Parks/Recreation Assistant Division Chief (10232, Grade 32)

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is an award-winning organization with over 5,000 employees responsible for managing more than 52,000 acres of parkland across Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties. In Prince George’s County, the Department of Parks and Recreation also develops and delivers the County’s public recreation programs.

Prince George’s County Department of Parks and Recreation is seeking a dynamic, results-driven leader to serve as Assistant Division Chief for the Southern Region Parks Division (SRPD). This position provides senior-level leadership for a broad range of park operational programs supporting approximately half of the County’s park sites. Assigned work programs include grounds maintenance, trails, custodial services, trades, athletic ballfields, playgrounds, waste management, and program support, while also providing operational support to recreation services.

The ideal candidate will bring strong experience in park operations, landscaping, construction and trades, facility maintenance, athletic field and turf management, and public-facing service delivery. Equally important, the successful candidate will be highly proficient with Microsoft Windows-based applications (including Outlook, Excel, Word, and related enterprise systems) and capable of using data, reports, and dashboards to support operational decision-making.

This position requires advanced managerial judgment, the ability to resolve complex operational challenges, and experience addressing citizen concerns with professionalism and diplomacy. The Assistant Division Chief plays an active role in budget development, monitoring, and management, including tracking expenditures, managing encumbrances, supporting procurement processes, and ensuring fiscal accountability across multiple work programs.

The Assistant Division Chief collaborates closely with the Parks Division Chief to plan, develop, and implement a comprehensive and high-performing park maintenance program, and serves as the acting Division Chief as needed.

Preferred candidates will demonstrate:

• Extensive knowledge of park maintenance operations, personnel management, public relations, budgeting, and finance
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills
• Exceptional interpersonal and leadership abilities
• A strategic, self-motivated, and results-oriented management style

Please note that the above salary range represents earning potential. The salary range for this position is $91,288 to $126,436. Salary is commensurate with experience.

• Collaborate with internal Commission units, government agencies, and departmental partners
• Develop and implement operational goals emphasizing innovation, conservation, diversity, and inclusion
• Establish and enforce operational standards, safety protocols, and divisional procedures
• Maintain strong community relations by addressing citizen concerns, meeting with community groups, and presenting operational updates
• Manage a comprehensive park maintenance operation serving 100 developed park sites, including regional parks, neighborhood parks, and recreation centers
• Prepare and manage operating budgets; develop budget requests; monitor expenditures; and oversee procurements, RFPs, and purchasing activities
• Provide leadership and supervision for 75 career and seasonal employees, including planning, scheduling, performance management, and accountability
• Provide operational support to other divisions and recreation programs as needed
• Serve as acting Division Chief in the absence of the Parks Division Chief
• Stay current on industry best practices through research, professional development, and industry conferences
• Support planning, development, renovation, and capital improvement of park facilities and infrastructure

1. Bachelor's Degree in Parks, Recreation, Public Administration, Landscape Architecture, Natural Sciences or any related field. 
2. Six (6) years of experience in Park or Public Administration, Landscape Architecture, or natural sciences that includes varied park administration/management experience and two (2) years of supervisory experience that relates to functional area of assignment (e.g., recreation and leisure services, park enterprise, interpretation and conservation, horticulture and forestry, maintenance and development, or engineering/architecture/landscape architecture).
3. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total ten (10) 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.