How to Be Park Maintenance Supervisor - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Feb 11, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The Park Maintenance Supervisor is responsible for ensuring the park is a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone. Their duties include overseeing the maintenance and cleaning of the park, as well as supervising staff, monitoring security, and ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations. By ensuring the park is well maintained, the Park Maintenance Supervisor helps to ensure the park is a safe, attractive, and inviting place for visitors.

This can lead to an increase in attendance and revenue, as well as promote public health and safety by preventing the spread of diseases and pests. by monitoring security and complying with local laws, the Park Maintenance Supervisor helps to ensure the park remains free of criminal activity and contributes to a secure environment for park goers.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. Most employers require that applicants possess at least a high school diploma or GED in order to be considered for a park maintenance supervisor position.
Complete Post-Secondary Education. Some employers may require park maintenance supervisors to have an associate's degree or certificate in a field related to park maintenance, such as horticulture, turf grass management, or landscape design.
Gain Experience. Most employers prefer to hire park maintenance supervisors who have at least two years of experience in park maintenance or groundskeeping.
Obtain Any Necessary Licensure or Certification. Depending on the state or jurisdiction where you live and work, you may be required to obtain a license or certification in order to become a park maintenance supervisor.
Get Relevant Training. Many employers offer on-the-job training that covers topics such as safety, budgeting, and team leadership. Additionally, some employers may offer specialized training in areas such as turf management and tree care.

The key to becoming a reliable and competent Park Maintenance Supervisor is to ensure that all relevant tasks are completed on time and with the highest standards of quality. To achieve this, it is important to have a thorough understanding of the job requirements, a strong work ethic, and excellent organizational skills. Having knowledge about the various equipment and techniques used in park maintenance is also essential.

Furthermore, it is important to maintain a good relationship with staff, contractors and members of the public, as well as ensuring that all health and safety regulations are followed. All of these elements combined can help ensure that the Park Maintenance Supervisor is both reliable and competent.

You may want to check Park Manager, Park Naturalist, and Park Attendant for alternative.

Job Description

Ensure that all park grounds, facilities, equipment and supplies are maintained in a safe and efficient manner.
Inspect and oversee use of park facilities, equipment, and grounds to ensure proper maintenance and safety.
Develop and implement maintenance plans for park grounds, facilities, equipment and supplies.
Coordinate with other park staff on the maintenance of park grounds and facilities.
Monitor and order supplies as needed to ensure adequate availability for park operations.
Supervise and train staff in the proper use of park grounds and facilities, as well as in safety protocols.
Assist in the enforcement of park rules and regulations.
Respond to emergencies or incidents occurring on park grounds as needed.
Manage projects related to the maintenance of park grounds and facilities.
Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies related to park maintenance.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of landscape design and maintenance
Knowledge of horticulture and arboriculture
Knowledge of park operations and regulations
Knowledge of safety practices and regulations
Ability to develop, implement and manage maintenance plans
Ability to manage and motivate staff
Ability to effectively communicate with park users
Ability to troubleshoot and problem solve
Ability to recognize and maintain a safe working environment
Ability to manage budgets and resources
Ability to coordinate with outside agencies and organizations
Ability to maintain a high level of customer service

The Park Maintenance Supervisor plays a vital role in keeping parks and recreation areas clean, safe, and enjoyable for visitors. One of the most important skills they must possess is the ability to lead, motivate, and manage a team of subordinates. This includes having strong communication skills, the ability to delegate tasks effectively, and the capacity to remain organized and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

the supervisor must be knowledgeable about a variety of park maintenance methods, be able to recognize potential safety hazards, and have an understanding of the parks budget. All these skills are necessary for the supervisor to effectively manage park maintenance operations and ensure that visitors have a pleasant experience within the park. Good park maintenance supervisors are essential for creating and maintaining vibrant parks and recreation areas.

Park Administrator, Park Maintenance Technician, and Park Police Officer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in park maintenance?
What strategies do you use to ensure that park maintenance tasks are completed efficiently and on time?
How do you prioritize and delegate tasks to park maintenance staff?
What qualifications do you have in park safety and security?
Describe a time when you encountered a difficult customer while working in park maintenance. How did you handle the situation?
What experience do you have with budgeting for park maintenance projects?
How do you manage vendor relationships when it comes to park maintenance?
What strategies do you use to ensure that park equipment is properly maintained and serviced?
How do you handle conflict between park maintenance staff?
What initiatives have you implemented to increase environmental sustainability in park maintenance?

Common Tools in Industry

Handheld Blower. For clearing leaves, debris, and other material from outdoor surfaces (eg: Toro 51619 Ultra Electric Blower Vac).
Leaf Rake. For collecting leaves and other material from outdoor surfaces (eg: AMES 24-Tine Steel Leaf Rake).
Chain Saw. For cutting trees and branches (eg: Remington RM1425 Limb N Trim Chainsaw).
Shovel. For digging and transferring soil, mulch, and other materials (eg: Fiskars 46 Inch Steel D-Handle Shovel).
Hedge Trimmer. For trimming and pruning shrubs and hedges (eg: BLACK+DECKER LHT2220B Cordless Hedge Trimmer).
Lawn Mower. For cutting grass on larger areas (eg: Husqvarna LC221A Gas Mower).
Pressure Washer. For cleaning hard surfaces and removing dirt and debris (eg: Simpson Cleaning PS3228-S 3300 PSI 2. 5 GPM Gas Pressure Washer).
Weed Whacker. For cutting weeds and trimming grass in hard to reach areas (eg: BLACK+DECKER LST136W 40V Max Lithium String Trimmer/Edger).

Professional Organizations to Know

National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA)
Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS)
International Association for Human-Environment Interaction (IAHEI)
International Facility Management Association (IFMA)
American Public Gardens Association (APGA)
International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
International Erosion Control Association (IECA)
American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA)
American Horticultural Society (AHS)
Society of American Foresters (SAF)

We also have Park Superintendent, Park Designer, and Park Interpretive Guide jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Groundskeeping. The act of maintaining and caring for a lawn, garden, or other outdoor area. This can include planting, watering, mowing, pruning, fertilizing, and general cleanup.
Horticulture. The branch of agriculture that deals with the cultivation of plants, including fruit and vegetable production, landscaping, and plant science.
Irrigation. The application of water to land or soil in order to assist in the growth of crops or other plants.
Landscaping. The practice of designing and constructing a landscape, including garden beds, pathways, and other outdoor features.
Arboriculture. The cultivation and care of trees and shrubs, including pruning, trimming, and pest management.
Turf Management. The process of maintaining lawns and other grassy areas, including mowing, fertilizing, and weed control.
Pest Management. The practice of controlling pests such as weeds, insects, and rodents to keep them from damaging plants and other vegetation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average salary for a Park Maintenance Supervisor?

The average salary for a Park Maintenance Supervisor is approximately $47,000 per year.

What are the duties of a Park Maintenance Supervisor?

The duties of a Park Maintenance Supervisor include supervising staff, planning and scheduling maintenance activities, inspecting park grounds, and ensuring park safety compliance.

What qualifications do I need to become a Park Maintenance Supervisor?

To become a Park Maintenance Supervisor, you will need at least a high school diploma or equivalent and previous experience in park maintenance or groundskeeping.

What other skills are necessary to be a successful Park Maintenance Supervisor?

To be a successful Park Maintenance Supervisor, you will need excellent organizational, communication, and customer service skills. Additionally, knowledge of landscaping and construction equipment is beneficial.

What is the work environment like for a Park Maintenance Supervisor?

The work environment for a Park Maintenance Supervisor is typically outdoors in varying weather conditions. You may be exposed to dust, fumes, chemicals, and loud noises.