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