Job Type:
Full-Time, Exempt
Reports to: COO
The Operations Director at Discovery Green Conservancy will report to the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and oversee the day-to-day operations, maintenance, security, and upkeep of all facilities, grounds, and landscaping. The Operations Director ensures the park meets its mission to serve as an active, vibrant, and sustainable public space, aligning operational activities with organizational goals. The Director will work collaboratively with internal departments, external vendors, city departments, and stakeholders to ensure the park’s safety, cleanliness, and operational excellence.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
- Operational Management—Manage all aspects of park maintenance and security, including the general upkeep of park areas, gardens, lakes, fountains, lawns, and facilities. Supervise both in-house and contracted maintenance teams and manage security services for the park, coordinating with local law enforcement and third-party security providers.
- Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance – Lead the landscaping team to enhance the quality of natural and manicured areas, including gardens and turf. Ensure ongoing maintenance of the park’s natural spaces, native species, and horticultural care.
- Facilities and Infrastructure Management – Oversee park infrastructure’s safety, maintenance, and efficiency, including building systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical), fountains, irrigation systems, and outdoor amenities. Manage projects and renovations, coordinating with external contractors to ensure timely and high-quality execution.
- Budget and Financial Management – Develop, manage, and monitor the park’s operational budget. Effectively allocate resources for ongoing operations, landscaping, and maintenance activities while identifying cost-saving opportunities.
- Security and Safety – Develop and implement proactive security plans for the park, including staff training, security patrols, and coordination with local law enforcement. Ensure the safety of all park users and staff through effective risk management and safety protocols.
- Vendor and Contract Management – Oversee the procurement and management of vendors and contractors for park services, including maintenance, horticulture, landscaping, security, and construction. Ensure vendors meet contract requirements and deliver high-quality services.
- Staff Management and Leadership – Supervise maintenance staff to ensure effective and efficient daily operations. Provide leadership, training, and performance evaluations. Foster a positive, collaborative work environment emphasizing high performance and continuous improvement.
- Collaboration and External Relations – Interact with key stakeholders, including the Board, park users, city officials, and contractors. Work closely with other departments, such as Programming and Facilities Rentals, to ensure maintenance and operational needs are met during special events.
- Sustainability and Green Initiatives – Lead efforts to integrate sustainability into park operations, including waste reduction, recycling, composting, and energy-efficient maintenance practices. Ensure the park’s “green” strategies are consistently implemented across all maintenance, security, and landscaping areas.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities):
- Bachelor’s degree in Park Management, Facility Management, Landscaping, or a related field, or 8-10 years of experience in park or facilities management, including 3-5 years in a leadership role.
- Strong knowledge of park operations, landscaping management, horticulture, construction, and infrastructure. A background in horticulture is preferred.
- Proven track record of successfully managing budgets, teams, and complex operational functions.
- Experience with vendor management, contract negotiations, and procurement processes.
- Strong leadership and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Exceptional communication skills to engage effectively with staff, stakeholders, contractors, and the public.
- Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
- Ability to work independently, take initiative, and adapt to changing priorities.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook); knowledge of park management software is a plus.
- Hands-on, proactive management style focusing on results and team empowerment.
- Strong sense of ethics, professionalism, and responsibility.
- Ability and willingness to work nights, weekends, and holidays.
Note:
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee in this position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related instructions and perform other job-related duties as assigned.
Benefits:
Benefits include medical, vision, dental, life, and long-term disability paid by Discovery Green Conservancy. Employees can participate in our 401k retirement plan.
