Principal Park Manager (13276, Grade 28)

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission - PGC Parks and Recreation; Upper Marlboro (MD); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission – PGC Parks and Recreation seeks a senior manager to lead Southern Region Parks Division’s athletic fields, trails, playgrounds, and historic turf programs. You will guide multiple maintenance programs, supervise staff, manage budgets, and ensure safety and accessibility standards are met.

You will drive long-range asset plans, oversee capital projects, and coordinate with internal departments and community partners to deliver

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Park Management, Park Administration, Outdoor Recreation, Natural or Physical Science, or related field.
• Four years of progressively responsible park operations and staff supervision experience, in two of the listed program areas.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute for eight total years.

Responsibilities

• Directs operation, maintenance, and improvement of athletic fields, trail systems, playground assets, and historic turf areas.
• Develops long-range asset management plans, lifecycle replacements, and capital improvement recommendations.
• Oversees budgets, contracts, procurement, and vendor performance; ensures safety compliance and customer service standards.
• Leads data-driven decision making using analytics, maintenance records, and inspections.
• Represents department in meetings, communities, and with elected officials; coordinates cross‑division initiatives.
• Supervises Park Managers and professional staff; conducts performance evaluations and succession planning.

Skills

Strategic planning

Data analysis

Proficiency with MS Office

Park maintenance knowledge

Safety standards knowledge

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Park Management

Eight years combined education/experience

Tools

MS Office Suite

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.

• 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

• Extensive knowledge of turf industry best practices.
• Knowledge of Playground safety standards and inspection programs
• Experience in park maintenance

Skill In

• Strategic planning and program development
• Ability to conduct data analysis and develop performance measures
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications

Ability To

• Ability to manage multiple programs simultaneously
• Lead and motivate diverse teams
• Develop innovative solutions to operational challenges

1. Bachelor's Degree in Park Management, Park Administration, Outdoor Recreation, Natural Science, Physical Science or any related field.
2. 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.
3. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total eight (8) years.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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).
7. 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 or301-454-1411(Maryland Relay 7-1-1)

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