HomeMy WebLinkAboutSuperintendent of Parks & ForestryUpdated: March 2024
CITY OF IOWA CITY – JOB DESCRIPTION
Posi�on Title: Superintendent of Parks & Forestry
Department: Parks & Recrea�on
Division: Parks & Forestry
Supervisor: Director of Parks & Recrea�on
FLSA: Exempt
Civil Service: No
Pay Grade: 30
Job Number: 3014
Job Summary
Organizes, directs and supervises the opera�onal, financial and personnel ac�vi�es involved in
the maintenance and development of City parks, open space, natural areas,
forestry/hor�cultural services and other related Parks and Recrea�on areas and facili�es.
Essen�al Job Du�es and Responsibili�es
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive
or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
• Performs budgetary responsibili�es and assists in the prepara�on, documenta�on,
amending and monitoring of the division budget; prepares and assists with CIP and
capital outlay ac�vi�es; researches grant opportuni�es and prepares and submits grant
applica�ons.
• Represents division to outside agencies and general public; monitors public service
announcements; monitors ac�vi�es and rela�onships with affiliate organiza�ons and
other City departments.
• Coordinates facility use with the Recrea�on division and affiliate organiza�ons.
• Determines facility maintenance needs; schedules preven�ve and ongoing maintenance
func�ons; assures maintenance standards are met; monitors budget expenditures for
facility improvements.
• Develops, maintains and coordinates policies for the opera�on of the division.
• Listens and responds to complaints, sugges�ons and ideas from the general public
regarding division ac�vi�es.
• Maintains proper records regarding personnel, purchases, projects, safety, etc.
• Par�cipates in planning of new park facili�es, including plans related to design layout
and equipment.
• Protects employee safety in all opera�ons; supervises care and maintenance of
equipment used by work crews.
• Ini�ates, prepares and supervises contracts for tree trimming, removal, plan�ng and
pest control.
• Inspects complaints of viola�ons of forestry ordinances and ini�ates proper enforcement
procedures.
Updated: March 2024
• Prepares and maintains inventory of City street trees; develops and implements a
master tree plan�ng plan and maintenance program; serves as City Forester.
• Directs and supervises the implementa�on and maintenance of flower beds.
• Serves as technical consultant to City departments on trees and plant materials, plant
design, selec�on, iden�fica�on and maintenance.
• Conducts self in a manner which promotes and supports diversity and inclusivity in the
workplace and community.
• Performs other du�es as assigned.
Minimum Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited educational institution and three to five years of
related experience; or seven to nine years of related experience and/or equivalent
combination of education and experience. Degree in Park Management, Landscape
Architecture, Urban Forestry, or related. Experience in community park or forestry
management.
• Valid State of Iowa driver’s license with sa�sfactory driving record. Must be 18 years of
age. Must pass criminal background check.
Preferred Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited educational institution and six years of related
experience; or ten years of related experience and/or equivalent combination of
education and experience. Supervisory experience.
• NRPA Cer�fied Parks and Recrea�on Professional. Cer�fied Arborist.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abili�es
• Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions,
propor�ons, percentages, area, circumference, and volume.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to effec�vely present informa�on to top management, public groups, and/or
boards of directors.
• Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instruc�ons in mathema�cal or
diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
• Ability to make analy�cal decisions based on department policy statements.
• Ability to read and understand technical materials, reports and journals.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scien�fic and technical journals, financial
reports, and legal documents.
• Ability to reliably and predictably carry out du�es.
• Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory
agencies, or members of the business community.
• Ability to write speeches and ar�cles for publica�on that conform to prescribed style
and format.
Updated: March 2024
• Knowledge of park and community resources and the administra�on of principles,
techniques, and methods of providing park facili�es.
• Skill in effec�ve oral and writen communica�on.
• Skill in planning, implementa�on, and technical knowledge of park management and
maintaining posi�ve public rela�ons.
• Skill in using computers and applicable so�ware applica�ons (Microso� Office – Word,
Excel, Outlook).
Supervision
Assists with the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of a program function or unit for
the department. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's
policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include supervising direct reports including
interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; writing
and delivering performance reviews; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing
complaints and resolving problems; and terminating employees.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an
employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform
the essential duties and responsibilities.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The
employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands
and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or
crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision
abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception
and ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee
encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
duties and responsibilities.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Duties are generally performed in
an office setting with a controlled environment. The job requires sitting for extended periods of
time and the work may expose the employee to unpleasant social situations and significant
work pace pressure.
Iowa City is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities
Act as Amended, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with
disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential
accommodations with the employer.
Updated: March 2024
Reviewed/Approved by: Juli Seydell Johnson, Parks & Recrea�on Director (4/2024)
I have read and understand the duties and requirements of this job description, and I
agree that I can perform the duties of this position with or without reasonable
accommodation.
Employee Date
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