The Position and The Department
The Parks Superintendent is responsible for the maintenance and refurbishment program for all parks, open spaces, school fields, civic facilities (and other landscapes), community gardens, median planters, street trees, trails, and beach accesses. This position is responsible for planning, directing, and supervising the activities required to accomplish the maintenance and refurbishment of the above-mentioned sites.
The Carlsbad Parks & Recreation Department is nationally accredited (and one of only five agencies in the State of California) by the Commission for the Accreditation of Parks & Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). The department is the steward of approximately 450 acres of parkland, featuring community and historic parks, senior services, playgrounds, multigenerational facilities, aquatic centers, tennis courts, and multi-use fields. Nearly 40 percent of the city is dedicated open space, and the department maintains approximately 40 linear miles of recreational trails.
The department is a leading provider of world-class projects, programs, and events that strengthen and build community connectivity. The department has a robust Capital Improvement Program, which includes projects for parks' retrofits, infills, and new developments. The Parks Superintendent will assume a lead role in retrofit projects and a support role in infill and new development projects.
In annual citywide surveys, Carlsbad residents have consistently indicated a high level of confidence in their city government and give the city high marks in everything from quality of life to libraries, parks, safety, and other important services. Specific to this position, recent survey results indicated 95 percent of residents polled were satisfied with the quality of the city's parks; and 89 percent of residents polled were satisfied with the quality of the city's trails and walking paths. The Parks Superintendent will play a vital factor in ensuring the public's high level of confidence and satisfaction is retained within the described functional areas of responsibility. Intra and Interdepartmental communication and coordination skills will be key to the success of the selected candidate.
The Parks & Recreation Department is committed to promoting community health and wellness while building a diverse culture that embraces change, continuous improvement, entrepreneurial thinking, and exceptional customer service. Intra and Interdepartmental communication and coordination skills will be key to the success of the selected candidate.

• Plan, direct, and administer: functional and operational management, clerical support for the division, and maintenance and/or inspection programs
• Develop and implement goals and objectives for parks and other landscape maintenance program operations
• Plan, organize, and assign the work of subordinates and contractors engaged in landscaping grounds, maintaining buildings, and other facilities, and installing, maintaining, and removing trees
• Complete final inspection and review the work at conclusion of landscaping and refurbishment projects
• Coordinate the repair and replacement of vehicles and equipment used in parks maintenance work, such as with the fleet division and fleet committee
• Assist in the enforcement of city ordinances governing the safe and proper use of parks and other recreational areas and facilities
• Coordinate the investigation of storm water run-off, industry-related storm water quality, complaints and violations of NPDES (National Pollution Discharge Elimination) and other storm water regulations, initiate and conduct site visits, communicate with property owners and recommend solutions and/or mitigation measures
• Respond to citizen, agency, and/or commission complaints and requests for information
• Requisition and purchase materials and supplies in accordance with city and department standards such as: preparation of plans and specifications for contracts, agreements, and purchase of equipment; and requests for proposals for projects and studies
• Request, conduct, and complete maintenance and labor trade contracts and professional services agreements
• Prepare work schedules for subordinates and coordinate the work schedules of contractors
• Ensure inspection of assigned work areas to ensure work is performed to standards and specifications
• Direct, monitor, and refine preventative maintenance and asset replacement programs
• Estimate labor and material costs for planned work and verify estimates supplied by contractors
• Evaluate work of contractors and take corrective action to address any performance deficiencies
• Evaluate work schedules against performance and customer service standards
• Maintain records of work performed and supplies used
• Prepare written reports and as required to oversee maintenance sections and aid in reporting
• Represent city at and attend meetings; make presentations to staff, public interest groups, the Parks & Recreation Commission and City Council, as needed
• Coordinate park maintenance activities with other city departments and divisions and with outside agencies
• Ensure retention of appropriate departmental records; prepare routine regulatory reports and correspondence; provide technical and professional support to operations and staff
• Confer with purveyors, contractors, and government agencies (and their representatives) relating to environmental and operational activities and compliance issues
• Participate in budget preparation and administration
• Assist in the design, development, and execution of Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects
• Supervise, train, direct, and evaluate subordinates
• Ensure ongoing development of subordinates in the areas of: compliance, technical, safety and supervisory training
• Serve in the capacity of assigned manager, as directed

Knowledge of:

• Current federal, state, and local regulations that impact maintenance and operations
• Permitting, legal, regulatory, and technical requirements of parks, trees, and landscapes management
• Modern methods, materials, equipment, and tools used in the planting, cultivating, propagating, fertilizing, and trimming of trees, shrubs, flowers, and lawns
• Plant pests and diseases and the methods for their control and eradication
• Methods and techniques in conservation and management of energy
• Basic construction practices and equipment and repair methods used in various trades including: landscape/hardscape installation, carpentry, pipe fitting, painting, and concrete work
• Maintenance and repair of light power equipment
• Safe work practices
• Record-keeping and report writing procedures
• Principles and techniques of performance measurement
• Principles of management, supervision, training, and performance evaluation
• Contract and agreement administration/management
• Basic accounting and operational budgeting functions
• Planning, development, and execution of CIP projects

Ability to: 

• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with customers, the public, and those contacted in the course of work, including negotiating with contractors
• Communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing
• Plan, direct, and coordinate the maintenance and refurbishment of specified city-owned properties
• Manage the performance of inspection and/or skilled tasks in park maintenance and refurbishment activities
• Plan, assign work to, direct, and supervise subordinate employees in the performance of park maintenance activities
• Use computers for daily activities such as: word processing, maintenance programs, presentation applications, and electronic schedule and email
• Maintain proper records and prepare accurate reports
• Forecast labor and other pertinent cost factors
• Procure and manage maintenance and labor trade contracts and professional services agreements
• Supervise, train, and evaluate subordinates
• Determine training and development programs and understand and recommend job classification of subordinates
• Read and interpret construction plans and specifications

Any combination to experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities is:
 

• Three years in a supervisory capacity.
• Competencies and experience must include performance measures, contract management, and budgetary work. 

Special Requirements: 
Possession of a valid Class ‘C’ California Driver's license.