Park Manager

In order to be considered for this position, you must complete the external application process.  This posting may be closed prior to the end date listed.

The Park Manager is responsible for planning, developing, coordinating, and executing an operational management plan for a park. Work is performed under the general direction of the Park Operations Superintendent with considerable latitude for independent judgment and action. The Park Manager will supervise staff which may include Assistant Park Manager, Park Specialist, Naturalist, maintenance employees, part-time staff, and volunteers. Annual performance goals will be set for the Park Manager. Park Manager is subject to and eligible for lateral transfer within the organization.   

Hiring Salary Range: $74,705.21 - $85,864.37

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (with illustrative examples of work)

Manage personnel:
• Plan, direct, and control the work of employees in the operation and maintenance of park facilities, grounds, and equipment.
• Determine workload, assign priorities, schedule employees, and allocates resources.
• Maintain attendance records, approve leave, and authorize payment of wages.
• Develop and implement training programs for employees.
• Analyze and resolve employee work problems through application and interpretation of Personnel Policies.
• Develop performance standards and indicators and evaluate employee performance against those standards.
• Ensure adherence to fair and equitable employment practices.
• Interview and hire applicants for part-time employment; assist Director of Operations and Park Operations Superintendents with interview and selection of applicants for full-time employment.
• Promote high levels of work performance and employee morale.

Manage facility operations:
• Monitor operation to ensure customer satisfaction.
• Inspect park facilities for adherence to NOVA Parks’ standards.
• Monitor revenue-producing operations (to include programs and special events) to ensure compliance with business standards and procedures
• Operate facilities and fill in at all positions as needed.
• Ensure compliance to federal, state, and local regulatory standards including safety and health issues.
• Ensure security of park facilities and assets.

Manage facility and grounds maintenance:
• Inspect park facilities, equipment, and grounds for hazards and for adherence to NOVA Parks’ standards.
• Develop and implement preventive maintenance program.
• Identify maintenance problems and hazards, implement corrective action or refer to Central Maintenance.
• Operate various types of maintenance equipment as needed and perform related work including manual labor.

Develop and manage budget:
• Recommend operations, maintenance, and development items for budget; implement operating budget.
• Interpret and apply NOVA Parks’ policies and procedures to meet personnel, budget, property management, and general service needs of the park.
• Monitor operating budget, resale inventories, and revenue projections to ensure sound fiscal management.
• Authorize procurement of required items and/or services.

Establish and maintain positive public relations program:
• Develop and foster a positive public image for the park and NOVA Parks.
• Coordinate with Marketing and Communications Office on marketing and promotion of programs and facilities.
• Provide information to the public and special interest groups through presentations and other means through accurate, courteous, and diplomatic communications.
• Maintain effective relationships with groups such as vendors, local law enforcement, and special user groups.
• Encourage visitor comments; investigate and respond to complaints.
Perform administrative duties:
• Develop short- and long-term goals and recommend operating objectives, strategies, and implementation plans.
• Investigate accidents, thefts, vandalism, and other violations and file appropriate reports in a timely manner.
• Prepare and maintain various business, personnel, and administrative reports and records
• Initiate and monitor standard user permits; assist with the development of special contractual agreements.
• Maintain thorough and accurate records of repairs, preventive maintenance, and servicing through web-based maintenance software.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS (minimum)
Education:  Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to:  graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor's degree in park management or closely related field.

Physical:  Non-manual and manual work with strength and dexterity necessary to perform all required tasks, including lifting, stooping, bending and working in tiring and uncomfortable positions in office and outdoor settings; will perform heavy manual labor in all weather conditions, lift items at or greater than 80 pounds, climb ladders, use tools, and operate equipment.

Experience:  Four years of progressively responsible experience in parks or conservation work or any equivalent combination of education, training, or experience which provides:
• Considerable knowledge of principles, methods, and practices involved in park management.
• Considerable knowledge and experience in personnel management.
• Ability to develop comprehensive operating procedures and performance standards and to evaluate programs and employees against such standards.
• Considerable ability to review and analyze expenditures and revenues in determining appropriate budgets.
• Considerable ability to identify and isolate problems, and to initiate appropriate actions.
• Considerable ability to deal effectively with the public and special interest groups, and to provide a strong, positive public relations program; with considerable ability to interpret and explain NOVA Parks policies, rules, and procedures to employees and to the public.
• Considerable ability to communicate clearly and effectively with ability to prepare written correspondence and present accurate reports.
• Considerable knowledge of the materials, equipment, and procedures involved with park maintenance.
• Ability to maintain knowledge of current trends and developments in the park and recreation profession.
• Working knowledge of personal computers and various software applications.
• Certification or ability to obtain certification in CPR and first aid and other licenses as required.
• Possession of or ability to obtain and maintain drivers’ license with safe driving record.
• Availability for off-duty phone calls and/or ability to report to work in emergency situations when off duty.
• Availability to work rotating schedules, additional hours during peak operating times including weekends.
• Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of the position.
• Park Managers are subject to lateral transfer.

Duties and responsibilities are designed to be the essential elements of the job.  They do not preclude the performance of related, or even unrelated, jobs which may be necessary to properly and efficiently complete all work assignments.  NOVA Parks reserves the right to amend job specifications to meet current needs.

Benefits:  This position is a benefit eligible position.  Benefits include medical and dental insurance, life insurance, long-term disability, retirement plan, and more.

Testing:  The Park Manager position is classified as a safety sensitive position.  Candidates for full-time, safety sensitive positions must submit to a pre-employment drug screening and achieve a negative result as a condition of employment. 

It is the policy of the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority to prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or disability in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act.  Contact 703-352-5900 and ask for the Human Resources Department for assistance.