Director Parks & Parkways

Deliverable to residents:
The Director of Parks and Parkways ensures vibrant, accessible, and well-maintained parks, green spaces, and tree canopy to enhance quality of life and neighborhood livability. This role safeguards public spaces through proactive stewardship, maintenance, and capital planning.

Charter authority & scope:
Oversees all functions of the Department of Parks and Parkways as established in Section 4-1701 of the City Charter. Responsible for the administration, control, and management of all parks (except where otherwise provided by law), the cultivation and maintenance of trees, shrubs, flowers, grass, and other plants on public grounds, and the embellishment of parks, parkways, highways, and other public spaces. Performs additional duties assigned by the Mayor.

Key Responsibilities:

• Direct capital improvements in recreation areas and ensures access to public green spaces across neighborhoods.
• Administer, control, and manage all city owned parks, except where otherwise provided by applicable laws.
• Maintain and embellish parks, neutral grounds, parkways, highways, and other public grounds.
• Cultivate, plant, maintain, and remove trees, shrubs, flowers, grass, and other plantings throughout public spaces.
• Oversee urban forestry programs, including tree-planting, pruning, and canopy preservation initiatives. 
• Coordinate capital improvements, infrastructure upgrades, and maintenance projects in recreation and park spaces.
• Ensure safe, accessible, and well-maintained park facilities for residents and visitors. Promote access to parks, green spaces, and recreational amenities across all neighborhoods.

• Work in partnership with the NORD Commission.
• Foster community engagement, partnerships, and volunteer initiatives to support parks and recreation programming.

• Bachelor’s degree in related fields preferred. 
• At least 8 years of experience in parks management, urban forestry, landscape design or public space administration.
• Experience in capital project planning, maintenance planning, and operational oversight.
• Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage public-facing facilities.
• Commitment to sustainability and high-quality public service.

Benefits information will be available in the future.