Buildings & Grounds Manager

Department: Parks & Facilities Maintenance
Reports To: Executive Director/Park Administrator
FLSA Status: Exempt
Supervises: Full-Time and Part-Time Maintenance Staff, Seasonal Employees, Contractors, and Vendors

Position Summary

The Buildings & Grounds Manager is responsible for the leadership, planning, organization, and oversight of all park, facility, grounds, and maintenance operations for the Broadview Park District. This position ensures that all parks, recreation facilities, athletic fields, playgrounds, buildings, and district assets are maintained in a safe, attractive, functional, and cost-effective manner consistent with industry best practices and National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) standards.

The Buildings & Grounds Manager serves as a key member of the District’s leadership team and is responsible for supervising maintenance personnel, developing preventative maintenance programs, managing capital improvement projects, ensuring regulatory compliance, and delivering exceptional service to residents and park users.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership & Administration

• Provide leadership, direction, supervision, training, and evaluation of maintenance staff, seasonal employees, and contractors.
• Establish departmental goals, performance standards, and work priorities.
• Foster a positive, team-oriented work environment focused on accountability, safety, and customer service.
• Participate in strategic planning and contribute to the District’s long-term facility and park improvement initiatives.
• Develop and administer department budgets, including operating and capital expenditures.
• Prepare reports, maintenance schedules, and recommendations for senior leadership and the Board of Commissioners.

Facilities & Building Management

• Oversee maintenance, repair, and operation of all Park District buildings and facilities.
• Develop and implement preventative maintenance programs for HVAC systems, plumbing, electrical systems, roofing, lighting, and other building infrastructure.
• Coordinate inspections, repairs, renovations, and capital improvement projects.
• Ensure facilities meet all applicable health, safety, ADA, OSHA, and building code requirements.
• Manage vendor relationships, service contracts, and facility maintenance agreements.

Parks & Grounds Management

• Direct maintenance and upkeep of parks, playgrounds, athletic fields, landscaping, parking lots, walking paths, and outdoor recreation areas.
• Implement turf management, irrigation, landscaping, tree care, and seasonal maintenance programs.
• Ensure athletic fields and recreational amenities are maintained to industry standards for safety and playability.
• Oversee snow removal, ice control, and emergency weather response operations.
• Conduct regular inspections of parks and facilities to identify maintenance needs and safety concerns.

Safety & Risk Management

• Develop and enforce workplace safety programs and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations and industry safety standards.
• Conduct regular safety inspections and maintain accurate documentation.
• Investigate accidents, incidents, and property damage, implementing corrective actions as necessary.
• Maintain emergency preparedness and response plans for facilities and grounds operations.

Asset & Project Management

• Maintain accurate inventory of equipment, vehicles, tools, and supplies.
• Develop replacement schedules and lifecycle management plans for District assets.
• Manage facility and grounds improvement projects from planning through completion.
• Prepare bid specifications and oversee contractor performance.
• Monitor project budgets and timelines to ensure successful completion.

Customer Service & Community Relations

• Respond professionally to resident concerns, maintenance requests, and facility issues.
• Support District programs, special events, and community activities.
• Collaborate with recreation staff to ensure facilities are prepared and maintained for programs and events.
• Represent the District positively when interacting with residents, vendors, contractors, and partner agencies.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Equivalent combination of education, certifications, and experience will be considered.
• Experience in Parks and Recreation Management, Facility Management, Public Administration, Landscape Management, Horticulture, Construction Management, or a related field preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in parks maintenance, facilities management, public works, or a related field.
• Minimum of three (3) years of supervisory or leadership experience.
• Experience within a Park District, municipal parks department, forest preserve, recreation agency, school district, or similar public-sector environment strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience managing maintenance personnel, budgets, projects, and vendor contracts.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of parks and recreation industry standards and best practices.
• Knowledge of building systems, grounds maintenance, athletic field maintenance, landscaping, and facility operations.
• Understanding of OSHA regulations, ADA requirements, risk management practices, and public safety standards.
• Strong leadership, communication, interpersonal, and team-building skills.
• Ability to effectively prioritize multiple projects and deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and maintenance management software systems.
• Ability to prepare reports, budgets, and project plans.

Preferred Certifications

• Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP)
• Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI)
• Illinois Pesticide Applicator License or ability to obtain
• First Aid, CPR, and AED Certification
• OSHA Safety Training Certifications
• Certified Sports Field Manager (CSFM) or related certification preferred

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform both office and field work in various weather conditions.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to walk, stand, bend, climb, and perform inspections throughout facilities and parks.
• Ability to operate District vehicles and equipment.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in both office and outdoor environments.
• Exposure to varying weather conditions, maintenance equipment, chemicals, and construction activities.
• Occasional evening, weekend, and holiday work may be required.
• Must be available to respond to emergencies and weather-related events.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. Comprehensive benefits package includes health insurance, IMRF participation, paid time off, professional development opportunities, and other benefits offered by the Broadview Park District.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Broadview Park District is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse workforce and creating an inclusive environment for all employees.