Salary : $89,386.00 - $117,625.00 Annually
Location : Duluth, MN
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: L26065
Department: Property, Parks, & Libraries
Opening Date: 08/10/2026
Closing Date: 8/31/2026 11:59 PM Central
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: Supervisory
Probation Period: 12 months
Eligible List Duration: 2 months

Job Posting Information
SUMMARY/PURPOSE
The Parks & Grounds Maintenance Manager will be responsible for managing, directing, evaluating and supervising the overall coordination, planning, operation, and performance of routine and capital maintenance in City parks and/or on City property. The Parks & Grounds Maintenance Manager will supervise Park Maintenance staff and will act as a project manager to provide technical expertise and guidance on key City parks and grounds projects, and will exercise independent judgment and discretion in carrying out professional project, maintenance, and operational decisions.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
The supervisor provides administrative direction with assignments in terms of broadly defined missions or functions. Incumbents have responsibility for planning, designing, and carrying out programs, projects, studies, or other work independently.

SUPERVISION GIVEN
Does have supervisory responsibility, typically for employees who exercise broad discretion. The supervisor provides broad guidance including mission and vision but does not provide task or duty level.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities (other duties may be assigned)
1. Plan, direct, supervise, and evaluate the implementation of landscape and park amenity maintenance and capital improvement plans/programs in City parks and/or on City property and/or facilities.
2. Consult and collaborate with stakeholders and consultants to gather information, perform financial analysis, and develop routine and capital maintenance plans that adhere to accepted park amenity and landscaping principles and code compliance standards.
3. Direct the determination of maintenance and capital maintenance projects' scope, budget and methodology, the preparation of bid specifications with consultants/contractors, review bid proposals, and participate in the selection of consultants/contractors.
4. Lead the negotiation of contract terms with consultants/contractors.
5. Inspect the work done by City maintenance staff, consultants, contractors, and vendors for conformance to specifications, and adjust as necessary.
6. Review consultant reports, lab analysis results, regulatory guidelines, and other technical material to guide the implementation of best practice routine and capital maintenance efforts.
7. Plan, direct, and monitor a comprehensive City sidewalk snow removal program.
8. Identify funding sources and develop, monitor, and administer general maintenance and capital project budgets for the division.
9. Collaborate with the Property & Facilities Manager in the development of capital maintenance plans, implementation, routine maintenance and utilization of the asset management system, and development of reports as necessary to disseminate key park, landscape, and facility issues to City Administration.
10. Collaborate with the Property & Facilities Manager and the Parks & Recreation Manager on the development and implementation of maintenance and project priorities, planning, resource allocations, and service levels.
11. Research and keep abreast of current park and landscape maintenance practices, construction management practices, landscape architectural techniques, materials, trends, technologies, and methods; act as a technical City resource for the overall development, implementation, and quality control of park infrastructure planning and construction projects.
12. In the absence of the PFM Manager, and as requested, act in the capacity of Property & Facilities Manager to ensure seamless operation of the Property & Facilities Management and Park Maintenance Divisions.
13. Manage employee performance, and provide training, coaching, and mentoring for employees.
14. Provide clear, sufficient, and timely direction and information to the employees about plans, expectations, tasks, and activities.
15. Demonstrate highly-effective leadership by promoting and supporting the mission and vision of the organization, recognizing and defining issues, and taking initiative towards improvements.
16. Recommend the hire, transfer, assignment, promotion, employee grievance resolution, discipline, suspension, or discharge of assigned personnel.
17. Provide for ongoing training of employees in emerging methods, trends, technologies, and proper and safe work methods and procedures.
18. Coordinate with various City departments, other government agencies, and community groups to develop methods of sharing resources, minimizing duplication, and simplifying procedures.
19. Establish and maintain positive working relationship with the employees by maintaining two-way communication, producing consistent results, advocating for the team when appropriate, and offering expertise to improve processes, systems, and the organization.
20. Other duties may be assigned.

Job Requirements
Education & Experience Requirements
A. Bachelor's Degree in Landscape Architecture, Construction Management, Project Management, Parks and Recreation, Public Administration, or a related professional field, and four (4) years of related professional experience; OR a minimum of eight (8) years of related education and/or full-time, verifiable professional parks, grounds, construction project, and/or facilities maintenance experience.
B. Two (2) years of experience must be in a supervisory/lead position of similar complexity and level of responsibility.

License Requirements
A. Possess and maintain a valid Minnesota Class D driver's license or privilege.
B. Ability to obtain a Pesticide Applicator's license within one (1) year of hire date.

Selection Process Information
Education/Experience Review (100% of scoring process; 70 pass point): Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications will be rated based on the type (relatedness) and extent of their education and experience as documented on their application and/or supplemental questionnaire. Applicants who pass this exam will have their names placed on an eligible list for this classification.
Eligible City of Duluth employees earn a competitive salary and benefits package, including:

• Vacation, Sick and Personal Leave
• Paid Holidays
• Medical Plan
• Dental Plan
• Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Retirement Benefits
• Deferred Compensation
• Training and Advancement Opportunities
• Employee Wellness Program
• Employee Assistance Program

Benefits are prorated for part-time employees and administered in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement or management compensation plan.
01

Which best describes how you meet the Education & Experience Requirements for Parks & Grounds Maintenance Manager?

• Bachelor's Degree in Landscape Architecture, Construction Management, Project Management, Parks and Recreation, Public Administration, or a related professional field, and four (4) years of related professional experience (including two years of experience in a lead or supervisory role)
• A minimum of eight (8) years of related education and/or full-time, verifiable professional parks, grounds, construction project, and/or facilities maintenance experience (including two years of experience in a lead or supervisory role)
• I do not meet any of the Education & Experience requirements listed above

02

How many years of experience do you have in a supervisory/lead position of similar complexity and level of responsibility?

• No experience
• Less than one year
• One year to less than two years
• Two years to less than three years
• Three years to less than four years
• Four years to less than five years
• More than five years

03

Describe how you meet the Education & Experience Requirements for this position as indicated above (be specific).
04

Which best describes your driver's license status?

• Valid MN Class D or equivalent
• Valid MN Commercial Class C or equivalent
• Valid MN Commercial Class B or equivalent
• Valid MN Commercial Class A or equivalent
• No valid driver's license

05

Do you have the ability to obtain a pesticide applicator license within one year of hire?

• Yes
• No

06

Please describe your leadership style, and provide an example of how you have effectively used this approach in your past work experience.
07

This position will oversee the maintenance of more than 100 parks, more than 11,000 acres of green space, and thousands of park amenities. What is your overarching vision for the maintenance of the City of Duluth parks both currently and in the future?
08

Describe your knowledge of and experience with developing, administering, and monitoring a division budget.
09

Describe your experience building and maintaining relationships both internally and externally with various firms and contractors and subco