Parks Supervisor

Parks Supervisor

Who We Are

The Deerfield Park District was formed in 1951 with a mission to provide outstanding parks, services, facilities, and recreation programs that enrich lives, promote healthy living, and provide memorable experiences. The Park District has over 25 parks and facilities, including the Deerfield Golf Club, Sachs Recreation Center, Patty Turner Center, Jewett Park Community Center, Mitchell Pool and Deerspring Pool. We employ an average of 300 staff, with over 500 seasonally. The District is an IAPD/IPRA Illinois Distinguished Accredited Agency and a two-time National Gold Medal Finalist (2021 and 2022). Learn more at www.deerfieldparks.org.

The Opportunity

The Parks Supervisor reports to the Superintendent of Parks and leads the Horticulture and Grounds crew. This role oversees the care of the District''s trees, landscape beds, turf, natural areas and park grounds. It''s a hands-on leadership position: you''ll plan and direct the crew''s work, manage the urban forestry and plant health programs, and roll up your sleeves alongside the team when needed. You''ll supervise a Horticulturist, three Groundskeepers and seasonal Grounds staff, work closely with the rest of the Parks team, and step in for the Superintendent when assigned.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise, schedule, train and evaluate the Horticulturist, Groundskeepers and seasonal staff.
• Plan and assign daily, weekly and seasonal work, coordinate with other Parks work groups, and inspect completed work for quality and safety.
• Manage the urban forestry program, including tree inventory, inspections, risk assessments, pruning, removals, stump grinding and new plantings, following ANSI A300 standards.
• Oversee landscape beds, planters, seasonal displays, turf, natural areas and ponds, including invasive plant control.
• Direct the pesticide, fertilizer and integrated pest management programs in line with Illinois Department of Agriculture rules.
• Conduct routine safety inspections of park grounds and carry out PDRMA Loss Control Review action plans.
• Prepare grounds for special events and restore sites afterward, working with Recreation staff.
• Monitor outside contractors (mowing, tree care, landscaping) and prepare quotes and specifications.
• Help the Superintendent prepare the horticulture, forestry and grounds portions of the annual budget.
• Coordinate maintenance of vehicles and equipment, such as the aerial lift, woodchipper and stump grinder, and make sure staff are trained to use them safely.
• Keep accurate records, including work orders, tree inventory, pesticide applications and incident reports.
• Lead crews during snow removal and respond to after-hours emergencies such as storm damage, as part of the on-call rotation.
• Respond to resident questions and service requests promptly and professionally.
• Serve as a mandated reporter of suspected child abuse or neglect under Illinois law.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; Associate''s or Bachelor''s degree in Horticulture, Forestry, Park Management or a related field preferred.
• At least two years of experience in horticulture, arboriculture, turf or grounds maintenance, with some supervisory or lead experience preferred.
• Valid driver''s license required; CDL preferred.
• Illinois Department of Agriculture Pesticide Applicator License (turf, ornamental and right-of-way), or ability to obtain one.
• ISA Certified Arborist preferred.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Teams, and willingness to learn in-house systems.
• Able to safely operate equipment such as trucks, mowers, tractors, skid steers, chainsaws, woodchippers and aerial lifts.

Pay and Benefits

Full-Time, Exempt. Salary Range: $65,000 - $72,000, depending on qualifications.

Excellent benefits including pension, paid time off (vacation, sick and holidays), medical, dental and life insurance, a free fitness center pass, pool pass, and free or discounted Park District programs for you and your family.

A full job description will be provided during the interview process.