Job Summary: The Grounds Operations Manager is responsible for leading and overseeing the Grounds Department, which consists of the Turf and Grounds Operations Branch and Arboriculture Branch. This includes the year-round care and maintenance of turf areas, irrigation systems, trails, and the health of specimen trees to maintain hazard-free and resilient park areas. Through oversight and strong collaboration across all departments, the Grounds Operations Manager will work to promote a superlative experience for all park users.  

Responsibilities and Duties Include: 

• Supervise the Turf and Grounds team members performing maintenance functions including mowing, edging, weeding, clearing, irrigation maintenance and upkeep, trail monitoring and repair, and weed control.  

• Supervise the Arboriculture Operations Branch performing best arboriculture practices, mitigating hazard trees, and implementing integrative pest management strategies.  

• Oversee the planning for comprehensive turf care program. This includes, but is not limited to sod and seed installation, implementing plant health techniques, irrigation programming, and maintaining sub-surface drainage systems throughout the park.  

• Oversee the tree risk assessment and management tasks via tree removal or risk reduction. 

• Oversee falling hazard trees and bucking tree material for chipping and transport. 

• Oversee maintenance and care of trails, pathways, roadways, and parking lots. 

• Oversee the development and implementation of Integrated Pest Management program for turf and arboriculture areas.   

• Oversee management of green waste disposal and mulch and soil procurement plan.  

• Oversee management of irrigation system for all park areas, including lawns, horticulture areas, grasslands, and trees in collaboration with other Park Operations and Conservation Operations Managers. 

• Develop and implement equipment training procedure for all employees to ensure safe equipment operating of all MPC equipment. 

• Support Branch Supervisors in creating and managing budget for their team. 

• Manage contracts for small projects and ongoing services. 

• Attend operations related capital project meetings and review documents; provide input, comments, feedback, and assistance related to assigned areas. Work collaboratively and creatively with Park Operations leadership in a team-first environment. 

• Demonstrate ownership of assigned work by upholding and maintaining standards to the highest degree by understanding park aesthetic and standard operating procedures. 

• Document, inventory, report, and catalog data and information. 

• Assist with ensuring appropriate inventory and care of equipment, supplies, and materials for daily operations.

• Communicate issues regarding infrastructure, furnishings, safety hazards, quality of the Park user experience issues as needed via work order system. 

• Work collaboratively and creatively with Park Operations leadership in a team-first environment. 

• Interact with Park patrons in a courteous and professional manner. Ensure team members are trained and adhering accordingly. Be prepared to provide accurate and pertinent information regarding MPC and the Park. 

• Enforce MPC rules, safety policies, and procedures, and appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Conduct and document safety training as needed and ensure compliance with safety protocol. 

• Ensure cleanliness of office and storage spaces. 

• Respond to any employee comments regarding recognition or disciplinary action from Supervisors, develop improvement programs when needed; bring any points forward to Director when necessary. 

Minimum Requirements: 

• Seven years minimum experience in operations at a park or similar entity.

• Seven years minimum experience managing projects, teams, and budgets.

• Ability to work a varied schedule that includes weekends, evenings, and holidays. 

• Demonstrated success in working in a team-oriented environment, as well as ability to work independently and make judgment calls, while referring more serious problems to Human Resources. 

• Strong written and oral communication skills; highly motivated.

• Computer fluency: Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel. 

• Cellphone application fluency, expected to use work order system. 

• Ability to disseminate information regarding industry standards and best practices and train coworkers in park operations.  

• Valid Driver’s License. 

About Memorial Park Conservancy

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