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Manager - Park Operations

Company:
Franklin County, OH
Location:
Columbus, OH, 43216
Posted:
September 23, 2025
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Description:

Purpose PLEASE NOTE - THIS IS A JOB DESCRIPTION ONLY.

THIS IS NOT A POSTING FOR A VACANCY To see a list of job postings, please click HERE Manages the direction and coordination of assigned parks, work units, and/or functional areas.

Responsibilities listed below will vary depending upon assigned areas.

Example of Duties Accountable for the operation of assigned parks, work units, and employees.

This includes establishing and meeting goals and levy promises; holding assigned employees accountable for work product; and determining and implementing adjustments needed to keep up with ever evolving change.

As designated in conjunction with Metro Parks' Directors, assists in improving the operations systems, plans, process, and policies in support of Metro Parks' mission and core values.

Actively partners with employees and organizations in the delivery of Metro Parks' services while serving as an advocate to ensure best practices standards.

Manages and supervises Park Managers, Work Unit Supervisors, and other assigned employees, including scheduling, conducting performance appraisals, approving leave/time-off, reviewing and approving time cards, administering disciplinary action, and conducting/ providing training.

Develops and implements programming/processes to ensure a positive and supportive work environment; utilizes and encourages direct reports to utilize employee recognition programs.

Makes situations better by assessing situations with (at times) limited information and using independent judgment to address/resolves issues and concerns, while balancing the needs of the public, the organization, the employees, and the key players (i.e.

outside organizations). Serves in a strategic role, by assisting with the establishment of goals, priorities, operating procedures, and work standards for both Metro Parks as a whole and for assigned parks, work units, and/or functional areas.

Assists with the preparation of annual operations budget and provides input into the development of the capital improvements budget; assists with the evaluation and approval of budget requests and purchases of tools, equipment, materials and supplies requested by Park Managers, Work Unit Supervisors and other assigned employees.

Assists Park Managers, Work Unit Supervisors and assigned employees with the planning, implementation, evaluation and monitoring of work projects.

Monitors parks and other work unit expenditures; reviews and approves invoices and/or requisition in accordance with Finance policies.

May assume maintenance and ranger responsibilities of Deputy Director in his/her absence.

Participates and makes recommendations in recruitment processes, including conducting interviews, coordinating job shadowing, and assisting in administering hiring philosophy.

Assists the Deputy Director with development of departmental priorities; reviews and approves facility disaster plans and directs efforts in case of an emergency.

Coordinates special events and multi-park efforts including special events permits, equipment, and personnel.

Serves as on-call assistance for park district emergencies.

Evaluates maintenance, ranger, outdoor adventure, education, and other specialized operations and makes recommendations and/or implements steps for improvement.

Coordinates ranger operations with local courts and enforcement agencies.

Assists with coordination of training for all staff, and specialized training for commissioned staff, part-time Rangers, and maintenance personnel; conducts training sessions as needed.

May coordinate and supervise specific work functions such as background investigations, DOT Drug Testing, Resource Management, hearing tests, uniforms, law enforcement safety equipment (OC, safety vests, cuffs, asps, etc.), work-related vaccines, worker's comp reporting, safety committee, pesticide committee, etc.

Serves in the line of appeal for employee grievances; reviews and resolves employees concerns.

May participate in labor negotiations and labor management committee meetings for bargaining unit personnel.

Analyzes data to determine if changes to policies and procedures are necessary.

Oversees the law enforcement radio system, dispatch operations, mobile data terminals (MDTs), and use of LEADS; may be assigned to serve as lead individual in these areas.

Investigates complaints and incidents; recommends and implements action as needed/necessary.

Collects data for the preparation of various management reports and submits reports by deadlines.

Promotes Metro Parks through public contact; represents Metro Parks at various functions, oftentimes outside of normal work hours.

Works in the parks, patrolling, directing traffic, responding to incidents, and works special events.

Attends in-service training workshops, professional meetings, staff conferences, Board meetings, etc., as requested.

Performs special projects and related duties as required or assigned.

Qualifications Position Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree in Parks & Recreation, Natural Resources or related field, or any equivalent combination of education and related work experience.

Considerable experience in park management, including management of employees, functions, and daily operations.

May require possession of valid Ohio Peace Officer Training Certificate within twelve (12) months of appointment.

Possession of valid standard first aid and CPR cards within six (6) months of appointment.

Possession of a valid Ohio driver license with a driving record insurable by the Park District's insurance carrier.

May require LEADS certification(s). Computer/Software Skills: Demonstrated experience using computers, web-based programs, e-mail, social media venues, and Microsoft Office products.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, stand, talk and hear, operate two-way radio and light motorized equipment, sit, work with hands, drive park vehicles, etc.

The employee is frequently required to use hands to complete reports, use personal computers, etc.

While performing the regular duties of this job, the employee works both in an office environment and outside in the elements.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but may increase in volume during special events, working with specialized equipment, etc.

Knowledge & Skills Requirements: Demonstrated strong counseling, mediation, conflict resolution skills.

Demonstrated strong management, communication and organizational skills along with excellent written, verbal and computer skills.

Demonstrated independent decision making skills within legal, policy, and organizational constraints.

Demonstrated supervisory skills including ability to deal with performance, training, recruitment/selection, and disciplinary matters.

Demonstrated knowledge of Metro Parks' policies and procedures and Ohio Revised Code.

Demonstrated knowledge of safety practices and procedures; building and ground maintenance; basic landscaping and horticulture, and budgeting.

Ability to maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, professionals, law enforcement personnel, other public agencies, and the general public.

Tolerance for ambiguity and ability to make decisions with limited information.

Other Information The above Description represents the essential and most significant duties of this position.

It is not intended to exclude other work duties, assignments and responsibilities not mentioned herein.

Must successfully complete a background investigation, driving record check, and pre-employment drug test or updated checks if promoted from within.

Supervision Received: Deputy Director Given: Assigned Park Managers, Work Unit Supervisors, and Employees; Provides Guidance and instruction to other employees within the Operations Department.

FLSA Status Given the nature of this classification's duties/responsibilities, it has been designated as Exempt under the governing Fair Labor Standards Act and, therefore, is not entitled to formal overtime compensation and/or formal compensatory time.

Internal policies regarding compensatory time may apply.

Core Values Attendance: Is at work as scheduled; reports to work on time; follows proper procedures for requesting leave or calling off.

Policies & Procedures: Follows established policies and procedures; inquires of supervisor if unclear on policy/procedure, includes following safety policies, procedures and protocols.

Professionalism: Handles the responsibilities of the position in an effective manner; maintains integrity and appropriate behavior in dealing with conflicts and challenges with the public, co-workers, and managers; offers differing points of view in an acceptable manner.

Team Player: Supports other members of the organization in accomplishing their goals and projects; recognizes and credits others for their contribution in achieving goals.

Positive Attitude: Supports Metro Parks established priorities at all times; cultivates team environment; exhibits enthusiasm while carrying out responsibilities; looks for solutions to work conflicts and challenges.

Productivity: Thoroughly completes work in a timely manner; organizes and plans assignments well or follows supervisory instructions well with little explanation; follows-up as needed.

Quality: Demonstrates technical competence, meets job expectations; completes assignments with few errors.

Initiative: Does not wait to be told what to do; appropriately makes suggestions for improvements; does not hesitate when things do not go according to routine and quickly adjust to meet exceptions.

Interpersonal Communication: Interacts with others with tact and courtesy; communicates clearly and effectively; shares information with supervisor or coworkers to achieve goals; responsive to the public.

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