BLOOMINGDALE PARK DISTRICT JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Director of Parks and Planning

DEPARTMENT: Parks

CLASSIFICATION: Full-Time, Exempt

REVIEWED: July 3, 2020

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Parks & Planning oversees and maintains the District’s general maintenance program, which includes the upkeep and record keeping of all grounds, buildings and properties of the District, as well as the preventive maintenance program which includes repairing equipment, keeping records of parts and labor for each piece of equipment, and placing orders for necessary parts and supplies. The Director of Parks and Planning will contribute to the master plan, comprehensive plan and capital improvement plan; represent the Executive Director when required; and be an integral part of the District’s administrative team. Responsible for the budgeting, designing and specifying park amenities and/or facilities, the Director of Parks & Planning will also oversee the permitting, grants, GIS, and park inventories of park project plans by contractors and staff.

SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to the Executive Director and supervises the Assistant Director of Parks and Planning, Parks Department Administrative Assistant, Safety Coordinator, and oversees all full-time, part-time and seasonal Parks Department staff.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Evaluate staffing needs (including recruitment, hiring, evaluation and training) and make adjustments within the department so that the total program operates efficiently and creates an environment for success

• Responsible for loss prevention, employee safety training, and enforcement of safety standards in the Parks Department

• Prepare and administer annual budget for maintenance and capital improvements for buildings, equipment and properties of the District

• Demonstrate knowledge of city/county ordinances, permitting procedures, CPSC/ASTM playground safety, and ADA guidelines in the planning and implementation of all capital projects

• Oversee the implementation of approved maintenance and repair contracts and capital projects

• Oversee contracted services including janitorial, flooring, roofing, and other related trades and vendors

• Prepare bids for capital equipment and projects completed by outside contractors, architects and consultants

• Evaluate methods, training, and equipment required for efficient management of Bloomingdale Park District property

• Provide training and recommendations for training procedures for all fleet equipment

• Review finished projects to ensure proper maintenance and upkeep

• Present the District’s point of view in a positive, professional manner

• Maintain accurate records and produce comprehensive monthly reports in a timely manner

• Create professional and accurate correspondence and communicate clearly with contractors, other governmental agencies, staff, and concerned citizens

• Develop and interpret plans, architectural drawings, and cost analysis for the development and improvement of parks

• Prepare long-range plans for park acquisition, park development, equipment needs, swimming pool maintenance and renovation, building construction, building management, turf management, tree management, parking lot maintenance, athletic fields and facilities

• Address the special needs of park users in the maintenance and repair of the District’s parks and facilities

• Seek, interpret, and implement public input in the District’s planning efforts and maintain a positive public relations image within the District and community

• Follow Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and governmental guidelines in considering the needs of special users

• Research and evaluate alternatives for capital projects, including new trends, techniques, and products

• Assist in implementing comprehensive park maintenance management plan, capital asset replacement plan, and capital projects plan for the District

• Develop and implement short- and long-range plans toward departmental goals and objectives related to the development of parks, facilities and maintenance

• Facilitate all aspects of comprehensive master planning for the District

• Evaluate and update projects in the Capital Asset Replacement Plan (CARP) to provide for continuity of maintenance and budgeting and establish replacement values for new capital assets as needed

• Supervise the implementation of capital projects by staff and/or contractors ensuring bid documents and budgeting compliance

• Research and recommend environmental improvements and best practices

• Develop, review, and revise detailed construction drawings and project budgets before implementation

• Prepare plans, specifications, bid documents and reports

• Oversee compliance with the public and employees in environmental safety issues

• Assist with various duties including project estimating, line budget preparation, report writing, payroll time card verification, incident reports, purchase orders and inspection forms

• Effectively facilitate crew needs through timely procurement of materials and supplies and distribution of manpower and equipment

• Demonstrate knowledge and skill in operation of all park maintenance tools, equipment and vehicles

• Maintain effective two-way communication while dealing with concerns in the field with all District staff and immediate supervisor

• Carry two-way or cell phone communication at all times

• Wear personal protective equipment for job function when needed

• Hire, train, manage, lead, coach, direct, schedule, discipline, motivate, evaluate, provide quarterly feedback and recommend merit increases for assigned staff ensuring an effective and efficient department and successful District run in accordance with Department of Labor laws and District policies and procedures

• Control overtime costs

• Work closely with facility managers on matters of construction, renovation and maintenance

• Represent the Parks Department at all Board Meetings

• Responsible for the District’s capital improvement and development projects, and the capital asset replacement program

• Responsible for the improvements identified in the District’s ADA Transition Plan

• Responsible for the management of paving and lighting improvements

• Prepare and/or direct the preparation of Board summaries, monthly reports, and periodic and special reports

• Prepare and submit grant applications and requests

• Maintain required records of departmental activities, inspections, preventive maintenance, vehicles, services, personnel and property

• Maintain, inspect, repair, and renovate vehicles and equipment for overall safety

• Coordinate and work with community agencies and groups on park-related projects and planning where needed

• Provide a high quality of customer service in a professional manner to the internal customer that will facilitate team building and exceptional customer service to the external customer

• Maintain good safety awareness and follow all safety guidelines and procedures

• Supervise major park development projects and report to the Executive Director on their statuses

• Serve on various District committees

• Responsible for overseeing startup, maintenance, and operation of seasonal pool and staff

• Coordinate labor and material needs to maximize efficient use of resources

• Seek, interpret, and implement feedback from public and staff on horticulture needs

• Oversee and assist in completing construction repair projects

• Perform other duties and functions as directed

MARGINAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Be familiar with and adhere to all policies and procedures outlined in the Policy and Procedure Manual, Personnel Policy Manual, and Safety Manual

• Oversee planning and implementation of and/or attend District programs/special events

• Work with schools, sports leagues, and other organizations on special projects

• Attend meetings and participate in MIPE, IPRA, PDRMA and local community agencies, associations and organizations

• Continue education through professional conferences, training, and workshops, etc. on new issues, trends, and procedures related to the field

• Attend staff meetings and in-service trainings as required

• Serve on committees and focus groups as assigned

• Appropriately resolve concerns, problems and emergencies that arise

• Coordinate the installation, repair and maintenance of the fire and security alarm systems for the District’s buildings

• Knowledge of the ADA and implementation process

• Responsible for the District’s tree planting and forestry program

• Consult with contractors and other consulting architects

• Read and interpret architectural and landscape design plans and specifications

• Attendance at work site required every day as scheduled; on call at all times as needed

REQUIRED EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, SKILLS

• BA/BS in park management, landscape architecture, geography, engineering, turf grass management, forestry, horticulture, or related field

• Minimum five years of responsible administrative or supervisory experience in building and grounds management

• Certified Park and Recreation Professional, Certified Pool Operator, and Certified Playground Safety Inspector, or other related professional certification related to position, preferred

• Working knowledge of GIS and Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Excel

• Valid driver’s license required

• Knowledge in general construction trades, landscape construction, and maintenance required

• Knowledge and skill required in three or more of the following trades: electrical, plumbing, welding, HVAC, carpentry, blueprint reading, and surveying

• Must have and maintain a valid Illinois Pesticide Applicator’s license, Certified Pool Operator’s license, and CPR/AED certification (or obtain within one year of employment)

• Experience in personnel management and scheduling desired

• Must be able to lead, manage, and motivate assigned staff

• Must have great problem solving, analytical, organizational, interpersonal, and written and verbal communication skills

• Must be able to plan and implement a long-range strategic plan

• Must be able to multi-task and work calmly and effectively under pressure

• Knowledge of principles, practices and objectives of park and recreation administration

• Experience in construction management and the construction trades

• Proficient in construction, landscape and architectural terminology

• Complete understanding of park maintenance operations, including bidding procedures; landscape architectural theories, practices and principles; turf, tree and shrub care and maintenance; pertinent safety precautions and personal protective equipment; and principles of financial management

• Thorough understanding of human resource management and risk management

• Proficient in use of Microsoft Office applications and the internet

• Familiarity with GIS and its application in asset management

• Ability to cooperate with and interpret Park District philosophies in relation to governmental, public and private groups or agencies, and to the general public

• Capacity to maintain positive and effective working relationships with supervisors and subordinate employees

• Ability to work harmoniously with fellow employees, patrons, community groups and other units of local government

• Capacity to utilize effective time management skills and be able to work under the stress of multiple deadlines, requests from others and interruptions, with accuracy

• Ability to work in a team atmosphere, promoting positive work relations with both internal and external customers

• Proficiency to read and write in English and organize effectively

• Ability to communicate effectively within various settings, from one-on-one to group configurations

• Capacity to maintain self-control and composure in difficult situations

• Must have great problem solving, analytical, organizational, interpersonal, and written and verbal communication skills

SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES

Actively supports the Safety Policy and related programs including following/enforcing safety rules, reporting accidents and injuries, and developing ideas for the prevention of future incidents.

• Supervises and works in harmony with the Safety Coordinator to organize Loss Control program aspects of the Bloomingdale Park District

• Maintains a working knowledge of all general and department-specific safety rules

• Enforces safety rules and improves employee and public knowledge of the same by confronting and correcting unsafe behavior and conditions

• Makes specific budget allocations for the purchase of safety equipment, safety services and safety training

• Reviews and updates inspection criteria. Performs a departmental inspection report (or have an alternate deliver) at Safety Committee Meeting

• Provides proper orientation, job instruction, training and in-service training to supervisors

• Prepares needed support information for the PDRMA Loss Control Program Review

HOURS

The Director of Parks & Planning schedule is generally Monday through Friday, with occasional evening and weekend hours as necessary to produce exceptional results. It is essential to be regularly available during standard business hours to meet with staff, vendors and other businesses and government agencies.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS

Sitting – frequently Walking – minimum of 2 miles Standing – occasionally

Lifting – moderate, 0-50 lbs. Stooping – occasionally Reaching – occasionally

Climbing – frequently Kneeling – occasionally Driving – frequently

• Work area is both indoors, in a smoke-free environment with controlled temperature and fluorescent lighting, and outdoors at all Park District locations

• Frequent exposure to natural and potentially extreme weather conditions while supervising employees or attending to job related activities

• Exposure to various chemicals (i.e., fertilizers, herbicides, pool chemicals, cleaning agents, and petroleum-based products)

• Exposure to noise distractions from employees, patrons or equipment operation

• Exposure to chronic or infectious disease while performing routine first aid or emergency procedures

• Protective clothing and equipment may be required as it pertains to a particular job duty

JPJTS/070320