Principal Park Manager (13276, Grade 28)

The Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission; Upper Marlboro (MD); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission in Maryland seeks a Senior Manager to lead the Southern Region Parks Division's athletic fields, trails, playgrounds, and historic turf programs. You will direct multiple maintenance and asset management initiatives, manage staff, budgets, and contracts, and drive safety, sustainability, and customer service standards.

You will set long-range plans, implement data‑driven improvements, and collaborate with internal departments and external

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in a related field.
• Four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in park operations, planning, and supervision.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted (total eight years).
• Valid driver’s license in accordance with State and Commission rules (unencumbered).
• Depending on assignment, may require a Commercial Driver’s License with endorsements within 12 months.
• May require certifications (Pesticide, CPSI, etc.) within 12 months.
• Pass Commission medical examination.

Responsibilities

• Directs operation, maintenance, and improvement of athletic fields, trails, playground assets, and historic turf areas.
• Establishes program goals, performance measures, and maintenance standards.
• Develops long-range asset management and capital improvement plans.
• Evaluates facility conditions and prioritizes renovations and infrastructure improvements.
• Uses analytics and maintenance data for data-driven decisions and resource allocation.
• Ensures compliance with safety standards, environmental regulations, and industry best practices.
• Leads sustainability initiatives in turf management, irrigation, and conservation.
• Coordinates programs with Planning, Park Police, Recreation, and other divisions.
• Oversees maintenance, lifecycle management, and contracts for turf assets and playgrounds.
• Supports field construction, renovation, and asset replacement initiatives.

Skills

Strategic planning

Program development

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Park Management, Park Administration, Outdoor Recreation, Natural Science, Physical Science or 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.

• 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.

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.