Superintendent of Park Services
Are you a visionary leader with a passion for parks, natural areas, and community enrichment? The Dundee Township Park District is seeking a dynamic and experienced Superintendent of Park Services to lead a diverse and dedicated team, champion large-scale projects, and thrive in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment.
Why This Role Matters:
As Superintendent, you'll oversee the planning, organization, and management of all aspects of the Park Services Department, including parks, natural areas, non-recreation facilities, and zoo operations. You will serve as a key leader responsible for both day-to-day operations and capital projects that shape the future of our community’s parks and facilities. This role requires a coach and mentor who can lead a talented team while navigating complex tasks and frequently shifting priorities.
What You'll Do:
- Lead, coach, and support a diverse team of four full-time division supervisors within Park Services, with indirect oversight of part-time and seasonal staff.
- Lead, coach, and support a diverse team of Zoo staff, with direct oversight of full-time employees and indirect oversight of part-time and seasonal staff.
- Support and lead your team through large-scale capital projects from design to completion, managing bidding, budgeting, and construction oversight.
- Support and enhance team development through coaching, training, and education programs.
- Spearhead District compliance initiatives, including ADA and safety/risk management requirements.
- Maintain operational excellence across parks, facilities, and zoo operations by providing your team the resources, assistance and collaboration.
- Act as the District’s lead for grant writing and financial assistance, driving growth through innovative project funding.
What We're Looking For:
- A natural coach who thrives on building and supporting high-performing teams.
- A leader who can pivot effortlessly between long-term planning and daily task management in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
- A proactive problem-solver with experience.
- Five years of department-level leadership experience.
- Strong skills in budgeting, project management, and knowledge of federal, state, and local guidelines.
- Strong communication skills that promotes and emphasizes positive team morale and inter-departmental partnerships.
Qualifications:
Education
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in park maintenance, forestry, horticulture, recreation, or a closely related field is preferred. Candidates with equivalent, relevant experience will be considered.
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in park maintenance, forestry, horticulture, recreation, or a closely related field is preferred. Candidates with equivalent, relevant experience will be considered.
Experience
Minimum of five (5) years of progressive leadership experience at the department head level in park maintenance or a related field. Demonstrated expertise in:
Minimum of five (5) years of progressive leadership experience at the department head level in park maintenance or a related field. Demonstrated expertise in:
- Construction and project management
- Turf management and athletic field maintenance
- Horticulture and landscape maintenance
- Equipment operations and maintenance
- Budget development and oversight
- HVAC systems and facility maintenance
- Park planning and design
Experience working with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and other state agencies is highly desirable, including preparing and administering grant programs such as OSLAD and PARC.
Licensure
- Valid Illinois Driver’s License required; CDL preferred
- Illinois Pesticide Applicator License (Turf and Ornamentals) highly desired
Certifications and Professional Affiliations
- Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) preferred
- Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) preferred
In exchange for your time and talent, we offer a generous benefit package, including:
- Defined contribution medical insurance plan options
- Dental insurance plan
- Vision insurance plan
- District paid life insurance and voluntary additional life insurance, spouse and dependent
- Participation in IMRF (retirement, disability, death benefits)
- Vacation days, personal days, sick leave and paid holidays
- Sick bank leave and paid bereavement leave
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Deferred compensation retirement plan option
- Flexible spending accounts for unreimbursed medical and dependent care
- Free family Memberships to our unique facilities
- Free/discounted District programs, merchandise and concessions
- Educational assistance/tuition reimbursement/professional development
- Professional organizational memberships
- Service Awards Program
- Employee social activities
- Wellness Incentive Program
- Credit Union
If you are an energetic leader who enjoys making an impact in your community and are eager to take on exciting challenges in park services, we invite you to apply!
Apply Here: https://dtpd.bamboohr.com/careers/90
Apply Here: https://dtpd.bamboohr.com/careers/90