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Job Description
JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM
At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles - Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.
What Makes the City of Austin Special?- Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
- Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives.
- Competitive Benefits : Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
- Retirement Security : Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
- Sustainable Transportation Options : Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
- Focus on Wellness : Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
- Career Growth : Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
- Modern Workspaces : Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.
Job Description:
Parks Grounds Manager
Purpose:
Working independently or with limited direction, organizes and manages programs in grounds keeping, minor construction and minor repair in and around parks grounds and recreational facilities.
Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:
Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.- Communicates section/division, projects, and program information to management and others.
- Plans, organizes, directs, and controls division/section activities.
- Develops short- and long-range plans.
- Develops, revises, and ensures compliance with safety and other standard operating procedures.
- Develops and evaluates plans and criteria for a variety of projects, programs, and plans.
- Attends meetings representing division or section.
- Prepares and reviews reports monitoring and communicating division or section performance results and budget.
- Recommends major purchases and expenditures, developing specifications for product, price, and services.
- Coordinates park activities with outside contractors and various community groups.
- Investigates customer or citizen complaints to determine validity and resolution.
- Develops, negotiates and monitors contracts for special events.
- Obtains various permits.
- Coordinates media coverage for Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) programs and events.
- Solicits sponsorships from organizations for PARD programs and events.
Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:- Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling and recommendation for dismissal.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.- Knowledge of park management and horticulture practices.
- Knowledge of safety practices and procedures.
- Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws.
- Knowledge of city practice, policy, and procedures.
- Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation.
- Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
- Knowledge of the applicable equipment used in the areas managed.
- Knowledge of contract development and monitoring.
- Skill in oral and written communication.
- Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
- Skill in using computers and related software.
- Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
- Skill in planning and organizing.
- Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
- Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
Minimum Qualifications:- Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Parks and Recreation Administration, Education, Horticulture, Parks Management, or other related field and five (5) years' experience in an area related to grounds keeping or general labor services, at least two (2) of which were in a supervisory capacity.
- Experience may substitute for the education up to the maximum of four (4) years.
Preferred Qualifications:
Preferred Experience:- Direct work experience in implementing and working in a preventative and on demand maintenance program.
- Direct work experience in supervising professional grounds mowing operations for multiple large acreage areas.
- Direct work experience prioritizing and documenting through a work order system such as, Maximo or other similar worker order system.
- Direct work experience working with a payroll system, such as UKG or other similar payroll system.
- Direct work experience managing a large diverse workforce of forty plus (40+) employees.
- Direct work experience in budget development including the procurement of goods and services.
- Direct work experience working with internal and external stakeholders.
Other:- Ability to travel to more than one work location.
Notes to Candidate:
The City of Austin Parks and Recreation (APR) provide, protects and preserves a park system that promotes quality recreational, cultural and outdoor experiences for the Austin community. Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more! Click HERE for more information.
The purpose of this Parks Grounds Manager position will be to provide manager oversight for the Austin Parks and Recreation (APR) Grounds Maintenance Services. This position will direct the activities of grounds maintenance personnel responsible for performing general and preventative maintenance work. This position will also develop and implement programs and standard operating procedures for maintenance, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal laws.
Application Instructions/Job Requirements:- Application: A detailed, complete application is required, and applicants must include on their Employment Record all experience (work and/or volunteer) related to this job posting - up to 10 years or more; this will be used to determine your base compensation. Employment Record dates must include month and year. Verification of employment history dates on resume should match online Employment Application. Statements such as “See Resume” will not be accepted and a resume alone will not be accepted in lieu of a complete online application.
- Skills Assessments: Skills assessment(s) may be required as part of the recruitment process.
- Virtual Interviews: APR may conduct virtual interviews.
- Military/Veteran: An applicant claiming Military/Veteran status must provide a copy of his or her DD-214(s), or valid comparable document, at the time of interview.
- Driving Requirement: This position requires current possession of a Texas Class C Driver’s License or to have the ability to obtain within 90 days of employment. External New Hires must meet the City of Austin’s Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite. To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months.
- Physical Requirements: Tasks may involve bending, lifting, walking, carrying or using a force equal to lifting up to lifting up to thirty-five (35) pounds. Work environment includes inside, and outside environmental conditions, extreme temperatures, and hazards associated with equipment operation including fumes, oils, gases, and mists. Must be physically and mentally able to communicate, respond, and work with participant’s needs and safety issues.
Other Information:- Posting Guidelines: APR reserves the right to close posted positions prior to the advertised close date, based on recruitment strategies and business needs. This posting may be used to fill other vacancies in other divisions/work locations within the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department. Decisions on assigned selection will be made at the time of hire based on the business needs of the department.
- Travel: If you are selected for this position, and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program , you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.
- Tobacco and Vape-Free Workplace: APR work site locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any APR work site - including construction sites, parking lots, garages or in any personal vehicles located on the premises.
Work/Location Schedule Notes:
9608 Decker Lake Rd Austin, TX 78724- Monday - Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Work schedule is subject to change based on department needs.
- May be required to work during city emergencies such as extreme weather events.
Salary Range:
$71,630.00 - $90,980.00 annually.
EEO Statement for City of Austin:
The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.
City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.
Closing Date/Time: 2026-03-02 - Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
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ABOUT THE COMPANY
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City of Austin
Show moreThe City of Austin
This vibrant and dynamic city tops many lists for business, entertainment, and quality of life. One of the country’s most popular, high-profile “green” and culturally rich cities, Austin was recently selected the number one Best Place to Live in the U.S. (U.S. News & World Report). In 2016, Forbes named Austin the city most likely to prosper over the next decade on their America’s Cities of the Future list, and the City of Austin ranked in the top ten on the Forbes list of America’s Best Employers for 2017.
Austin continues to lead with its vision of being the Most Livable City in the Country, emerging as a player on the international scene with such events as SXSW, Austin City Limits, Formula 1, and being home to companies such as Apple, Samsung, Dell, and Ascension Seton Healthcare. From the home of state government and the University of Texas to the Live Music Capital of the World and its growth as a film center, Austin has gained worldwide attention as a hub for education, business, health, and sustainability.
The City offers a wide range of events, from music concerts, food festivals, and sports competitions to museum displays, exhibits, and family fun. Austin is also home to a wonderful ballet, world-class museums, one-of-a-kind shopping, and beautiful outdoor spaces. You can just as easily spend your morning paddling the lake as you can strolling through a celebrated history museum.
Located at the edge of the Texas Hill Country—rolling terrain of limestone bluffs, springs, rivers, and lakes—Austin’s temperate climate is ideal for year-round jogging, cycling, hiking on the City’s many trails, or swimming at Barton Springs or one of the area’s many other swimming holes.
There are a number of excellent golf courses in the area as well as recreational opportunities for rowing, kayaking, canoeing, camping, rock climbing, disc golf, mountain biking, fishing, and more. Austin truly has something to offer for everyone.
City Government
The City of Austin is a progressive, full-service municipal organization operating under the Council-Manager form of government. Austin has a 10-1 council system with an at-large Mayor and Council Members that represent ten districts. The Mayor and Council Members may serve in their respective seats for four years with a maximum of two consecutive terms.
The City Council appoints the City Manager who is the chief administrative and executive officer of the City. The City Manager is responsible for guiding and directing day-to-day operations, as well as providing strategic research, recommendations, and management leadership to the City Council on the city budget, programs, policies, and services. The City Manager implements the organization’s administrative responsibilities with a strong team of Assistant City Managers and department executives. Supported by a staff of more than 14,000 and a budget of $4.1 billion, the City Manager and staff deliver a broad range of services to the citizens of Austin.
The City Council and City Manager of Austin are committed to the mission of delivering the highest quality, cost-effective services. Austin is a beacon of sustainability, social equity, and economic opportunity; where diversity and creativity are celebrated; where community needs and values are recognized; where leadership comes from its community members, and where the necessities of life are affordable and accessible to all.
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