Parks/Recreation Programs Division Chief (11486, Grade 38)

Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission

$119K — $211K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in related field (Parks, Recreation, Public Administration, Engineering, Business Administration)
  • Eight years of relevant Park and Recreation or Public administration/management experience
  • Four years of supervisory experience
  • Valid unencumbered driver's license
  • Strong multitasking, strategic thinking, and analytical skills

Responsibilities

  • Manage six major work groups with approximately 172 staff members
  • Oversee a budget of $39 million and $6 million in infrastructure funds
  • Set maintenance standards and coordinate vehicle purchases for Fleet Management
  • Supervise skilled trades and facility inspections in Buildings and Structures
  • Lead horticulture and forestry operations for landscaping and tree care services
  • Direct critical project maintenance including aquatics and sustainability efforts
  • Prepare annual operating budget and provide administrative support to the division

Benefits

  • Health and dental insurance
  • Retirement plans
  • Paid time off and flexible scheduling
  • Opportunities for professional development
  • Community engagement through diverse work programs
Full Job Description
Salary : $119,377.00 - $211,426.00 Annually
Location : Upper Marlboro, MD
Job Type: Career
Job Number: 11486
Department: PGC Parks and Recreation
Division: Facility Services Division
Opening Date: 09/14/2026
Closing Date: 9/29/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Description
The Facility Services Division (FSD) is the largest division within Prince George's County Department of Parks and Recreation and is composed of six major work areas: Fleet Management, Buildings & Structures (Trade Shops), Horticulture & Forestry, Major Maintenance & Inspection, Critical Projects (Heavy Equipment, Sustainability, Aquatics) and the Administrative Section. The Division also coordinates with and provides snow removal to Prince George's County Government. The mission of the Facility Services Division is to provide professional, high-quality maintenance and maintenance support services for all parks and recreation facilities and to support the diverse work programs of the Parks & Recreation Department in Prince George's County and its customers.

Examples of Important Duties
As Division Chief you will manage the six major work groups which are Fleet Management, Building and Structures, Horticultural and Forestry, Major Maintenance and Inspection, Critical Projects, Administration/Management and Supervision, approximately 172 staff members with seven (7) supervisory direct reports and will have budget oversight of thirty-nine million dollars and six million dollars in infrastructure improvement funds. The major budget responsibility will be to forecast upcoming projects with staff/equipment requirements and cost assessments.

The Fleet Management work program consists of a central garage facility, mechanics, and administrative support staff responsible for a fleet of over 3,460 vehicles, trailers, self-propelled off-road equipment, and other miscellaneous pieces of motorized or wheeled equipment. This section also maintains 10 fuel sites and provides support to five satellite garage operations. The Fleet Management work program sets maintenance standards, provides technical assistance to the Department, and specifies and coordinates the purchases of all vehicles.

The Buildings and Structures work program consists of Electric, Exhibits, HVACR, Plumbing, Carpentry, Masonry and Welding teams. Work programs within the skilled trade areas include preventive maintenance, routine and emergency repairs, renovations, and alterations at various park buildings. This section provides estimating, plan review, and supervision of major projects, facility inspections and responses to issues involving fire protection systems, elevators, electrical and lighting, HVACR, roofing and plumbing systems, or structural building components. The Exhibit team designs and creates displays and posters for unique events, installs several types of signage, and installs vehicle graphics.

The Horticulture and Forestry work program consists of the Greenhouse and Forestry teams. The Greenhouse team grows most of the plant materials for the landscaping teams, and supplies plants for office spaces. The Forestry unit provides skilled tree care service for diseased and damaged trees, as well as corrective measures and emergency response in the event of storms, hurricanes, and tornados.

The Critical Projects work program houses the Aquatics Maintenance, Heavy Equipment/Roads and Grounds and Sustainability teams. The goal of this section is to respond in an appropriate and timely manner when addressing the emergencies that affect our structures and facilities. The construction of larger, more technologically complex aquatic buildings requires a degree of expertise and frequency of maintenance that is outside the scope of our trade shop program.

Specialized Pool Mechanics have direct responsibility for the oversight and troubleshooting of filtration system abnormalities in these structures.

The Heavy Equipment program provides erosion control, storm water management, dredging oversight, hauling, demolition, grading and excavation, as well as road and trail renovation services for the entire park system. In addition, this work program supports County snow removal efforts with labor and equipment.

The Sustainability Team works with various groups within the Department of Parks and Recreation and other local government agencies, universities and colleges, volunteer groups to identify and prioritize measures to reduce the agency's carbon footprint and implement other sustainable practices that promote the wellness of our employees and community.

The Administration/Management and Supervision is responsible for preparing, managing, and reporting on the Division's annual operating budget and providing administrative support to Division staff including payroll, human resources, procurement, and fixed asset control. Additionally, this group provides representation in MCGEO Union negotiations.

The ideal candidate requires exceptional ability to multitask and prioritize incoming requests, strategic thinking, analytical skills, leadership experience and experience in coordinating staff hiring, and the ability to juggle political pressures. The Division Chief will provide oversight in the areas of equipment/materials/fleet requirements and staff; providing resources and materials staff need to complete projects in a timely manner; effectively handling employee relations issues and supporting Coordinators by assisting them in troubleshooting staffing issues as needed. The successful candidate will set the overall performance standards of your team and establish excellent working relationships with union employees/representatives.

Work hours are 6:30 am - 3:15 pm

Salary commensurate with experience

BUDGETED HIRING RANGE: $119,377 - $165,402

Minimum Qualifications

  1. Bachelor's Degree in Parks, Recreation, Public Administration, Engineering, Business Administration or any related field.
  2. Eight (8) years of experience in Park and Recreation or Public administration/management that relates to the functional area of assignment (e.g., enterprise, interpretation, conservation, horticulture, recreation and leisure services, forestry, maintenance and development) and includes four (4) years at a supervisory level.
  3. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total twelve (12) years.
  4. Valid driver's license in accordance with both State and Commission rules and regulations. Driver's license must be unencumbered by restrictions, revocations, suspensions, or points that could limit the employee's ability to drive Commission vehicles or perform driving duties required by the position of assignment.

Supplemental Information
Classification Specification Parks Recreation Programs/Division Chief
May be subject to medical, drug and alcohol testing.

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