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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSuperintendent of Parks & ForestryUpdated: August 2025 (Admin Review) CITY OF IOWA CITY – JOB DESCRIPTION Position Title: Superintendent of Parks & Forestry Department: Parks & Recreation Division: Parks & Forestry Supervisor: Director of Parks & Recreation FLSA: Exempt Civil Service: No Pay Grade: 30 Job Number: 3014 Job Summary Organizes, directs and supervises the operational, financial and personnel activities involved in the maintenance and development of City parks, open space, natural areas, forestry/horticultural services and other related Parks and Recreation areas and facilities. Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities 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 responsibilities and assists in the preparation, documentation, amending and monitoring of the division budget; prepares and assists with CIP and capital outlay activities; researches grant opportunities and prepares and submits grant applications. • Represents division to outside agencies and general public; monitors public service announcements; monitors activities and relationships with affiliate organizations and other City departments. • Coordinates facility use with the Recreation division and affiliate organizations. • Determines facility maintenance needs; schedules preventive and ongoing maintenance functions; assures maintenance standards are met; monitors budget expenditures for facility improvements. • Develops, maintains and coordinates policies for the operation of the division. • Listens and responds to complaints, suggestions and ideas from the general public regarding division activities. • Maintains proper records regarding personnel, purchases, projects, safety, etc. • Participates in planning of new park facilities, including plans related to design layout and equipment. • Protects employee safety in all operations; supervises care and maintenance of equipment used by work crews. • Initiates, prepares and supervises contracts for tree trimming, removal, planting and pest control. • Inspects complaints of violations of forestry ordinances and initiates proper enforcement procedures. Updated: August 2025 (Admin Review) • Prepares and maintains inventory of City street trees; develops and implements a master tree planting plan and maintenance program; serves as City Forester. • Directs and supervises the implementation and maintenance of flower beds. • Serves as technical consultant to City departments on trees and plant materials, plant design, selection, identification and maintenance. • Conducts self in a professional manner which demonstrates courtesy and respect for all community members and coworkers. • Performs other duties 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 satisfactory 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 Certified Parks and Recreation Professional. Certified Arborist. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities • Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry. • Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. • Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. • Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors. • Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables. • Ability to make analytical decisions based on department policy statements. • Ability to read and understand technical materials, reports and journals. • Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. • Ability to reliably and predictably carry out duties. • Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. • Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format. Updated: August 2025 (Admin Review) • Knowledge of park and community resources and the administration of principles, techniques, and methods of providing park facilities. • Skill in effective oral and written communication. • Skill in planning, implementation, and technical knowledge of park management and maintaining positive public relations. • Skill in using computers and applicable software applications (Microsoft 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: August 2025 (Admin Review) Reviewed/Approved by: Juli Seydell Johnson, Parks & Recreation Director (4/2024) I have read and understand the duties of this job description, and I agree that I can perform the duties of this position with or without reasonable accommodation. Employee Date ________________________________ __________________