Parks Superintendent

Description: The Parks Superintendent is responsible for the professional management and maintenance of all parks, athletic fields and public green spaces under the jurisdiction of the Parks & Recreation Commission and Board of Education. This position requires advanced turf management and irrigation knowledge, a strong emphasis on high-quality standards, and the ability to lead and develop a skilled field crew. The superintendent also serves as a public-facing position for the department, engaging regularly with user groups, sports groups, and general public.

Essential Job Functions

  • Directs and manages daily field operations including mowing, athletic field preparation, irrigation, landscape care, and snow removal
  • Oversees the maintenance and renovation of natural grass and synthetic turf fields using best practices in turf agronomy
  • Supervises the application of fertilizers, pesticides, and other turf management treatments; ensure full regulatory compliance
  • Maintains and troubleshoots complex irrigation systems across all properties
  • Collaborates with Assistant Director to build and implement seasonal maintenance plans, field renovation schedules, and capital improvements
  • Works closely with Parks Maintainer Foreman to assign daily tasks, monitor progress, order materials, and support the growth and accountability of the staff
  • Oversees the Parks Maintainer Foreman in maintaining crew time, attendance, and work records; ensures timely reporting and accurate tracking of progress, materials and supply orders
  • Coordinates with the department Mechanic to ensure that all equipment is maintained and functioning properly; ensures equipment availability for field operations
  • Provides coaching and oversight to Foreman and field crew; fosters accountability and professional growth
  • Coordinates with vendors, contractors, and volunteer groups to complete projects efficiently and to department standards
  • Maintains the departments maintenance calendar and monitors task completion
  • Manages snow removal and emergency response efforts across town and school properties, including physically present during storms and plowings or responding as necessary
  • Ensures compliance with OSHA standards, town safety polices, and environmental regulations.
  • Performs periodic inspections of equipment, facilities, and fields to ensure safety and playability

Other Job Functions:

  • Supports event preparation and facility readiness
  • Other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements:

  • Combined normal office environment and work outdoors; ability to operate a computer; ability
  • to interface and problem-solve with the public. Ability to drive, climb, walk, crawl and lie.
  • Work in extreme weather conditions. Operate heavy equipment for extended periods of time.

Experience/Qualifications/Certifications:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent required; Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Turfgrass Management, Horticulture, or related field preferred.
  • Minimum of 10 years progressive experience in grounds/athletic field maintenance, including at least 5 in a supervisory or leadership role
  • Prior experience if golf course maintenance, sports turf, or parks management strongly preferred
  • Strong knowledge of turfgrass cultivation, soil science, and drainage systems
  • Experience with automated irrigation systems and troubleshooting
  • Excellent organizational, communication, and personal management skills.
  • State of CT Supervisor’s pesticide license within 1 year.
  • CDL (Commercial driver’s license) required within 1 year

Town of Ridgefield Application

Please send application and resume to:
Mail: Town of Ridgefield, Human Resources, 400 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT 06877
Email: [email protected]
Fax: 203-431-2328