Parks System Manager

SALARY RANGE

WORK ASSIGNMENT DETAILS

The Park System Manager (Projects & Maintenance) provides leadership and strategic direction for the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of park facilities, infrastructure, and assets within the Waukesha County Park System. This position oversees capital project delivery, preventative and predictive maintenance programs, and the effective use of asset management technology to ensure long-term sustainability of park infrastructure.

The Manager leads cross-functional teams in developing and implementing capital and maintenance strategies aligned with County goals and budget priorities. The position works collaboratively with internal departments, consultants, contractors, and partner agencies to deliver high-quality projects on time and within budget while maintaining compliance with County, State, and Federal regulations.

This role emphasizes strategic capital planning, lifecycle cost analysis, process improvement, and data-driven decision-making to support the County's mission of providing safe, well-maintained, and innovative park facilities for the community.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the planning, design, and execution of capital improvement and maintenance projects across the Park System, ensuring adherence to schedule, budget, and quality standards.
• Oversee the County's asset management program (Brightly Asset Essentials), including asset inventory, preventative maintenance, and performance reporting to inform resource allocation and capital planning.
• Manage the development and monitoring of annual and multi-year capital budgets; perform cost-benefit and lifecycle analyses to support data-driven decisions.
• Ensure compliance with procurement laws, construction regulations, environmental standards, and safety requirements in all project and maintenance activities.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and mentoring to staff in project management, maintenance operations, and continuous improvement.
• Foster innovation and process efficiency through the application of LEAN principles, technology integration, and workflow improvements.
• Collaborate with intergovernmental, nonprofit, and private partners to advance shared facility and infrastructure goals.
• Develop and maintain clear communication channels with leadership, staff, and stakeholders to ensure transparency and alignment on priorities, timelines, and project outcomes.
• Promote a culture of accountability, safety, and excellence by applying data analytics, performance metrics, and proactive risk management practices.
• Serve as a contributing member of the Parks and Land Use management team, supporting department-wide initiatives and cross-divisional collaboration.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Relevant experience in planning, design, construction, and maintenance of park or public infrastructure systems.
• Demonstrated experience with capital budgeting, cost estimating, and lifecycle cost analysis.
• Proficiency with asset management and work order software (Brightly Asset Essentials or equivalent).
• Experience managing public procurement, contract administration, and regulatory compliance processes.
• Knowledge of environmental and safety standards, including ADA, OSHA, and DNR regulations.
• Familiarity with GIS mapping, data analytics, and project management software (e.g., MS Project).
• Certification or training in LEAN process improvement, project management (PMP), or facilities management (CFM).

Key Competencies and Leadership Skills:

• Strong organizational and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to balance short-term maintenance needs and long-term capital goals.
• Financial acumen with ability to perform cost-benefit and alternative analyses to inform resource allocation.
• Demonstrated leadership through coaching, mentoring, and supporting staff development and succession planning.
• Skilled in building collaboration and trust with staff, contractors, and community partners.
• Clear and concise communicator with the ability to present technical information to diverse audiences.
• Commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, and accountability in service delivery.
• Emotional intelligence and professionalism in navigating complex issues and stakeholder needs.

Candidates interested in applying should submit their resume and a cover letter detailing their leadership and management experience in park systems in addition to fully completing the application.

Prior to hiring, the successful candidate will be subject to work/education/certification reference(s) verification, and a criminal background and driver's license check.

CLASSIFICATION SPECIFICATION

To view the full classification specification for Parks System Manager click here.

To view the Benefit Summary click here.

Minimum Training & Experience Requirements
1. Graduation from a recognized college or university with a bachelor's degree in landscape architecture, park and recreation administration, engineering, business administration, or related field.
2. Five years of responsible work experience in business administration, financial management, park management, landscape architecture, land use planning, golf course, ice arena or exposition center operations management, or closely related field, two years of which were in a supervisory capacity.
3. Graduation from a recognized college or university with a master's degree in business administration, landscape architecture, park and recreation administration, engineering, or related field may substitute for one year of the general work experience.

Waukesha County provides a comprehensive compensation and benefits package including excellent health/dental/vision, life insurance, generous paid time off (vacation, 10 holidays, 3 floating holidays, ample accrued sick time that rolls over each year), an exceptional pension plan with employer match and lifetime retirement payment plus an optional tax advantaged 457 retirement savings plan. Amongst many other benefits, employees are recognized and valued through a pay for performance system. Successful candidates will be eligible for performance-based merit increases and non-base performance awards.

Employee well-being is promoted through a balanced work-life culture and through an exceptional employee wellness program that offers a variety of programs and tools to help promote an employee's wellness and health, including an on-site health & wellness clinic.

About Us:
Waukesha County prides itself on operating in a business-like manner and is recognized as a leader delivering high quality services with competence and skill. With our vision of "Leading the Way", we value teamwork and collaboration, ethics and diversity, communication, efficiency and cost savings, innovation, and the wellbeing of our staff and the citizens we serve. Employees are provided professional development opportunities and encouragement to learn and practice continuous improvement and LEAN principles as we regularly ask ourselves "Is there a better way?"

Location:
Located in the City of Waukesha, our campus offers an on-site cafe and fitness center, free parking, and easy access to interstate highway systems. Waukesha County offers a perfect blend of urban and rural living where one can enjoy the benefits of quiet rural lake communities or opt for nearby attractions that the greater Milwaukee area offers including vast beach and park systems, public markets, performing arts, music festivals, and sports including the Milwaukee Admirals, Brewers, Bucks, Wave, Marquette University Golden Eagles and the UW-Milwaukee Panthers Basketball programs.

EEO:

Waukesha County is committed to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in employment and adheres to all Federal, State and County Equal Employment Opportunity laws, policies, plans, rules, regulations and ordinances. The County recognizes and accepts its important leadership role in providing for equal employment/service opportunities. It is the express policy of Waukesha County to promote equal employment opportunity among all who are employed by Waukesha County and who seek employment with Waukesha County.

For further information visit:https://www.waukeshacounty.gov

The County does not sponsor applicants for work visas. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.