Superintendent of Parks

Superintendent of Parks

Deerfield Park District | Deerfield, IL
Full-Time | Exempt | $90,000–$110,000+ DOQ

About Deerfield Park District

Founded in 1951, the Deerfield Park District is dedicated to providing outstanding parks, facilities, services, and recreation programs that enrich lives, promote healthy living, and create memorable experiences.

The District operates more than 25 parks and facilities, including Deerfield Golf Club, Sachs Recreation Center, Patty Turner Center, Jewett Park Community Center, Mitchell Pool, and Deerspring Pool.

With approximately 300 employees and more than 500 seasonal staff, Deerfield Park District maintains a modern, well-designed park system and is an IAPD/IPRA Illinois Distinguished Accredited Agency and two-time National Gold Medal Finalist.

About the Opportunity

The Superintendent of Parks reports directly to the Director of Parks and oversees daily park maintenance, special projects, and support for District events.

This position leads a skilled Parks maintenance team and is responsible for grounds and athletic field maintenance, landscaping, site restoration, snow removal, facility inspections, safety practices, and outsourced maintenance services.

The Superintendent will directly supervise the Parks Foreman and approximately 7–12 full-time and part-time maintenance employees while contributing to budgeting, capital improvement projects, equipment purchases, and long-range park development.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise, train, and evaluate full-time, part-time, and seasonal Parks Department employees
• Lead daily maintenance, landscaping, and site restoration operations
• Oversee maintenance of playgrounds, athletic fields, sport courts, pathways, drainage systems, fencing, signage, ice rinks, and other park facilities
• Coordinate the parks facility inspection program and ensure appropriate safety practices
• Manage and evaluate seasonal snow removal operations
• Oversee outsourced landscape maintenance contracts and vendor performance
• Assist the Director of Parks with annual budgets, cost estimates, project plans, specifications, and equipment purchases
• Support special events and District activities
• Ensure compliance with ADA guidelines
• Respond professionally and promptly to public inquiries and complaints
• Contribute to capital improvement projects and long-range park development

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required
• Associate's or bachelor's degree in Park Management, Landscape Architecture, Horticulture, Agriculture, or a related field preferred
• Minimum 3 years of progressively responsible or supervisory experience in turf and athletic field maintenance, landscape design/construction, horticulture, natural resource management, or a related field
• Valid driver's license required
• CDL license preferred
• Strong knowledge of grounds maintenance, safety practices, and park operations
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Teams, and Excel
• Ability to learn and use internal computer applications
• Ability to obtain and maintain National Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) certification
• Ability to obtain and maintain an Illinois Department of Agriculture Pesticide Applicator License in applicable categories

Schedule, Salary & Benefits

Full-Time, Exempt Position
Salary: $90,000–$110,000+ DOQ

Benefits include:

• Pension
• Paid vacation, sick, and holidays
• Medical, dental, and life insurance
• Free annual fitness center pass
• Pool pass
• Free and/or subsidized Park District activities and events for employees and family members
• Additional benefits provided by the District

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