Chief of Parks & Grounds

This position is open until filled with a best consideration date of June 27, 2025

The hiring salary for this position is $102,608.39 - $166,225.61 annually,

 commensurate with experience.

Charles County Government is seeking an experienced leader to perform management and supervisory work in the parks and grounds field related to the operation and maintenance of County parks facilities, Board of Education athletic sites and all County owned properties. Work involves the design, development, and construction of County park amenities; the preparation and administration, operating and revenue budgets; management of Parks CIP program; and land acquisition. Additional responsibilities include securing grant funding, administering the Program Open Space program and developing park rules, policies, and standard operating procedures, establishing long range goals and objectives, and preparing the five-year Land Conservation, Parks and Recreation Plan. 

• Manages the daily operation of the County's park and grounds systems. 
• Coordinates all phases of capital improvement projects. Coordinates and recommends real estate for park land acquisitions.  
• Manages daily operation and maintenance of County parks and facilities. 
• Plans and designs development projects for parks and County buildings.  
• Plans, evaluates, and implements all phases of golf course maintenance and chemical programs. 
• Prepares and administers unit budget. 
• Directs construction, renovation, and maintenance of the Board of Education athletic fields.   
• Deals with public inquiries, complaints, and concerns. 
• Prepares plans for park acquisition and development. 
• Meets with community groups and attends public hearings. 
• Coordinates all phases of grant funding of projects. 
• Plans and implements snow removal programs.  
• Approves for hire, trains, coordinates, evaluates, and recommends for discipline divisional personnel in accordance with County Personnel policies and procedures. 
• Directs administration of outdoor sports programming. 
• Negotiates contracts and monitors contracts and agreements.
• Performs other related job duties as assigned. 

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture, Park Administration, or related field. Seven (7) years of responsible experience in the administration of parks/sports programming; or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.

Licenses or Certifications:

Must possess a valid driver's license.

Certified Park and Recreation Professional preferred.

Special Requirements/Qualifications:

Subject to work beyond the normal scheduled hours of work.

Employee is subject to call back in emergencies.

This position is required to receive climate competency training level 2.

PLEASE NOTE:  THIS IS A SAFETY SENSITIVE POSITION, AND EMPLOYEES IN THIS POSITION ARE SUBJECT TO RANDOM DRUG AND ALCOHOL SCREENING.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Knowledge of principles and techniques of landscape design as applied to the design and development of parks and grounds. 
• Knowledge of effective techniques of parks and grounds management.
• Knowledge of effective techniques of supervision. 
• Ability to determine the specific tasks and assignments to be performed, independently handling new, unusual problems and deviations encountered in the work.
• Ability to plan and implement a parks and grounds program including design and development, construction, and maintenance.
• Ability to monitor parks and grounds operations and take appropriate actions to ensure that requirements are met.
• Ability to supervise others in the work. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is partly sedentary with periods of moderate physical activity. Typical positions require workers to walk or stand for long periods; lift and carry up to 100 pounds; climb stairs, ladders, and scaffolding; bend, kneel, crouch and crawl; reach, hold, grasp, and turn objects; feel the size, shape, and temperature of items; use fingers to operate computer or typewriter keyboards; speak normally, to use normal or aided vision and hearing, and to detect odors.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Principal duties of this job are performed in a general office, in shop or field settings and outside environment.

Department/Division:      Recreation, Parks & Tourism/Parks & Grounds

Pay Grade:                           120

FLSA Status:                         Exempt

Telework Eligible:              Yes     

Reports To:                          Director of Recreation, Parks & Tourism       

Supervises:                          Park Services Administrator, P&G Construction Project Manager, Golf Course Operations Manager, P&G Operations Manager, Park Services Specialist

Salary : $102,608 - $166,226