Park Operations Supervisor

POSITION: PARK OPERATIONS SUPERVISOR

If you are passionate about creating safe, clean, and welcoming public spaces and take pride in delivering high-quality operations in a dynamic urban environment, we want to hear from you. As the Park Operations Supervisor, you will lead the day-to-day operations, maintenance coordination, and service delivery of Huizenga Park, ensuring the park remains show-ready and operates at the highest standard for all guests.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives at the intersection of operations, people management, vendor oversight, and real-time decision-making to support a seamless park experience. While in the park, this role serves as a visible resource for park staff and contractors by addressing questions, implementing processes, assigning tasks, and promoting a safe and positive environment. When in the office, the Park Operations Supervisor will work in a team setting on administrative functions tied to coordination and oversight.

ABOUT THE DDA

The Fort Lauderdale Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is a public-private partnership agency that powers the experience, growth, and prosperity of Downtown Fort Lauderdale. DowntownFTL is a vibrant metropolitan city that is evolving at the center of the South Florida region, where all are inspired to live like locals. The DDA implements projects to improve the public realm and create a flourishing destination for residents, employees, and visitors.

The DDA recently completed the $15 million renovation of Huizenga Park with the goal of building DowntownFTL’s signature gathering space. Since the reopening, Huizenga Park has become Fort Lauderdale’s urban oasis with 10 outdoor rooms including a dog park, child’s moundscape area, an entertainment deck, a restroom facility, and more. Following best practices from the most successful urban parks in the country, the DDA’s goal is to set a new standard for public realm management in DowntownFTL by making Huizenga Park the cleanest, safest, and best programmed urban park in South Florida.

TEAM VALUES AND CULTURE

The DDA team champions the success of Downtown Fort Lauderdale and is building a more vibrant, livable, and connected community that we all can be proud of. The team, through the President & CEO, reports to an appointed Board of Directors consisting of commercial property owners in the DDA taxing district. The Park Operations Supervisor will join a team committed to inspiring growth.

• We are fiercely committed to our work and our community.
• We get it done by working together, lending a hand, and lifting each other up. 
• We are resourceful, creative, and driven to deliver results.        
• We prioritize team success and are accountable to individual results.
• We are enthusiastic ambassadors for DowntownFTL.

If you are enthusiastic about working in this environment, we want you to consider joining the DDA team. Please send resumes to Shawna Berger at sberger@talentfoot.com.

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POSITION AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Park Operations Supervisor will serve as the lead for overseeing Huizenga Park’s daily operations, vendor performance, and overall park readiness. This role ensures that all park amenities, landscaping, and facilities are consistently operated and maintained to the highest standard while supporting a safe and welcoming guest experience.

Contractor and Park Staff Oversight

• Supervise all on-site contractors including security, cleaning, landscaping, and other operational contracts.
• Directly supervise the DDA Park Groundskeeper and DDA Park Attendant by assigning tasks, evaluating quality of work, and providing feedback.
• Monitor contractor performance, enforce service standards, and address deficiencies in real time.
• Conduct routine site walk-throughs to ensure all work meets quality and presentation standards.
• Coordinate scheduling and service delivery across all vendors and staff to maintain consistent park readiness.
• Train park staff and contractors to reinforce expectations related to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), service standards, and park rules.

Operational Procedures & Continuous Improvement

• Implement and maintain all park SOPs, checklists, and operational standards.
• Identify gaps in operations and develop solutions to improve efficiency, service quality, and consistency.
• Standardize daily workflows across staff and contractors to ensure predictable and high-level execution.
• Ensure all park areas consistently meet cleanliness, safety, and presentation expectations
• Develop and implement emergency response protocols for varying scenarios in the park.

Programming & Event Operations Support

• Coordinate operational support for all park programs and events, including staffing needs, setup, breakdown, sponsor signage, and site readiness.
• Ensure event operations align with park rules and do not disrupt general park use.
• Collaborate with DDA staff to resolve operational conflicts and logistical needs.
• Serve as on-site operational support during activations as needed.

Inventory & Supply Management

• Maintain inventory of operational supplies including cleaning materials, restroom supplies, and equipment.
• Monitor usage levels and ensure timely procurement of supplies and equipment to avoid service disruptions.
• Track supply and equipment locations and organize storage areas to ensure efficiency and accountability.
• Order park supplies as needed and regularly research the best products and suppliers to use.
• Coordinate with vendors and staff to ensure proper use and handling of supplies and equipment.

Fiscal and Administrative Management

• Review, verify, and track vendor invoices to ensure accuracy and prompt payment.
• Post and maintain operational and internal calendars related to park use and service schedules.
• Assist with budget tracking and development by monitoring operational expenses and identifying efficiencies.
• Conduct regular payroll review for DDA Park staff and overtime authorization as needed.

Guest Experience

• Participate in the monitoring and responses to park calls and emails from the public and addressing any questions or concerns as they arise.
• Engage with the public while on site in a positive and welcoming manner.
• Review and address any comments or concerns raised by the public through feedback channels such as reviews, surveys, emails, phone calls, etc.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Positive, service-oriented attitude with a genuine interest in promoting a welcoming public space environment.
• Strong operational and leadership skills with the ability to monitor staff, contractors, and multiple workstreams simultaneously.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, especially with documentation and scheduling.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with internal teams, contractors, and the public.
• Ability to work independently and complete tasks in a fast-paced, dynamic, public-facing environment.
• Knowledge of urban park operations, facilities management, or public space maintenance is strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in standard office software and ability to learn and manage operational systems (experience with work order or asset management systems preferred)
• Ability to communicate fluently in English is required. Bi-lingual proficiency in Spanish is preferred.  

REQUIREMENTS

• A minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in park operations, facilities, or field operations roles.
• At least 1–2 years of supervisory experience overseeing staff, contractors, or service teams.
• A degree in parks and recreation management, public administration, facilities management, or related field is preferred.
• Comfortable working outdoors for extended periods in varying weather conditions and in a highly active, public-facing environment.
• Must pass a Level 2 background check and comply with all DDA policies as a drug-free and smoke-free workplace.  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

• Ability to lift up to 25–50 lbs and perform routine walking, standing, and site inspections throughout the park.
• The Park Operations Supervisor may be exposed to outdoor weather conditions, elevated noise levels, large crowds, and varying environmental conditions typical of a busy downtown park.
• Anticipated work schedule of Sunday – Thursday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Able to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed to supervise park operations.
• This role requires both active, on-site supervision within the park, as well as perform administrative duties in the DDA office.

PAY AND PERKS

The Fort Lauderdale DDA offers competitive compensation commensurate with experience. This is an hourly, at-will position, with a starting pay range of $30.00-$32.00 per hour based on qualifications and experience. Uniforms and other Huizenga Park apparel will be provided.

After successfully completing the first 90 days of service, the selected candidate will be eligible to participate in the following benefits:

• Retirement plan with company matching up to 5% of salary
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits
• 160 hours annually of Paid Time Off and 10 designated holidays
• Opportunity for discretional performance-based bonus pay