Job Description

The City of Eugene Public Works Department is currently accepting applications for the position of: DEVELOPED PARKS OPERATIONS MANAGER

Application Deadline – May 1, 2026 – 5:00 p.m.
Accepting Online Applications Only

The City of Eugene Parks and Open Space Division is now seeking an experienced operations manager of developed parks to join our team in serving the community and its cherished park system. The City of Eugene is a great place to live, work, and play, and the City’s park system is one of the most valued assets and services the City provides. Most Eugene residents would say it is what makes the City such a wonderful place and a main reason they choose to live here.

The Parks and Open Space (POS) Division is part of the Public Works Department and is responsible for approximately 5,500 acres of public parkland and natural areas. There are currently 700 acres of developed parks which provide conventional park amenities, with more developed parks being added annually. The POS Division’s mission is to protect, enhance and maintain Eugene’s public green spaces for healthy people, community and environment – and most importantly our values back this statement every single day. We have a division wide team of highly dedicated and talented staff. The Developed Park Operations Section includes 35 FTE and performs magic with an annual budget of $8 million. This section is responsible for the operations and maintenance of all developed parkland which include 47 neighborhood parks, 15 community parks, two floral gardens, and specialty recreation facilities ranging from dog parks and community gardens to bike trails and disc golf courses.

The next manager will find both challenge and reward in Eugene’s unique and abundant park system. Aging parks and facilities infrastructure are a reality and will present you with many challenges. However, we have spent the last several years implementing new strategic goals and objectives and we have an excellent long-range vision to revitalize the park system. As a result, funding has stabilized and we hope to have additional revenue measures for capital assets and ongoing operations and maintenance in the near future. This is an exciting time for Parks and Open Space and we have a clear path forward. There has never been a better time to join our team. The park system is poised to make big strides moving forward, and you may be just the leader to help usher in this new era. Are you the ideal leader we’re looking for?

Classification: Public Works Operations Manager

Salary Range: $48.87 – $65.98 / hourly; $101,649.60 – $137,238.40 / annually

The City of Eugene determines starting pay within the range based on relevant education and experience as provided by the applicant in their application materials. This process is consistent with the Oregon Equal Pay Act (OEPA). You can learn more about our process at our How to Apply page.

Department/Division: Public Works Parks and Open Space

Benefits: The City of Eugene offers robust and competitive benefits. For more info, click the Benefits Tab, or visit this summary page as well as this benefits package page.

Working at the City of Eugene

The City of Eugene is located in the Willamette Valley, which offers a wide range of recreational activities to residents and visitors. Home to the University of Oregon, Eugene is a progressive community with engaged residents, a vibrant arts community and is known as Track Town USA; hosting national and international track and field events. Eugene offers many of the amenities of a larger city while retaining the feel and characteristics of a smaller city including a strong sense of community and a short commute to work with little traffic congestion.

To be considered for this position you must submit a cover letter and resume.

Examples of Duties Performed – Duties may include but are not limited to the following

Manages, plans, organizes, and directs a comprehensive Public Work operational focused section; manages programs, operational activities and projects of the assigned section; develops policies, procedures, processes and methods consistent with stated business objectives and applicable laws and codes; develop work plans and sets priorities; participates in diverse committee activities by providing a Public Work perspective.
Serves as a member of a Public Work Division management team; participates in development of Division goals, objectives, policies and procedures; may operate the emergency command center as required; may act in the capacity of the Department Director in his/her absence.

Coordinates assigned section activities, projects, programs, and priorities with other City departments, divisions, outside agencies and organizations; provides highly professional and administrative support to Public Works Division and Executive Directors, City Manager and City Council; prepares and presents reports and other necessary correspondence; attends Executive Management and City Council meetings as necessary.

Assigns work activities, projects programs and priorities, monitors work flows and processes, assigns special projects, and reviews and evaluates production methods and procedures; monitors work processes to ensure safe practices, quality and accuracy; ensures section compliance to applicable rules, policies and procedures.

Prepares section budget; assists in budget implementation; participates in the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; monitors and approve expenditures; administers approved section budget; administer and monitors consulting fees and services as needed; provides input and recommendations to the division budget.

Develops recommendations for maintenance and capital rehabilitation programs, develops and refines full cost recovery analysis, and monitors and adjusts experience estimates. Recommends goals and objectives; assists in the development of policies and procedures.

Responsible for the selection, supervision and evaluation of subordinate supervisors/managers and assigned staff; assigns work and ensures appropriate training is provided; investigates complaints; recommends and administers disciplinary actions; handles sensitive personnel matters and recommends grievance responses, exercises full supervision over employees.

Models respectful working relationships and creates a workplace that supports all employees; supports City leadership in successfully responding to the changing needs of a diverse organization and the commitment to equity and human rights.

Performs other duties of a similar nature or level as required by management to meet the needs of the department.

Qualifications

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes with relevant transferable skills from a variety of sources and experiences.
If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

When screening your application, the City will consider an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to meet minimum qualifications for this position.

A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:
Five years of increasingly responsible experience in the management of parks maintenance and operations that includes supervisory responsibility

Education:
Bachelor’s degree with major coursework in park management, forestry, horticulture, or a closely related field.

The Ideal Candidate will possess the following characteristics and abilities:

A thorough understanding of and experience with municipal park operations and maintenance.
Works collaboratively and develops effective relationships with staff and other city departments and divisions.

Provides leadership with a demonstrated ability in analyzing operational conditions and issues bringing them to a resolution that supports organizational goals.

Effectively communicates both orally and in writing, exercising diplomacy, discretion and tact in dealing with sensitive, and complex issues.

Places a high value on safety programs and a thorough understanding of traffic control planning and implementation.

Knowledge of and understanding of Asset Management using ArcGIS and mobile technology.

Thorough knowledge of both the operational and administrative aspects of a complex municipal organization.

Places a high value on developing leadership skills of staff at multiple levels.

Directly supervises and guides multiple work unit supervisors in planning, organizing, prioritizing and implementing work unit budgets, work plans, programs, and associated activities.

Develops and directs the planning of long-range goals and objectives for park operations management and oversee program effectiveness and delivery of services.

Directs, oversees and develops section budget including forecasting additional fund needs for the Section.

Identify issues, analyze problems and work collaboratively with staff and internal customers to solve complex problems.

Project management and research ability to ensure incorporation of best management practices in urban forestry, municipal right-of-way vegetation and storm-water management.

Participates in development of division goals, objectives and policies. Serves as a member of the Division’s Management Team, helping set the strategic direction and policy of the Division.

Leader in support of other City values and goals including equity and inclusion.

Leader in Parks Operations in support of other City values and goals including employee safety, and sustainability.

Model the highest standards of integrity and ethical behavior.

How to Apply

Accepting Online Applications Only at this link > Developed Parks Operations Manager | Job Details tab | Career Pages

Job Categories: Horticulture / Gardening / Landscaping. Job Types: Full-Time. Salaries: 100,000 and above.

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