| Location | Duluth, MN |
| Salary | $89,386–$117,625 Per Year |
Parks & Grounds Maintenance Manager
Salary
$89,386.00 - $117,625.00 Annually
Location
Duluth, MN
Job Type
Full-Time
Job Number
L26065
Department
Property, Parks, & Libraries
Opening Date
08/10/2026
Closing Date
8/31/2026 11:59 PM Central
FLSA
Exempt
Bargaining Unit
Supervisory
Probation Period
12 months
Eligible List Duration
2 months
Job Posting Information
SUMMARY/PURPOSE
The Parks & Grounds Maintenance Manager will be responsible for managing, directing, evaluating and supervising the overall coordination, planning, operation, and performance of routine and capital maintenance in City parks and/or on City property. The Parks & Grounds Maintenance Manager will supervise Park Maintenance staff and will act as a project manager to provide technical expertise and guidance on key City parks and grounds projects, and will exercise independent judgment and discretion in carrying out professional project, maintenance, and operational decisions.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
The supervisor provides administrative direction with assignments in terms of broadly defined missions or functions. Incumbents have responsibility for planning, designing, and carrying out programs, projects, studies, or other work independently.
SUPERVISION GIVEN
Does have supervisory responsibility, typically for employees who exercise broad discretion. The supervisor provides broad guidance including mission and vision but does not provide task or duty level.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities (other duties may be assigned)
Plan, direct, supervise, and evaluate the implementation of landscape and park amenity maintenance and capital improvement plans/programs in City parks and/or on City property and/or facilities.
Consult and collaborate with stakeholders and consultants to gather information, perform financial analysis, and develop routine and capital maintenance plans that adhere to accepted park amenity and landscaping principles and code compliance standards.
Direct the determination of maintenance and capital maintenance projects scope, budget and methodology, the preparation of bid specifications with consultants/contractors, review bid proposals, and participate in the selection of consultants/contractors.
Lead the negotiation of contract terms with consultants/contractors.
Inspect the work done by City maintenance staff, consultants, contractors, and vendors for conformance to specifications, and adjust as necessary.
Review consultant reports, lab analysis results, regulatory guidelines, and other technical material to guide the implementation of best practice routine and capital maintenance efforts.
Plan, direct, and monitor a comprehensive City sidewalk snow removal program.
Identify funding sources and develop, monitor, and administer general maintenance and capital project budgets for the division.
Collaborate with the Property & Facilities Manager in the development of capital maintenance plans, implementation, routine maintenance and utilization of the asset management system, and development of reports as necessary to disseminate key park, landscape, and facility issues to City Administration.
Collaborate with the Property & Facilities Manager and the Parks & Recreation Manager on the development and implementation of maintenance and project priorities, planning, resource allocations, and service levels.
Research and keep abreast of current park and landscape maintenance practices, construction management practices, landscape architectural techniques, materials, trends, technologies, and methods; act as a technical City resource for the overall development, implementation, and quality control of park infrastructure planning and construction projects.
In the absence of the PFM Manager, and as requested, act in the capacity of Property & Facilities Manager to ensure seamless operation of the Property & Facilities Management and Park Maintenance Divisions.
Manage employee performance, and provide training, coaching, and mentoring for employees.
Provide clear, sufficient, and timely direction and information to the employees about plans, expectations, tasks, and activities.
Demonstrate highly-effective leadership by promoting and supporting the mission and vision of the organization, recognizing and defining issues, and taking initiative towards improvements.
Recommend the hire, transfer, assignment, promotion, employee grievance resolution, discipline, suspension, or discharge of assigned personnel.
Provide for ongoing training of employees in emerging methods, trends, technologies, and proper and safe work methods and procedures.
Coordinate with various City departments, other government agencies, and community groups to develop methods of sharing resources, minimizing duplication, and simplifying procedures.
Establish and maintain positive working relationship with the employees by maintaining two-way communication, producing consistent results, advocating for the team when appropriate, and offering expertise to improve processes, systems, and the organization.
Other duties may be assigned.
Job Requirements
Education & Experience Requirements
A. Bachelors Degree in Landscape Architecture, Construction Management, Project Management, Parks and Recreation, Public Administration, or a related professional field, and four (4) years of related professional experience; OR a minimum of eight (8) years of related education and/or full-time, verifiable professional parks, grounds, construction project, and/or facilities maintenance experience.
B. Two (2) years of experience must be in a supervisory/lead position of similar complexity and level of responsibility.
License Requirements
A. Possess and maintain a valid Minnesota Class D drivers license or privilege.
B. Ability to obtain a Pesticide Applicators license within one (1) year of hire date.
Selection Process Information
Education/Experience Review (100% of scoring process; 70 pass point): Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications will be rated based on the type (relatedness) and extent of their education and experience as documented on their application and/or supplemental questionnaire. Applicants who pass this exam will have their names placed on an eligible list for this classification.
Non-Discrimination
The City of Duluth is an equal opportunity and veteran-friendly employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status with regard to public assistance, disability, genetic information, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.
Alternative Exam Process (does not apply to Charter Appointment, provisional, temporary, or part-time non-union selections)
For individuals who qualify under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), alternative examination processes are available on an individual basis upon prior arrangement. Contact Human Resources at 218-730-5210, as soon as possible prior to the scheduled date of the exam. TDD services are available through 218-730-5630.
Work Eligibility
In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the City of Duluth requires verification of identity and work eligibility at the point of hire.
Right to Appeal (does not apply to Charter Appointment, provisional, temporary, or part-time non-union selections)
Any applicant who has been found qualified to participate in a selection process for a position in the classified service who has reason to contest the validity or fairness of any step in the selection process may appeal to the Civil Service Board within 10 calendar days of the examination. (If the examination is an Education & Experience Review, the applicant must appeal within 10 calendar days of the closing date for accepting applications.) The notice of appeal shall be in writing, shall contain a complete statement of the matter in controversy and the relief requested, and shall be signed and dated by the appellant. The notice shall be addressed to the Civil Service Board and be delivered to the Human Resources Office. If an applicant wishes to file an appeal electronically, the notice should be sent by email to hrinformation@duluthmn.gov.
VETERANS PREFERENCE
Does not apply to Charter Appointment, provisional, seasonal, temporary, or part-time non-union selections
To apply for Veterans Preference, the applicant must attach the required documents when submitting their application.
OPEN SELECTIONS
Veteran
Required Documents:
Disabled Veteran
Required Documents:
Spouse of Disabled Veteran
Required Documents:
Eligibility:
Spouse of Deceased Veteran
Required Documents:
Eligibility:
PROMOTIONAL OR INTERNAL SELECTIONS
Points are only awarded to Disabled Veterans score one time, on first promotional or internal only selection process after securing City employment.
Disabled Veteran
Required Documents:
Please refer to Minnesota Statute 197.455 for additional information about Veterans Preference.
Eligible City of Duluth employees earn a competitive salary and benefits package, including:
Benefits are prorated for part-time employees and administered in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement or management compensation plan.
01
Which best describes how you meet the Education & Experience Requirements for Parks & Grounds Maintenance Manager?
02
How many years of experience do you have in a supervisory/lead position of similar complexity and level of responsibility?
03
Describe how you meet the Education & Experience Requirements for this position as indicated above (be specific).
04
Which best describes your drivers license status?
05
Do you have the ability to obtain a pesticide applicator license within one year of hire?
06
Please describe your leadership style, and provide an example of how you have effectively used this approach in your past work experience.
07
This position will oversee the maintenance of more than 100 parks, more than 11,000 acres of green space, and thousands of park amenities. What is your overarching vision for the maintenance of the City of Duluth parks both currently and in the future?
08
Describe your knowledge of and experience with developing, administering, and monitoring a division budget.
09
Describe your experience building and maintaining relationships both internally and externally with various firms and contractors and subcontractors to implement successful projects.
Required Question
Employer City of Duluth
Address 411 W 1st St
Duluth, Minnesota, 55802
Phone 218-730-5210