Parks Manager

Position Description

RECRUITMENT OVERVIEW:

Thank you for your interest in our Parks Manager position. We look forward to the opportunity to consider you as an applicant.

We are seeking a highly experienced and dynamic Parks Manager to join our Community Services Department. The ideal candidate is a strategic leader and proactive problem-solver who is passionate about enhancing public spaces and community quality of life. This mid-management professional will excel at leading a diverse team, managing complex projects, and driving continuous improvement in the City’s parks and grounds maintenance operations.

This role is perfect for someone with a strong background in park administration and a commitment to public service. You will have the opportunity to make a tangible impact on the community by managing everything from daily maintenance to long-range capital improvement projects and the preservation of our urban forest.

The City of Tulare is a vibrant and steadily growing community with a population of 70,693 is located in the heart of California’s Central Valley. The City provides a full-range of services to our citizens. The organization, staffed with 411 full-time employees, enjoys a culture of fiscal conservatism, collaboration, teamwork and dedication to public service and our community.

Comprised of the Parks, Library, Recreation, and Senior Services divisions, the Community Services Department provides a wide array of programs for the entire family. The department maintains all city parks and landscaping and lighting districts totaling 367 acres. The department is also responsible for coordinating activities including instructional classes and sports programs for youth and adults, as well as special community events.

Our goal is to create community through people, parks and programs. The mission of the department is to provide recreational experiences, enhance human development, promote health and wellness, support cultural unity, facilitate community problem-solving, protect natural resources, strengthen community image and sense of place, support economic development, strengthen community image and sense of place, support economic development, strengthen community safety through the provision of leisure programs.

To be considered for this outstanding career opportunity applicants must submit an application with detailed information in each section of the application: Education, Work Experience, Certificates and Licenses, and Skills. Resumes may be attached but will not be accepted in lieu of a complete, detailed application.

INTERVIEW & ASSESSMENT PROCESS: Applicants that meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in the interview process on: FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2025.

For planning/scheduling purposes, please make note of the interview date. Additional details will be sent via email once our screening process is complete (on or before December 12 at 5:00 p.m.).

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Under general direction, plans, organizes, oversees, coordinates, and reviews the work of staff performing difficult and complex field work and office support related to all programs and activities of the Parks Division; administers current and long-range planning activities; manages the effective use of the appropriate City's parks and grounds maintenance resources to improve organizational productivity and customer service; provides highly complex and responsible support to the Community Services Director in areas of expertise; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from the Community Services Director. Exercises direct and general supervision over parks and grounds maintenance staff. Coordinates and monitors the work of outside contractors, vendors, and consultants as assigned.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is a mid-management classification that manages a division of the City’s parks and grounds maintenance and operations activities, including parks and grounds maintenance operations, parks planning and development, and landscaping maintenance operations. Responsibilities include performing diverse, specialized, and complex work involving significant accountability and decision-making responsibility. The incumbent organizes and oversees day-to-day activities and is responsible for providing divisional-level support to the Community Services Director in a variety of areas. Successful performance of the work requires an extensive background as well as skill in coordinating departmental work. This class is distinguished from the Community Services Director in that the latter has overall responsibility for all functions of the Department and for developing, implementing, and interpreting public policy.

Examples of Essential Functions

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only) Management reserves the rights to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Manages and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the Division; recommends within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
• Plans, manages, and oversees the daily functions, operations, and activities of the Parks Division.
• Develops and standardizes procedures and methods to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of assigned programs; continuously monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assesses and monitors workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement and recommends to the Director.
• Manages and coordinates the work plan for the assigned Division; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems; assigns work activities, projects, and programs; monitors work flow; reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures.
• Participates in the selection, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures.
• Prioritizes and allocates available resources; reviews and evaluates service delivery, makes recommendations for improvement, and ensures maximum effective service provision.
• Develops and reviews staff reports related to parks and grounds maintenance activities and services; assists with reports presented to the City Council and other commissions, committees, and boards; performs a variety of public relations and outreach work related to assigned activities.
• Manages and participates in the development and administration of the Division budget; oversees the budget for the Division.
• Provides highly complex staff assistance to the Community Services Director; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
• Conducts a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies; recommends modifications to assigned programs, policies, and procedures, as appropriate.
• Implements adopted parks and grounds maintenance operations plans, policies, and standards.
• Coordinates assigned services and activities with those of other divisions and outside agencies and organizations; manages, plans, and coordinates with other City departments and outside organizations for special events held for public access and public emergencies.
• Monitors and controls supplies and equipment; orders supplies and tools as necessary; prepares documents for equipment procurement; participates in informal bid processes for purchases of equipment and supplies as necessary.
• Manages, participates in, reviews, inspects, and approves the designs and construction for new parks and landscapes projects; prepares and reviews bid documents, request for proposals, and contracts; participates in the bid process for services and materials related to improvement projects; participates in the selection of contract services.
• Prepares, estimates, develops, and administers Parks Division Capital Improvement Program budgets for parks and landscape improvements, project designs, and construction, including forecasting funds, directing and monitoring expenditures, and recommending adjustments as necessary.
• Supervises the review and administration of inspections and oversees the approval of designs for, construction plans, and project administration for a wide variety of landscape, irrigation, and lighting projects and programs for districts, City-owned facilities, medians, open space areas, and landscaped well sites; ensures contract compliance.
• Manages and participates in new park and landscape planning, development, and construction, including recommending and implementing policies and procedures, planning, direction and organizing of the City's long-range park development program, and directs and coordinates the work of outside contractors.
• Prepares and manages the street tree master plan; reviews and makes recommendations for amendments and updates of City tree ordinances; plans, manages, and inspects the City's Urban Forest.
• Performs the most complex parks and grounds maintenance duties and provides technical assistance to crews, as needed.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of parks and grounds maintenance operations; researches emerging products and enhancements and their applicability to City needs.
• Monitors changes in regulations and technology that may affect operations; implements policy and procedural changes after approval.
• Receives, investigates, and responds to problems and complaints in a professional manner; identifies and reports findings and takes necessary corrective action.
• Responds to operations, maintenance, and repair emergency situations as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications / Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation and evaluation, program management, and supervision of staff, either directly or through subordinate levels of supervision.
• Principles and practices of budget administration.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations concerning the operation of the Parks Division.
• Principles and practices of contract administration and evaluation.
• Organization and management practices as applied to the development, analysis, and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs of the assigned Division.
• Principles, practices, equipment, tools, and materials of parks and grounds maintenance and repair.
• Safety principles, practices, and procedures of parks and grounds maintenance, including equipment and hazardous materials.
• The operation and maintenance of a variety of hand and power tools, vehicles, and power equipment.
• General principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.
• Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related to the operations of a major Parks Division.
• Safety principles and practices.
• Record keeping principles and procedures.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment.
• Computer applications related to the work.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Techniques for dealing effectively with the public, vendors, contractors and City staff, in person and over the telephone.
• Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to the public and City staff, in person and over the telephone.

Ability to:

• Recommend and implement goals, objectives, and practices for providing effective and efficient services.
• Manage and monitor complex projects, on-time and within budget.
• Plan, organize, schedule, assign, review, and evaluate the work of staff.
• Train staff in work procedures.
• Evaluate and develop improvements in operations, procedures, policies, or methods.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
• Analyze, interpret, summarize, and present administrative and technical information and data in an effective manner.
• Perform the most complex maintenance duties and operate related equipment safely and effectively.
• Interpret, explain, and ensure compliance with City policies and procedures, complex laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances.
• Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports.
• Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups and various businesses, professional, and regulatory organizations and in meetings with individuals.
• Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record keeping, and tracking systems.
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

REQUIREMENTS

Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade supplemented by college level coursework in park development maintenance, business administration, public administration, or a related field and five (5) years of responsible parks development, management, and maintenance experience, including two (2) years of supervisory or lead experience.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver's license.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Pesticide Applicator's license is desirable.

Additional Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, as well as to work in the field; to operate a motor vehicle and to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups and over the telephone. This is partially a sedentary office, partially a field classification, and standing in and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 50 pounds.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

Employees partially work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to potentially hazardous physical substances. Employees also work in the field and may be exposed to hot and cold temperatures, inclement weather conditions, loud noise levels, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

• Members of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). In accordance with the California Public Employees Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA), the City of Tulare will offer the following retirement benefit (2.0% at 62) to new PERS members beginning January 1, 2013 with three (3) years final compensation. Existing PERS members with no break in service will receive the 2.5% at 55 formula with single highest year.
• City pays a portion of the employee and dependent coverage costs of group medical, dental and vision insurance. An opt-out plan is also available.
• Life insurance - Based on salary.
• Short and long term disability insurance.
• 10 working days vacation per year. Additional days based on years of service.
• 12 days sick leave per year.
• 15 holidays annually: 12 city observed holidays, plus birthday credit and 2 in-lieu holidays.
• Management leave - 64 hours per year.
• Flexible benefit program - IRS Section 125 Plan.
• Deferred compensation plan - 457 Plans available.
• City sponsored clinic - Opening March 1, 2025. Services to include: general medical care and health and wellness coaching. No deductibles, co-pays, or out-of-pocket expenses.

Closing Date/Time: 12/10/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

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• City of Tulare

• 559-684-4204

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