Park Foreman

JOB SUMMARY

The Park Foreman leads the daily operations of park grounds maintenance and serves as a key leader within the Parks Department. This role involves performing a variety of skilled and diversified tasks related to the upkeep of buildings, grounds, and structures across all park facilities. The Park Foreman ensures the safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible operation of water distribution systems, playground safety, and the maintenance of athletic fields and landscaped areas.

As a leadership position, the Park Foreman is responsible for guiding and supporting maintenance staff, fostering a collaborative team environment, and ensuring high standards of service delivery. The ideal candidate is tech-savvy, capable of using digital tools and systems to enhance operational efficiency, track maintenance activities, and communicate effectively. This role also requires the ability to connect with the community, promoting a welcoming atmosphere throughout the park system. Compliance with state licensing standards and a commitment to safety and environmental stewardship are essential.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervise and coordinate grounds crew activities related to field prep maintenance, landscaping, and facility upkeep.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot irrigation and pump systems, including valves, controllers, and water lines.
• Conduct inspections and repairs of water and sewer systems to ensure optimal performance within DHH/DEO guidelines
• Ensure compliance with Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) licensing standards.
• Oversee seasonal field preparation: top dressing, fertilizing, overseeding, and aerating.
• Maintain accurate records of irrigation schedules, repairs, water usage, and chemical applications.
• Train and mentor crew members on irrigation system operations, safety protocols, and environmental best practices.
• Collaborate with vendors and contractors for system upgrades, inspections, and compliance.
• Responds to emergency repairs and weather-related irrigation issues.
• Perform general park maintenance duties including mowing, trimming, trash pickup, and equipment setup.
• Ensure proper application, storage, and disposal of chemicals used in grounds maintenance.
• Assist in construction and renovation projects involving water and sewer systems and landscaping.
• Assists the Parks Superintendent with budget development and monitoring. Follows all finance and purchasing procedures for supplies and equipment.
• Coordinates and documents the usage, maintenance schedules, and inventory management of playground equipment and related supplies.
• Enforces safety procedures, training, regulations and maintains records of such training.
• Recognizes safety issues/hazards and takes steps to correct them.
• Reports unsafe conditions to Parks Superintendent outside of their scope of work
• Completion of NIMS Training as required

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in park maintenance or irrigation systems.
• Supervisory experience preferred.
• Experience with QuickBooks or similar accounting software preferred.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Current driver’s license issued by state of residence.
• Satisfactory Motor Vehicle Report.
• Ability to participate in training and certification programs related to leadership, technology, and community relations.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to supervise, motivate, and mentor a diverse team of maintenance staff.
• Advanced knowledge of operating mechanical equipment such as tractors, mowers, weed eaters, chainsaws, etc.
• General understanding of sports athletic field layout, terminology, and preparation.
• Proficiency with digital tools and systems used for scheduling, reporting, and communication (e.g., work order systems, mobile apps, and software platforms).
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively engage staff, supervisors, and community members.
• Ability to read, write, measure accurately, and follow verbal and written instructions independently.
• Ability to perform effectively under pressure, managing strict and unforeseen deadlines.
• Adaptability and willingness to learn and apply new technologies and practices in recreation and maintenance.
• Commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive environment that encourages community involvement and feedback.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS

• Certified Playground Inspector, Licensed C3 Applicator and Pump Systems Specialist
• Current driver’s license issued by state of residence.
• Satisfactory Motor Vehicle Report.

PHYSICAL AND DEXTERITY REQUIREMENTS

• This position involves heavy manual labor, must be able to lift 60 lbs.
• You must physically be able to bend, twist, kneel, squat, push, pull, lift, carry, and hold possible large and/or heavy objects for extended periods of time.
• Ability to properly use hand and/or powered equipment.

SENSORY REQUIREMENTS (with or without accommodation)

• Ability to distinguish colors and identify potential hazards, plant health, and maintenance needs.
• Ability to hear equipment operation, communicate effectively with team members, and recognize environmental sounds (e.g., warning signals).
• Ability to feel textures and temperatures when handling tools, plants, and materials.
• Awareness of scents to detect issues like plant diseases, chemical spills, or odors indicating safety concerns.
• Good hand-eye coordination for operating machinery and performing tasks like trimming and planting.

ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS

In this role you may be exposed to any of the following:

• Risk of exposure to fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides.
• Exposure to extreme temperatures, or changes in weather patterns depending on the season.
• Contact with plants, pollen, or mold.
• Contact with wet surfaces, or obstacles in certain park areas and/or construction.
• Potential encounters with bees, ticks, snakes, or other wildlife.
• Prolonged exposure to loud machinery and equipment.

DISCLAIMER STATEMENT

The above is intended to describe the content of and requirements of the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. Recreation District #1 of St. Tammany reserves the right to change, add, or delete at any time from this job description to meet the need of the organization.

At Pelican Park, we firmly believe in the power of unity. When we come together, as One Team, we create a safe space where every individual and every effort matters. Whether you're a visitor or part of our Team, we all share in the overall success of this incredible park and programs. Let’s grow, connect, and thrive together—because we are all part of something bigger.

One Park. One Team. One Vision.