Principal Park Manager (13276, Grade 28)

Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission; Upper Marlboro (MD); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission seeks a senior manager to oversee the Southern Region Parks Division's athletic fields, trails, playgrounds, and historic turf programs. You will supervise park staff, manage budgets and contracts, and drive safety, accessibility, and sustainability across facilities.

The role requires strategic planning, asset management, and cross-department coordination with community partners and officials.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in park-related field or related discipline.
• Four years of progressively responsible park operations and supervision experience.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may total eight years.
• Valid driver’s license; CDL may be required within 12 months where applicable.
• Ability to obtain required certifications within 12 months of assignment.
• Must pass Commission medical examination.

Responsibilities

• Direct operation and maintenance of athletic fields, trails, playground assets, and historic turf areas.
• Establish program goals, performance measures, and maintenance standards.
• Develop long-range asset management and capital improvement plans.
• Evaluate facilities and prioritize renovations and infrastructure upgrades.
• Use analytics and records to support data-driven decisions and resource allocation.
• Ensure compliance with policies, safety standards, and environmental regulations.
• Lead sustainability initiatives in turf, irrigation, and conservation.
• Coordinate work with Planning, Park Police, Recreation, and other divisions.
• Oversee contracted turf renovations and specialty field projects.
• Provide leadership in field construction, renovation planning, and asset replacement.

Skills

Strategic planning

Program development

Data analysis

Performance measures

Microsoft Office

Multi-program management

Leading teams

Innovative problem solving

Turf industry knowledge

Playground safety standards

Park maintenance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Park Management/related field

Job description

Under general direction, serves as the senior manager responsible for the strategic planning, administration, supervision, and continuous improvement of the Southern Region Parks Division's Athletic Fields, Trails, Playgrounds, and Historic Turf Programs. The incumbent directs multiple park maintenance and asset management programs, supervises subordinate Park Managers and professional staff, oversees capital and operational projects, manages budgets and contracts, and ensures park facilities meet departmental standards for safety, sustainability, accessibility, and customer service.

This position provides leadership for countywide and regional initiatives related to athletic field management, trail maintenance, playground maintenance and safety, and the maintenance of historic facility turf areas. The position is responsible for developing long-term maintenance strategies, overseeing preventative maintenance programs, implementing industry best practices, and ensuring resources are effectively deployed to achieve organizational objectives.

The incumbent interacts extensively with internal departments, community organizations, sports organizations, contractors, elected officials, and the public to resolve issues, coordinate projects, and promote high-quality park experiences.

This position is designated as an essential employee and may be required to respond to emergencies, weather events, or special operational needs outside normal business hours.

Examples of Important Duties

• Directs the operation, maintenance, and improvement of all athletic fields, trail systems, playground assets, and historic turf areas within the Southern Region.
• Establishes program goals, performance measures, and maintenance standards.
• Develops long-range asset management plans, lifecycle replacement schedules, and capital improvement recommendations.
• Evaluates facility conditions and identifies priorities for renovation, replacement, and infrastructure improvements.
• Utilizes analytics, inspection data, and maintenance records to support data-driven decision-making and resource allocation.
• Ensures compliance with Commission policies, environmental regulations, playground safety standards, and industry best practices.
• Leads sustainability initiatives related to turf management, irrigation, environmental stewardship, and resource conservation.
• Coordinates work programs with Planning, Development, Park Police, Recreation, and other operating divisions.
• Oversees maintenance and lifecycle management of natural and synthetic athletic field assets.
• Develops and monitors sports turf management plans including mowing, fertilization, aeration, irrigation, pest management, and field renovation.
• Evaluates field conditions and determines operational priorities to maximize player safety and facility sustainability.
• Oversees contracted services related to turf renovations, synthetic field maintenance, irrigation systems, and specialty sports field projects.
• Provides leadership in field construction, renovation planning, and asset replacement initiatives.
• Directs inspection, maintenance, and repair programs for hard-surface trails.
• Oversees playground inspection programs, safety compliance, repairs, and replacement planning.
• Ensures facilities remain safe, attractive, accessible, and compliant with applicable regulations and standards.
• Supervises Park Managers and other professional, supervisory, and maintenance personnel.
• Establishes work expectations and performance standards.
• Conducts performance evaluations and develops employee growth and succession plans.
• Provides coaching, mentoring, and leadership development opportunities.
• Oversees recruitment, hiring, training, disciplinary actions, and employee recognition initiatives.
• Develops annual operating and capital budget recommendations.
• Monitors expenditures and ensures responsible fiscal management.
• Procures and manages maintenance, construction, and professional service contracts.
• Reviews contractor performance and approves completed work and invoices.
• Responds to inquiries, complaints, and operational issues from residents, user groups, elected officials, and stakeholders.
• Represents the Department at public meetings, community events, and professional organizations.
• Prepares administrative reports, presentations, performance measures, and recommendations.
• Serves on departmental committees and cross-functional project teams.

Important Skills & Characteristics

Comprehensive Knowledge Of

Skill In

Ability To

• Extensive knowledge of turf industry best practices.
• Knowledge of Playground safety standards and inspection programs
• Experience in park maintenance
• Strategic planning and program development
• Ability to conduct data analysis and develop performance measures
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications
• Ability to manage multiple programs simultaneously
• Lead and motivate diverse teams
• Develop innovative solutions to operational challenges

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Park Management, Park Administration, Outdoor Recreation, Natural Science, Physical Science or any related field.
• Four (4) years of progressively responsible experience, that includes park operations, program planning and development, supervision of a diverse staff, and responsible professional experience in at least two of the following program areas: interpretation, enterprise, park maintenance, environmental protection/conservation, historical resources, architecture and preservation.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total eight (8) years.
• Valid driver's license in accordance with both State and Commission rules and regulations. Driver’s license must be unencumbered by restrictions, revocations, suspensions, or points that could limit the employee’s ability to drive Commission vehicles or perform driving duties required by the position of assignment.
• Depending upon area of assignment, a valid Commercial Driver’s License with appropriate endorsements may be required within 12 months of position assignment and must be in accordance with both State and Commission rules and regulations.
• Depending upon area of assignment, must be able to obtain and maintain all applicable certifications within 12 months of position assignment (e.g., Maryland Department of Agriculture Pesticide Applicator, Maryland Department of Agriculture Professional Fertilizer Applicator, Playground Safety Inspector, Park and Recreation Professional).
• Pass Commission medical examination.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Sports Field Manager (CSFM)
• Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI)
• Maryland Pesticide Applicator Certification
• Experience managing athletic field turf and specialty turf

Classification Specification:

Principal Park Manager

May be subject to medical, drug and alcohol testing.

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate a workplace culture of diversity, equity and inclusion without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non-merit factor.

Applicants with Disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

If you require accommodations or special arrangements due to a qualifying disability, please notify the Recruitment & Selections Services Unit at the time of applications at or 301-454-1411 (Maryland Relay 7-1-1)

M-NCPPC will make all efforts to reasonably accommodate you.

THE MARYLAND-NATIONAL CAPITAL PARK AND PLANNING COMMISSION

2026 Benefit Summary For Merit System Employees

The following benefit summary is provided for informational purposes only and is not, nor should be construed as an employment agreement with the M-NCPPC, implied or actual. It is not all-inclusive and is subject to change. Benefits listed are extended to all Merit System employees of the M-NCPPC. All plans are optional except the Defined Benefit and Long-Term Disability plans.

Eligibility

You have 45 days from your hire date to elect your benefits. Your coverage begins on the first of the month following receipt of your enrollment forms and required documentation.

Retirement Programs

• Defined Benefit Plan (Mandatory Participation) – Plan E excludes FOP members.

Plan C

9.5%* of base salary (FOP members only)

Plan E

4% of base salary up to maximum Social Security Wage Base (SSWB) and 8% in excess of SSWB.

• 457 (b) Plan (Optional) [Pre-tax and Roth]
• Traditional and Roth IRAs (Optional)
• Retiree Healthcare – Eligibility requires, at least 10 years of eligible service and continuous enrollment in M-NCPPC plans (or proof of continuous enrollment in comparable plans) during the 36 months immediately preceding your retirement date. Premium cost share based on years of service

Health Insurance Plans (FOP Members Pay 23% for Medical, Prescription and Dental and same as all other employees for Vision.) All other employees pay percentage below.*

• Medical
  • Kaiser Permanente Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) – (15%)
  • UnitedHealthcare Select Exclusive Provider Organization Health Plan (EPO) – (20%)
  • UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus Point of Service (POS) – (20%)
• Prescription – CVS Caremark – (15%)
• Dental – Delta Dental PPO and DeltaCare USA HMO – (20%)
• Vision – EyeMed – (80% of Low Option plan paid by Commission. Any balance paid by employee.)
  • Low, moderate, and high options are available. Frequency of covered services differs.

Flexible Spending Accounts (Employee Pays 100%)

• Medical Account – Maximum annual contribution: $3,300
• Dependent Care Account – Maximum annual contribution: $7,500

Long-Term Disability Insurance (Mandatory Participation)

• Employee Pays 20%: Commission Pays 80% (FOP Members Pay 100%)
• Benefits paid at 66 2/3% of base salary, maximum of $6,000/month

Supplemental Long-Term Disability Insurance (Employee Pays 100%)

• Benefits paid at 66 2/3% of base salary that exceeds $108,000; capped at $216,000

Basic Life and AD&D Insurance (Employee Pays 20%: Commission Pays 80%)

• Two (2) times base salary; maximum benefit is $200,000 for each
• Automatic coverage with opt-out provision

Supplemental and Spouse/Dependent Life Insurance (Employee Pays 100%)

• Supplemental – 1,2,3,4, or 5 times base salary; maximum benefit is $750,000
• Spouse/Dependent Combination - $10,000/$5,000, $20,000/$10,000, or $30,000/$15,000

Sick Leave Bank (Contribution and Benefit hours prorated for part-time employees)

• Employees have 60 days from date of hire to enroll.
• Employee contributes 8 leave hours each year
• Annually covers up to 688 hours for own serious medical condition, and 480 hours for parental responsibilities (birth, adoption or foster care), and 80-160 hours for serious medical condition of an immediate family member

Leave Programs

• Annual: 15 days per year
• Personal: 3 days per year (12-month waiting period)
• Sick: 15 days per year
• Holidays: 11 days per year

Other Benefits

• Credit Union
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Legal Services Plan
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Wellness Program
• Work-Life Program

For a more detailed description of benefits, please contact the Commission’s Health and Benefits Office at [e-mail] or 301-454-1694.