Memorial Park Conservancy- Grounds Operations Manager
Preserve, restore, and enhance Memorial Park for the enjoyment of all Houstonians, today and tomorrow.
Job Summary: The Grounds Operations Manager is responsible for leading and overseeing the Turf and Grounds Department. This includes managing a team that is responsible for the year-round care and maintenance of turf areas, irrigation systems, trails, and other general park areas. Through oversight and strong collaboration across all departments, the Grounds Operations Manager will work to promote a superlative experience for all park users.
Responsibilities and Duties Include:
- Supervise the Turf and Grounds team members performing maintenance functions including mowing, edging, weeding, clearing, irrigation maintenance and upkeep, trail monitoring and repair, and weed control.
- Oversee the planning for comprehensive turf care program. This includes, but is not limited to sod and seed installation, implementing plant health techniques, irrigation programming, and maintaining sub-surface drainage systems throughout the par.
- Oversee maintenance and care of trails, pathways, roadways, and parking lots.
- Oversee the development and implementation of Integrated Pest Management program for turf areas.
- Oversee management of irrigation system for all park areas, including lawns, horticulture areas, grasslands, and trees in collaboration with other Park Operations and Conservation Operations Managers.
- Develop and implement equipment training procedure for all employees to ensure safe equipment operating of all MPC equipment.
- Support Branch Supervisor in creating and managing budget for their team.
- Manage contracts for small projects and ongoing services.
- Attend operations related capital project meetings and review documents; provide?input, comments, feedback, and?assistance related?to assigned areas.
- Work collaboratively and creatively with Park Operations leadership in a team-first environment.
- Demonstrate ownership of assigned work by upholding and maintaining standards to the highest degree by understanding park aesthetic and standard operating procedures.
- Document, inventory, report, and catalog data and information.
- Assist with ensuring appropriate inventory and care of equipment, supplies, and materials for daily operations.
- Communicate issues regarding infrastructure, furnishings, safety hazards, quality of the Park user experience issues as needed via work order system.
- Work collaboratively and creatively with Park Operations leadership in a team-first environment.
- Interact with Park patrons in a courteous and professional manner. Ensure team members are trained and adhering accordingly. Be prepared to provide accurate and pertinent information regarding MPC and the Park.
- Enforce MPC rules, safety policies, and procedures, and appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Conduct and document safety training as needed and ensure compliance with safety protocol.
- Ensure cleanliness of office and storage spaces.
- Respond to any employee comments regarding recognition or disciplinary action from Supervisors, develop improvement programs when needed; bring any points forward to Director when necessary.
Minimum Requirements:
- Seven years minimum experience in operations at a park or similar entity.
- Seven years minimum experience managing projects, teams, and budgets.
- Ability to work a varied schedule that includes weekends, evenings, and holidays.
- Demonstrated success in working in a team-oriented environment, as well as ability to work independently and make judgment calls, while referring more serious problems to Human Resources.
- Strong written and oral communication skills; highly motivated.
- Computer fluency: Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
- Cellphone application fluency: Expected to use work order system.
- Ability to disseminate information regarding industry standards and best practices and train coworkers in park operations.
- Valid Driver’s License.
Abilities Required:
- Ability to perform heavy, physical labor daily in all weather conditions.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to prioritize work functions and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. repeatedly, throughout a given workday.
- Ability to operate power equipment throughout a workday.
- Ability to stand, crouch, and climb to use ladders and perform various types of manual labor throughout the day.
Safety Requirements:
Establishment and maintenance of a safe work environment is the shared responsibility of this organization and employees at every level. The Conservancy will make every effort to assure a safe environment and be in compliance with federal, state, and local safety regulations. Employees are expected to obey safety rules and to exercise caution in all their work activities. Accordingly, employees should be aware of any hazards, which could cause an injury or accident (e.g., spills, obstacles in walkways). If an employee discovers a potentially dangerous condition, he/she should alert other employees and notify his/her supervisor immediately.
Disclaimer:
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.
Compensation: This is salary, exempt position with a range of $70,000-$80,000. Benefits include full medical, dental, and vision benefits, paid time off, short-term and long-term disability and 401k retirement plan.