance activities and ensure compliance with safety requirements.*

Facility & Equipment Oversight

Maintain restrooms, shelters, and public-use structures, including cleaning and stocking supplies.*
Coordinate operations and maintenance of Brooks Fountain & Carver Park Fountain.*
Operate and perform routine maintenance on lawn mowers, trimmers, utility vehicles, and other tools.*
Winterize plumbing systems and irrigation at the end of each season.*

Seasonal Responsibilities

Spring: Open facilities, apply mulch, prep landscaped areas, begin mowing.*
Summer: Perform regular turf and trail maintenance, monitor playground safety.*
Fall: Leaf cleanup, prune trees/shrubs, close restrooms, winterize systems.*
Winter: Snow & Ice removal on trails/walkways, sidewalks and downtown parking lots, conduct repairs, and prep equipment.*

Administrative & Supervisory Duties

Supervise and train part-time and seasonal maintenance staff.*
Schedule daily and seasonal work tasks and monitor performance.*
Maintain maintenance logs, inventory records, and safety documentation.*
Assist in budget preparation and capital planning for park improvements.*
Respond to public concerns.*

Work Schedule & Availability
This position requires a flexible schedule, particularly during inclement weather or storm events. While overtime opportunities are limited, the position may require adjusted or flexed hours to accommodate operational needs, especially during emergencies or weather-related incidents.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a person in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all jobs that may be performed by such a person. Other duties, clerical or otherwise, may be required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: The job requires knowledge normally acquired through the completion of a general high school education.

The job requires a high school diploma and experience in parks management

Experience: One to three years of experience in parks management.

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Must be able to demonstrate effective communication skills; verbal, listening and written.
Must be able to demonstrate time management and stress management skills.
Must be computer literate.

The qualifications listed above are guidelines for selection purposes; alternative qualifications may be substituted if sufficient to perform the duties of the job.

CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE

Must possess and maintain a valid Michigan driver’s license.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

The position periodically requires a moderate level of physical effort with the travel to and inspection of various work sites and building operations, e.g. walking, climbing, bending, lifting, and moving quickly to avoid hazards.

Work Schedule & Availability
This position requires a flexible schedule, particularly during inclement weather or storm events. While overtime opportunities are limited, the position may require adjusted or flexed hours to accommodate operational needs, especially during emergencies or weather-related incidents.