Parks Supervisor

Parks Supervisor

Salary

$116,800.00 - $152,397.00 Annually

Location

Malibu Bluffs Park, CA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

26/27-00096

Department

Community Services

Opening Date

09/11/2026

Closing Date

10/11/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, the Parks Supervisor will supervise parks and landscape maintenance staff and contractors. The supervisor will be responsible for adhering to maintenance and safety standards that strengthen the community image and sense of place in City parks. This position will supervise staff and volunteers, participate in community problem solving and have the ability to be flexible and change plans based on the user needs and activity schedules. The supervisor will possess a stewardship philosophy toward ecosystem management and will be committed to professional development and perform related duties as required.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate is an experienced parks and facilities maintenance professional who brings a strong combination of technical expertise, supervisory leadership, operational judgment, environmental stewardship, and customer service skills. They will have demonstrated an ability to oversee complex maintenance operations while effectively leading employees, managing contractors, monitoring budgets, and responding to the needs of the community.

This individual should be a hands-on, solutions-oriented leader who understands the practical demands of maintaining municipal parks, native landscapes, open spaces, trails, athletic fields, playgrounds, buildings, and other City facilities. At the same time, the candidate must be comfortable operating at a supervisory and administrative level, developing work plans, completing capital projects, preparing reports, and providing sound professional advice to the Community Services Director.

The strongest candidate will be equally skilled at collaborating with park maintenance contractors and assessing park needs. They will provide clear direction, evaluate results, and effectively document assigned tasks and project outcomes.

The successful candidate should be viewed as a trusted operational partner to the Community Services Director, someone who can take ownership of park maintenance functions, develop a strong and accountable team, maintain productive relationships with contractors and community stakeholders, and continuously improve the Citys parks and facilities services.

Key Leadership Attributes

Operational Leader. The ideal candidate understands how to translate departmental goals into effective maintenance programs, work plans, schedules, and service standards. They are organized, accountable, and able to balance competing operational priorities while maintaining high standards for safety, quality, responsiveness, and customer service.

Experienced People Supervisor. The candidate should have demonstrated experience leading, developing, and holding employees accountable for performance. They should be comfortable assigning work, monitoring productivity, providing constructive feedback, addressing performance issues, writing employee evaluations, and recognizing employee contributions.

Independent and Sound Judgment. Because the position operates with considerable independence, the successful candidate must be able to assess situations, identify problems, consider alternatives, and make timely decisions within established policies and procedures. The candidate should know when to resolve an issue independently and when to elevate a matter to the Director or other management staff.

Continuous Improvement Mindset. The ideal candidate will improve efficiency, service quality, work processes, equipment utilization, staffing deployment, and resource allocation. They should be comfortable evaluating current practices and recommending practical improvements.

Collaborative Management Style. Success will require effective relationships with Community Services leadership, City departments, employees, contractors, organized sports groups, community members, and other stakeholders. The candidate should be approachable, professional, and able to build productive relationships while maintaining appropriate boundaries and accountability.

Technical and Professional Expertise

The ideal candidate will bring substantial knowledge of municipal parks and landscape maintenance operations, including:

• Parks, landscape, and open-space maintenance;
• Athletic fields and turf management;
• Irrigation systems and water conservation practices;
• Trees, vegetation, horticulture, and landscape management;
• Trails, greenways, park structures, and playgrounds;
• Building and facility maintenance;
• Preventive maintenance practices;
• Equipment, tools, materials, and supplies;
• Work scheduling and resource allocation;
• Maintenance standards and service levels;
• Applicable safety requirements and regulatory standards; and
• Emerging technologies, practices, and trends affecting parks and facilities maintenance.

The candidate should also understand the operational implications of organized sports and other high-use activities on athletic fields and be capable of adjusting maintenance programs and resource allocations accordingly.

• Monitor expenditures against approved budgets;
• Identify emerging resource requirements;
• Evaluate competing operational needs;
• Recommend adjustments based on changing priorities; and
• Connect budget recommendations to service levels and operational outcomes.

Education and Experience

The ideal candidate will meet or exceed the stated minimum qualifications, including approximately five years of increasingly responsible parks maintenance, landscaping, and/or tree maintenance experience, with at least two years of lead or supervisory experience.

While a high school diploma supplemented by college coursework or specialized training is identified as the typical preparation, particularly strong candidates may distinguish themselves through additional education, professional certifications, specialized training, or extensive municipal parks and facilities experience.

Examples of Duties

• Ability to "multitask" to handle competing priorities and demands.
• Ability to establish and facilitate cooperative working relationships with employees and community groups to work effectively and collaboratively.
• Ability to keep accurate records and prepare reports.
• Ability to lead and mobilize others to action providing support, training, mentoring and evaluation.
• Verbal and written communication skills to develop reports, evaluations, and other material as appropriate.
• Manages and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned programs; recommends within departmental policy, appropriate service, and staffing levels; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
• Develops and standardizes procedures and methods to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of park maintenance programs; continuously monitors and evaluates the service delivery methods and procedures and identifies opportunities for improvement; recommends improvements to the Director and implements new procedures and methods.
• Assesses and monitors workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement and reviews with the Parks & Recreation Director; directs the implementation of improvements.
• Plans, directs, coordinates, and reviews the work plan for assigned programs; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems; assigns work activities, projects, and programs; monitors workflow, review and evaluates work product, methods, and procedures.
• Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; implements discipline and termination procedures.
• Ensures that facilities are in compliance with applicable State, County and City regulations.
• Provides responsible staff assistance to the Parks & Recreation Director; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
• Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive inquiries and complaints.
• Conducts a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies; recommends modifications to maintenance programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate.
• Develops, administers, and evaluates service contracts; administers and evaluates activities and services provided by contractors.
• Participates in the development and administration of the Parks & Recreation Department annual budget; compiles the forecast for additional funds for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitors expenditures and implements adjustments as necessary.
• Stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of park maintenance.
• Evaluates the adjusts maintenance programs based on the impact organized sports groups have on turf sports fields.
• Receives, investigates, and responds to problems and complaints from citizens in a professional manner; identifies and reports findings and takes necessary corrective action.
• Monitors changes in laws, regulations and technology that may affect departmental operations; implements policy and procedural changes as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education

Equivalent to graduation from high school supplemented by specialized training in horticulture maintenance, or degree in Botany, Park Administration from an accredited college or university; or a related field.

Experience

Three (3) years of supervisory or administrative experience in park maintenance.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Must possess and maintain a valid California class C driver license and have a satisfactory driving record. Successful candidate appointed to this position must obtain First Aid/CPR certification within first six months of employment.

Supplemental Information

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Horticultural planting techniques and methods, pruning techniques, fertilizing requirements, irrigation needs and other plant care techniques.
• Types and level of maintenance and repair activities generally performed in a park grounds maintenance and repair program.
• Safe work practices in order to ensure a safe working environment, including first aid and adult and child cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• Principles and practices of maintenance program development and administration.
• Organizational and supervisory practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs.
• Principles, practices, and service delivery needs related to facility use and maintenance.
• Recent developments, current literature, and sources of information related to facility maintenance, program planning and administration.
• Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.
• Principles and practices of employee and volunteer supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Standard office practices and procedures, including the use of standard office equipment, record keeping, business mathematics and basic computer applications related to the work.
• Computer applications related to the work, including word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
• Records management principles and practices.
• General principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.
• Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• Techniques of dealing with individuals of various ages and from various socio-economic groups and for effectively representing the City in contacts with users and the community.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to public and City staff, in person and over the telephone.

SKILL IN:

• Assisting in developing and implementing goals, objectives, policies, procedures, work standards for the department.
• Planning, organizing, scheduling, assigning, reviewing, and evaluating the work of staff.
• Training staff in work procedures.
• Analyzing problems, identifying alternative solutions, anticipating consequences, and implementing recommendations in support of goals.
• Interpreting, applying, and explaining complex laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances.
• Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence, procedures, and other written materials.
• Maintaining accurate records and files of work performed.
• Organizing work, setting priorities, and meeting multiple deadlines.
• Making sound, independent decisions within established policy and procedural guidelines.
• Operating modern office equipment including computer equipment and software programs.
• Using English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone and in writing.
• Using tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgment within general policy, procedural and legal guidelines.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with employees and those contacted in the course of the work.

Having trouble logging in? Contact the NEOGOV Applicant Support Hotline Toll Free at (855) 524-5627.

Need an Accommodation? If you have questions or need special accommodation with the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at (310) 456-2489 ext. 488. The City of Malibu is an equal opportunity employer.

Paid Holidays: 9 paid holidays plus paid Winter Break (December 24 - January 1).

Malibu City Hall is closed on the following holidays:

• Martin Luther King Jr. Day (third Monday in January)
• Presidents Day (third Monday in February)
• Memorial Day (last Monday in May)
• Juneteenth (June 19)
• Independence Day (July 4)
• Labor Day (first Monday in September)
• Veterans Day (November 11)
• Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday in November)
• The Friday following Thanksgiving Day
• Winter Break (December 24 - January 1)

Vacation Leave:

1-5 years: 96 hours per year.

6-10 years: 120 hours per year.

11 years or more: 160 hours per year.

Sick Leave: 96 hours per year.

Vacation and sick leave cash-out provision. A portion of vacation leave can be cashed out at the applicable accrual year for qualifying employees. A portion of sick leave can be cashed out at the applicable accrual year for qualifying employees.

The City participates in the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New members to CalPERS, new PEPRA formula 2% at 62, three-year average, 8.25% member contribution; classic CalPERS members 2% at 55, one-year average, the City pays the member contribution for classic CalPERS members. The City does not contribute to Social Security.

Health, Dental, Long Term/Short Term Disability, Life and Vision Insurance are all covered.

Health Insurance: A selection of health plans is available from CalPERS. The City will provide 100% paid premiums-coverage for employee and dependents up to the PERS Platinum PPO health plan level. Dental and Vision: 100% paid premiums-coverage for employee and dependents.

A voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation Plan is available for employee participation. The City will match up to $50.00 per pay period of a contribution to our 457 Deferred Compensation Plan.

The City offers an Alternative Work Schedule (9/80). Subject to the discretion of management.

Employee Assistance Program; Tuition Reimbursement ($2,500 per fiscal year).

Employees have the option to sign up with the Ventura County Credit Union.

This position is 100% in-person at Malibu City Hall and is not eligible for hybrid remote work.

New hire and promotional appointments shall be subject to a probationary period of not less than six months.

Federal law requires mandatory contribution for each employee of 1.45%.

In compliance with the Immigration & Control Act of 1986, all new employees must verify identity and entitlement to work in the United States by providing required documentation.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. ANY PROVISION CONTAINED IN THE BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE.

THE CITY OF MALIBU IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

01

The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the supplemental questions. The information you provide will be verified and documentation may be required. Please be as honest and accurate as possible. You may be asked to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a work sample or during an interview. By completing this supplemental questionnaire you are attesting that the information you have provided is accurate. Any misstatements, omissions, or falsification of information may eliminate you from consideration or result in dismissal.

• Yes, I understand and agree
• No, I do not agree

02

Do you currently possess a valid Standard First Aid certification?

03

Describe your supervisory or lead experience. Within your answer, list the title(s) of the positions supervised, total number of staff supervised, total years of lead or supervisory experience and the agency where you obtained the experience. If you do not have direct experience in this area, please type N/A.

04

Do you currently possess a valid Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification?

05

Are you able to work a flexible work schedule that includes nights, weekends, holidays, and includes varying shifts?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer Malibu, City of (CA)

Address 23825 Stuart Ranch Road

Malibu, California, 90265

Phone 310-456-2489 x488

Website https://www.malibucity.org/