Chief of Parks, Operations Officer III (NCS) - Baltimore City Recreation and Parks

THIS IS A NON-CIVIL SERVICE POSITION

Salary Range:

$83,530.00 - $133,471.00 Annually

Starting Pay:

$100,177.00 Annually

Get to Know Us

Welcome to the City of Baltimore! Experience the reward of a fulfilling career and enjoy the added element of excitement in a vibrant, diverse atmosphere. The City of Baltimore offers limitless opportunities to help drive social impact, both on the job and in the community, while serving its citizens. Join us in making Baltimore a great place to live and work. In the City of Baltimore, we hire great people and provide them with the skills and opportunities to grow toward their career aspirations. If you are looking for a career change or are interested in learning more, explore our opportunities and benefits programs. We are excited to have you as a part of the City of Baltimore Team! The city offers medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, optional life, AD&D, and FSA plans. This office also supplies wellness programs, support groups, and workshops. You can learn about our benefits here: https://humanresources.baltimorecity.gov/hr-divisions/benefits

Job Summary

The Chief of Park Maintenance & Turf Management oversees the planning, coordination, and implementation of all park maintenance, turf management, and horticultural operations within Baltimore City Recreation and Parks (BCRP). This leadership role is responsible for ensuring that the city’s parks, athletic fields, landscaped areas, and open spaces are maintained to the highest standards of safety, functionality, and aesthetics.The incumbent will supervise professional, technical, and field maintenance staff, manage operational budgets, oversee contracted services, and develop strategic initiatives to enhance sustainability and efficiency in park and turf operations.

Essential Functions

• Direct and manage the operations of the Park Maintenance and Turf Management divisions, ensuring effective maintenance of athletic fields, open spaces, and landscaped areas citywide.
• Develop and implement comprehensive turf and landscape maintenance plans, including aeration, fertilization, irrigation, and pest management programs.
• Supervise, train, and evaluate staff, including supervisors, equipment operators, and laborers, ensuring adherence to safety and performance standards.
• Collaborate with Recreation, Forestry, Capital Projects, and Facility Management divisions to coordinate maintenance activities and support park improvement initiatives.
• Monitor and manage division budgets, expenditures, and inventory of equipment and supplies.
• Prepare and present reports, maintenance schedules, and performance metrics to department leadership.
• Oversee contract development, procurement, and vendor management for outsourced maintenance and turf services.
• Develop and enforce maintenance standards and operational procedures consistent with best practices in urban park management.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, and labor regulations.
• Respond to emergency maintenance situations, weather events, and public concerns as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Parks and Recreation Management, Turfgrass Management, Horticulture, Environmental Science, Public Administration, or a related field.

AND

Experience: Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in park maintenance, grounds management, or turf operations, including at least two (2) years in a supervisory or managerial role.

OR

Equivalency Notes: Have an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Licenses, Registrations, and Certificates: Have a valid Maryland Class C Noncommercial driver's license or an equivalent driver's license and be eligible to obtain a Baltimore City driver’s permit. PROVISIONAL DRIVER’S LICENSES ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE.

NOTE: YOU MUST UPLOAD A COPY OF YOUR VALID DRIVER’S LICENSE WITH THE APPLICATION AT THE TIME OF APPLYING.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of modern turf and park maintenance techniques, equipment, and best practices.Strong leadership, communication, and team development skills.
• Ability to plan, organize, and manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency in budgeting, data management, and operational reporting.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, contractors, and community partners.

Additional Information

Background Check

Eligible candidates under final consideration for appointment to positions identified as positions of trust will be required to complete authorization for a Criminal Background Check and/or Fingerprint screening, and must be successfully completed.

Probation

All persons, including current City employees, selected for this position must complete a 6-MONTH mandatory probation.

Financial Disclosure

This position is required to complete a Financial Disclosure pursuant to Sections 7-7, 7-8, and 7-9 of the City Ethics Law. The initial financial disclosure must be submitted within 30 days of hire.

Baltimore City Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. The City of Baltimore prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Applicants requiring accommodation during the hiring process should contact the Department of Human Resources directly. Requests for accommodation should not be attached to the application.

BALTIMORE CITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER