Park Manager Operations Supervisor - Recreation and Parks

About Howard County

Conveniently located in the heart of central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, Howard County offers the charm of a historic past mixed with the excitement of a cosmopolitan community.

Howard County Government is a leader in innovation, sustainability, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2025, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 83 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) – the highest number of annual NACo awards achieved in the history of the State of Maryland, and the highest number of awards out of any county in the State of Maryland which received a collective 136 awards.

NACo is the leading organization representing county-level government operations. These awards recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policy making.

We are looking for outstanding individuals to join our team and contribute to excellence in Howard County operations.

• We are committed to workplace excellence in every area of County government.
• We have a highly talented, diverse, and inclusive workplace. Your input will not only be heard, but it will be encouraged!
• We offer competitive compensation and great benefits including medical, retirement, and wellness programs.
• As a member of the Howard County Government team, you'll be helping drive our culture and directly impact what makes us an amazing place to work.

Park supervisor in charge of directing the maintenance operations and assists assigned regional, community, and neighborhood parks within the Howard County Park System.

$32.03 - $34.02 / $66,629 - $70,763

Performs supervisory and advanced level operations service work under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior. Work includes directing activities of one or more crews of laboring and/or motor equipment, operation and repair personnel; driving and operating of heavy motor, construction and complex mechanical equipment; may direct and participate in the day to day operations of a large size site or sites.

Include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Works and cooperates with co-workers and supervisors at all levels.
• Learns and performs all essential job functions accurately.
• Plans, directs, and coordinates park maintenance operations, and assists programming assigned regional, community, and neighborhood parks within the Howard County Park System.
• Determines job priorities and sets long and short term goals/schedules to be accomplished, and assigns staff to jobs.
• Develop and set staff schedules including weekends, evenings, holidays and special events.
• Manages within the Supervisory chain of command union employees in AFSME 3085.
• Special project and on-site event management.
• Trains staff in all areas of parkland operation and maintenance, equipment operation, and ensures that safety policies and procedures are followed.
• Coordinate meetings with community groups and other county agencies to address concerns.
• Resolves unusual and complex maintenance and public relations problems.
• Inspects work done by contractors and developers to approve prior to payment.
• Develops specifications and purchasing documents for special projects, supplies / materials, tools and equipment.
• Assists supervisor with budget input and future site needs.
• Completes performance reviews for subordinate staff.
• Utilizes a computer to review for pavilion, facility and field use reservations, must access e‑mail, and completes employee performance evaluations.
• Oversees work tasks, inspects work in progress, approves completed jobs, and enforces safety regulations and procedures. Inspects work done by contractors. Trains staff on maintenance techniques and tool/equipment safety operation.
• Performs routine playground inspections and maintenance to the Zone playgrounds. Utilizes playground certification to assist supervisors and park planners in determining playground safety. Audits, records and maintains a log for repairs and recommends replacements as needed.
• Coordinates playground inspection and installation projects. Orders replacement parts.
• Requires considerable public contact including:
  Scout projects, conflict resolution, picnic shelter disputes, questions and comments.
• Must be able to estimate supplies and materials for maintenance tasks and jobs. Develops supply requisitions for supervisor’s approval. Utilizes a PDQ card for purchases. Is responsible for keeping an inventory current for tools, supplies and materials, and chemicals.
• Administrative duties include:
  Incident reports, police reports, timesheets, department requisitions, park and playground inspection forms, chemical…