Director of Parks Planning and Maintenance

Responsible for planning, organizing, supervising and directing parks planning, maintenance and operations programs, projects and systems for the City of Olympia (City). Work involves providing guidance and direction to the parks planning, engineering, maintenance, operations, stewardship and park rangers teams.

IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE

The ideal candidate for the Director of Parks Planning and Maintenance will be a visionary and collaborative leader who embraces the values of the City of Olympia and is committed to advancing parks, arts, and recreation for the community. The successful candidate will demonstrate:

Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and establish a strategic direction that aligns with City goals and community priorities.

A track record of cultivating a positive, respectful, learning-oriented workplace culture.

Skill in directing, motivating, influencing, and guiding both represented and non-represented employees.

Experience in community engagement and municipal long-range planning, preferably within parks, recreation or a closely related field.

Ability to manage multiple projects or initiatives simultaneously in a municipal environment.

Demonstrated success working collaboratively and respectfully with Maintenance and Operations teams.

Aptitude for navigating complex challenges through creative, cooperative, and solution-oriented approaches.

Skill in development, oversight, and interpretation of municipal budgets, contracts, and financial reports.

Excellent public-speaking and communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas clearly to diverse audiences.

To Apply

If you are interested in this position, please apply through the Workday career site. Be sure to include a letter of interest and resume. Your letter of interest should be no more than 2 pages long and outline how, your professional experience aligns with the Ideal Candidate Profile above. Applications are due by Sunday, November 23, 2025 at 5 pm.

Contact Information

If you have questions about this position, please feel free to contact Sylvana Niehuser at or email

Essential Functions

The essential functions of this position include but are not limited to:

1. Reviews and evaluates work methods and procedures; meets with management staff to identify and resolve problems.

2. Assesses and monitors workload; identifies opportunities for improvement and implements changes.

3. Selects, motivates and evaluates personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline procedures per established policies, procedures and executive guidance.

4. Oversees and participates in the development and administration of the departmental budget; approves the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; approves expenditures and implements budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary.

5. Provides support to the executive team to ensure key priorities are being implemented.

6. Directs program involvement for key department initiatives.

7. Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays current on new trends and best practices.

8. Manages and supports special initiatives and events.

9. Provides leadership and guidance to staff on park maintenance, operations, acquisition, development and asset management.

10. Develops, approves and tracks goals, performance metrics and priorities in collaboration with relevant departments.

11. Oversees the daily operations and long-range vision of the park's maintenance and operations division.

12. Serves as liaison to the Metropolitan Park District (MPD) Board and Advisory Committee.

13. Addresses comments, concerns and issues from the public, elected officials and staff.

14. Develops and oversees contracts, policies, procedures, guidelines and training programs.

15. Participates in internal and external technical and policy advising committees.

16. Advises on future park land acquisitions, grant applications and park impact fee collection.

17. Creates and presents program-related information to internal and external audiences.

18. Engages in public process efforts and provides information to elected officials, managers, committees, boards and the public.

19. Creates, recommends and enforces policies, procedures and standards that align with department goals.

20. Provides transparent reports to officials, managers, committees and the public, ensuring an open and inclusive process.

21. Maintains employee and public safety by adhering to regulations and ensuring a secure work environment.

22. Assists executive team in executing priorities and provides technical expertise for service development and improvement.

23. Participates in internal and external technical and policy advising committees.

24. Punctual, regular and reliable attendance is essential for successful job performance.

Typical Qualifications

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

1. Advanced knowledge of major program areas including parks services, planning and program operations.
2. Advanced knowledge of planning and development strategies, ensuring effective utilization of resources for park services and arts and events.
3. Advanced knowledge of park management including maintenance, improvement and sustainability practices.
4. Advanced knowledge of arts and events coordination involving the curation and execution of cultural programs and festivals.
5. Advanced knowledge of the principles, practices, methodologies, and techniques utilized to effectively manage and motivate a diverse workforce.
6. Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products (Word, Outlook and Excel) and applicable department and organization specific software; ability to learn and become proficient in the use of other specialized software as may be required.
7. Skill at public speaking and effectively communicating complex ideas to diverse audiences including elected officials, community boards and the media.
8. Skill in developing, managing and interpreting budgets, contracts and financial reports.
9. Ability to establish strategic directions and implement community-focused programs.
10. Ability to solve complex problems through effective collaboration and team-building strategies, engaging with various stakeholders.
11. Ability to direct, lead, motivate, influence and guide all levels of employees toward accomplishment of department mission and goals as a service-oriented team.
12. Ability to formulate, initiate and administer policies and procedures for effective fiscal control.
13. Ability to read, analyze and interpret program related laws and regulations and establish necessary work processes and procedures.
14. Ability to analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations and action plans in support of goals.
15. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those interacted with during work regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, disability, political affiliation, military service or diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Experience/Education:

1. High school diploma or GED and fourteen (14) years of increasingly responsible park planning and maintenance experience, including at least three (3) years of supervisory experience;
2. OR associate degree in public administration, business administration, arts administration or parks and recreation management or a related field and twelve (12) years of experience as listed above;
3. OR bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration, arts administration or parks and recreation management or a related field and ten (10) years of experience as listed above;
4. OR master's degree in public administration, business administration, arts administration or parks and recreation management or a related field and eight (8) years of experience as listed above;
5. OR a combination of experience, certification, education and training that demonstrates expertise in the related areas.

Special Requirements:

1. A valid Washington State driver's license may be required.

Union:

Independents

Compensation (minimum-maximum):

$128, $193,068.00

Exempt:

Yes

For general application or position questions please contact the hiring supervisor or Human Resources at

The City of Olympia complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Manny Bosser, Director of Human Resources, at or This contact is for ADA accommodations only. If you have questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the manager noted in the Contact section near the top of this recruitment.

Join the City of Olympia team

Olympia is a vibrant, healthy and beautiful Capital City and a great place to work, live and play.

The City of Olympia provides competitive pay, great benefits, and supports work-life balance. We are an equal opportunity employer strongly committed to honoring diversity, equity and belonging within our workforce and community. Please consider bringing your talents to the City of Olympia, where we value compassion, integrity and effectiveness in our work to make a difference every day.