Introduction

The City of New Haven is seeking a dedicated and experienced professional to serve as the Deputy Director of Operations, Parks. This is a dynamic and highly visible leadership role responsible for overseeing the maintenance, operations, and development of the City’s parks, public grounds, and recreational facilities. The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in park management, operational efficiency, and community engagement, along with the ability to lead diverse teams and manage multiple projects. If you are passionate about creating safe, beautiful, and accessible green spaces for the community, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding opportunity to make a lasting impact on New Havens many parks and public spaces.

Primary Functions

The Parks Deputy Director of Operations is a demanding administrative, supervisory, and field-oriented position responsible for the planning and implementation of the physical maintenance of City parks, trees, and public grounds, and the development and coordination of activities pertaining to all operational functions of the Parks Department. Work includes projection, coordination, and execution of programs, services, and seasonal activities in the Department’s subdivisions to assure exceptional services and results. The position also acts as project manager for a variety of park construction projects, or on-going or special maintenance services and must be able to reconcile divergent public interests. The position also ensures that management practices and maintenance standards are met for projects, tasks, and significant community engagement and public involvement with elected officials.

In conjunction with the Deputy Director of Administration and Planning, this position will provide cohesive leadership to the Department. The Parks Deputy Director of Operations serves as liaison with other City agencies and external stakeholders.

Typical Duties And Responsibilities

Assists the Director in planning, organizing, and directing the operational activities of the department.
Directs operational staff and other resources in the daily operations of the department including park lands, buildings, park furniture, historical facilities, monuments, waterfronts, street trees, public grounds and trees, athletic facilities, gardens, greenhouses, and natural recreation areas to insure the safe use by the public.
Monitors divisional operations ensuring conformance with department standards, policies, permits and statutory provisions.
Monitors and ensures maintenance standards are being met for all parks facilities and grounds; collaborates with other department employees in planning for maintenance and program needs; plans and manages athletic field maintenance; oversees the delivery of supplies and equipment to recreation facilities.
Confers with subordinate supervisor on the maintenance and landscaping of parks areas including but not limited to the planting of trees, care and maintenance of park, and equipment inventory.
Reviews construction and landscape plans for appropriateness and adherence to Parks department standards
Observes problem areas in the field and determines appropriate action to be taken; coordinates with other divisions and outside agencies when necessary to provide additional resources.
Works with the Deputy Director of Administration and Planning with fiscal issues affecting the performance of the department.
Participates in the planning and administration of capital projects for parks.
Prepares operational manual and activity reports for the director as required; and may include the preparation and delivery of presentations of materials and reports.
Monitor hiring, training, scheduling, and assignment of employees.
Develops and directs the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for the department.
Directs the implementation of programs, events, and services; evaluates efficiency and effectiveness of functional area operations and implements improvements as necessary.
Make presentations to City agencies, Board of Alders or other stakeholders as required.
Performs other related work as required.

Education, Qualifications & Experience

Graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in Park Administration, Public Administration, Management, Construction Administration, Horticulture, Engineering, or related fields; and a minimum of 5 years of experience in maintenance operations at the management level; Considerable experience working with various levels of staff in the efforts to improve department efficiency and effectiveness.

Knowledge, Experience, Skills & Abilities

Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of park maintenance management.
Considerable knowledge and aptitude in the interpretation of plans and specifications associated with public infrastructure related projects including construction and maintenance methods and techniques.
Knowledge of OSHA, DMV, EPA, DEEP and relevant Building Regulations.
Proficient computer skills necessary for the management of the department including Microsoft Office Suite programs such as Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access.
Considerable knowledge and experience with technology-based programs such as GIS based work orders and asset management systems.
Knowledge and skills in the use and maintenance of hand tools and ground equipment, including but not limited to riding and hand mowers, weed whips, chippers, chain saws.
Understanding of appropriate chemical disposal
Ability to safely operate a variety of maintenance equipment and machinery.
Ability to interpret blueprints, sketches, and drawings.
Ability to follow Park District safety rules and guidelines.
Demonstrated supervisory skills and an understanding of labor relations in a unionized environment.
Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
Ability to communicate effectively both written and orally with the public, employees, department heads, contractors, engineers, or other groups as necessary.
Ability to develop long-term vision and plans in response to community needs and changing workforce.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, City officials, the public, and other stakeholders.

Necessary Special Requirements

Must have at time of application: Connecticut Driver’s License and maintain throughout course of employment.

SALARY, BARGAINING UNIT & TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

This is a General Fund, "Tested" position.

This position is included in a collective bargaining agreement with Local 3144, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.

Bargaining agreements available to review HERE.

General Funded hires into this class are not covered by Social Security and will not pay Social Security taxes. They instead participate in the City Pension; the employee contribution rate is 10% of pay.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of: (1) a pre-employment background check, (2) a pre-employment physical examination, including pre-employment drug screening accordance with the City’s Drug Free Workplace Policy*, and (3) a 90-day probationary period. Instructions and information on this pre-employment process are included in Conditional Offer of Employment.

Pursuant to the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, The City of New Haven has a adopted a Drug Free Workplace Policy. The City of New Haven requires a pre-employment drug test, which includes screening for marijuana.

Selection Plan

Applications will be reviewed by the Department of Human Resources. Applicants must demonstrate within their submission that they meet the minimum requirements as listed within the job description; failure to do so may result in disqualification. Applicants meeting minimum requirements may be invited to participate in a Civil Service exam process at a later date.

It is critical that you complete the application thoroughly, as the information you provide will be used to ascertain if you are eligible to move forward in the selection process. Your application and resume should indicate that you meet the minimum requirements as listed. This information may be used to determine the eligibility list. As such, this job announcement should be considered the exam announcement, and submissions may be evaluated prior to the posted closing date.

Information regarding the employment and selection process can be found HERE.

Please note that the only method of communication with applicants for this position will be by email. You must provide a valid, working email address and you will need to monitor your email, including spam/junk folders, for correspondence from the New Haven Human Resources Department.

We reserve the right to extend an application deadline or close a job posting early to ensure we can attract and identify the best candidate(s) for a position.

Conclusion

To Apply For This Opportunity

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Deputy Director of Operations, Parks