Position Summary:The Parks Superintendent serves as the operational and strategic leader of the Parks Division, responsible for the planning, maintenance, enhancement, and stewardship of the City's parks, playgrounds, open spaces, trails, urban forestry, recreation landscapes, cemeteries, and public grounds. This position provides leadership for division operations, personnel management, budget administration, asset management, safety programs, capital improvement projects, and community engagement initiatives. The Parks Superintendent collaborates with City leadership, community organizations, elected officials, regulatory agencies, and state, regional and federal partners to ensure services align with community priorities and organizational goals. The position oversees full-time, part-time, and seasonal staff and operates under the general direction of the Parks and Recreation Director .
The Parks Division manages and maintains 15 parks and numerous shelters, 11 athletic fields, 15 athletic courts, 7 playgrounds, 3,300+ acres of open space, 40,000+ square feet of garden beds, 40+ miles of trails, 6,000+ right of way trees and landscaped areas, 40+ miles of snow removal, two cemeteries, river access management, a boat ramp, fire mitigation and vegetation management, and assists with 45+ special events a year.
Essential Functions:- Assists Parks and Recreation Director with annual budget development and management including resources and personnel involved in construction, maintenance, and repair of City parks, recreation, open space, trails, and cemetery facilities.
- Develops, mentors, and evaluates supervisory and frontline staff.
- Establishes performance expectations and accountability measures for division staff.
- Leads workforce planning, recruitment, succession planning, and employee development initiatives.
- Develops short and long-term operational and strategic plans for division services and assets.
- Performs administrative duties including appropriation of supplies, coordination of activities, approval of expenditures, schedules, payroll, completion of records, and compiling reports.
- Oversees the City's forestry program and landscape requirements as outlined in the City Code.
- Oversees corrective pruning, disease and pest control, including safe and proper application of pesticides and fertilizers, weed control, planting, and removal of City trees including in right of way areas.
- Oversees turf operations, special event assistance if requested, and coordinating and oversee park construction projects with Recreation, Facilities, Business Operations, Engineering and Public Works divisions.
- Oversees the safety of the parks systems.
- Leads management of the division's asset management inventory and work order system.
- Oversees installation, maintenance, and repairs to park irrigation systems and upgrades outdated systems.
- Recommens policy changes and operational improvements to Parks and Recreation Director and City leadership.
- Plans and directs major capital projects and park construction in collaboration with other Divisions and Departments.
- Coordinates with the Police Department on violations of City Parks Rules and Regulations.
- Coordinates with the Police Department on unhoused issues in park systems.
- Coordinates with City Clerk's Office for burial arrangements and burial plot re-purchases, as well as with City GIS team and City Clerk's office for maintaining cemetery records.
- Oversees burial and other services as needed upon request from City Clerk's office.
- Acts as point of contact and coordinates the Parks Division's responses as a referral agency for Economic and Community Development files.
- Operates a variety of equipment related to the tasks performed.
- Coordinates with the Fleet Division on equipment and vehicle maintenance and requests for new equipment and vehicles.
- Stays current with trends and innovations in the field of parks and recreation with a focus on continuous improvement for best practices and procedures .
- Participates in professional association meetings, workshops, and conferences.
- Oversees and ensures staff safety training and certifications needed for certain positions.
Other Duties:The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Work hours may vary; evening and weekend hours may be required in addition to or instead of normal business hours.
Core Competencies:- Leadership and team development, coaching and performance management, strategic planning, budget administration, change management and customer service.
- Urban forestry, turf management, irrigation systems, open space management, trail development and maintenance, fire mitigation and revegetation practices, and cemetery operations and maintenance.
- Asset and maintenance management systems.
- Knowledge of sustainable practices including integrated pest and weed management.
- Working knowledge of electrical, plumbing, and irrigation systems; ability to read and interpret technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents .
- Business & Administrative Skills
- Contract management, data analysis, capital project management, technology systems, budget monitoring, and financial reporting.
- Community & Customer Relations
- Public engagement, conflict resolution, intergovernmental relations, customer service delivery, de-escalation skills, and maintaining relationships with community groups, volunteers, businesses, and individuals.
Education, Training & Certifications:Necessary:- Bachelor's degree in Parks and Recreation Management, Horticulture, Forestry, Public Administration, Natural Resource Management, or a closely related field and four (4) years of progressively responsible supervisory experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and professional experience totaling six (6) years.
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)/First Aid/Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Certification within six (6) months of hire.
- Valid Colorado State Driver's License with a good driving record.
Desired:- Master's degree or advanced certifications or experience in the field of natural resource management, horticulture, or landscaping.
- Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) through NRPA or an equivalent certification from CPRA or City Parks Alliance and/or ability to get certified within 12 months of being hired.
- Experience in cemetery operations.
- Bilingual in English and Spanish .
Necessary Physical Requirements: Action Frequency Lifting
50-75 pounds frequently; 100 pounds occasionally
Carry
50-75 pounds frequently; 100 pounds occasionally
Pushing/Pulling
50-75 pounds frequently; 100 pounds occasionally
Driving
Frequently
Balance/Stoop/Bend
Frequently
Twist/Squat/Crouch
Frequently
Kneeling
Frequently
Crawling
Frequently
Climbing Stairs
Frequently
Climbing Ladders
Frequently
Standing/Walking
Frequently
Reaching Above/Below/At Shoulder Level
Frequently
Job Details Category Full-Time Positions Status Open Salary $89,360.74 - $107,224/annually (DOQ) Posted October 15, 2026 5:00 PM Closing November 5, 2026 5:00 PM
