LAKES AND OPEN SPACE SUPERINTENDENT

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under administrative direction, oversees, supervises, and coordinates Lakes and Open Space Unit activities and operations within the Utilities Division of the Public Works Department; coordinates assigned activities with other divisions, outside agencies, and the general public; and provides highly responsible and complex staff assistance to the Deputy Utilities Manager/Operations and the Assistant Utilities Manager/Operations.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Assumes responsibility for the services and activities of the Lakes and Open Space Unit within the Utilities Division of the Public Works Department including operation and maintenance of City Lakes and public open space areas.
• Coordinates the organization, staffing, and operational activities for the Lakes and Open Space Unit including planning and directing ranger operations at City parks, lakes, and recreation facilities and activities, which includes volunteer organizations and activities.
• Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities; sets short and long range goals for areas of assignment; recommends and implements resulting policies and procedures.
• Ensures that the activities and operations of the Lakes and Open Space Unit are responsive to the needs of the citizens of Escondido; identifies opportunities for improving service delivery methods and procedures; identifies resource needs; reviews with appropriate management staff; implements improvements.
• Directs, coordinates, and reviews the work plan for Lakes and Open Space Unit services and activities; assigns work activities and projects; monitors work flow; reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems.
• Oversees and participates in conducting regular inspections of park, open space, and reservoir facilities; identifies problem areas and directs remedial action.
• Researches, implements, and ensures compliance with related reservoir and open space regulatory requirements.
• Administers contracts including concessionaire contract; monitors activities and ensures contractual obligations are met.
• Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training;
  works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures.
• Oversees safety programs for assigned sections and work groups; assists with action planning for safety programs; responds to workers’ compensation issues.
• Oversees dam and reservoir security patrols; identifies potential hazards and directs remedial action.
• Oversees emergency medical responses and remote extractions; coordinates responses with the City Fire Department or other agencies as necessary.
• Coordinates with the City Attorney’s Office in developing and updating ordinances needed to ensure security and safe operations of facilities; prepares reports, diagrams, and evidence for court presentations; assists in presenting or defending cases by producing court exhibits.
• Oversees the collection and accounting for revenue from lake permits, State licenses, food, bait and tackle, entry fee, and gasoline sales.
• Oversees the computerized system for camping, picnic, disabled persons cabin, and facility use reservations.
• Coordinates and oversees various construction projects and contracts; defines scope of work; obtains and reviews quotes; prepares professional service agreements and contracts; ensures work is in compliance with specifications.
• Oversees and participates in annual special events for assigned area; promotes events through displays, exhibits, and signs.
• Participates in the development and administration of assigned unit budget; forecasts funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitors and approves expenditures; recommends adjustments as necessary; drafts grant applications as necessary.
• Provides staff assistance to the Deputy Utilities Manager/Operations and the Assistant Utilities Manager/Operations; conducts a variety of studies and investigations; develops and recommends modifications to Lakes and Open Space Unit programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate.
• Directs the development and implementation of plans and programs to improve the efficiency of operations including cost control programs, staff utilization studies, and work method improvements.
• Oversees and participates in the maintenance of records and related documentation; prepares performance and other reports detailing workload and activities including revenue and monthly unit reports.
• Coordinates assigned activities with those of other units, divisions, and outside agencies and organizations; resolves sensitive and controversial issues.
• Serves as staff on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of lakes and public open space operations and maintenance.
• Responds to and resolves citizen and staff inquiries, concerns, and complaints in a timely and effective manner.
• Performs related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:

• Operational characteristics, services, and activities of a public parks, lakes, and public open spaces program.
• Advanced principles, practices, and methods of public park administration.
• Principles and practices of program development and administration.
• Principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration.
• Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
• Advanced principles and procedures of contract administration.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations relating to parks, reservoirs, and recreation facilities including enforcement policies and practices.
• Current methods, terminology, equipment, tools, and materials utilized in the operation and maintenance of City lakes and public open space areas.
• Types and level of construction, maintenance and repair activities generally performed in a lakes and public open spaces program.
• Operational characteristics of tools and equipment used in parks and recreation facilities maintenance and operation.
• Advanced principles and practices used in the protection of water quality, cultural sites, and historical structures.
• Principles and practices of boating and water safety.
• Principles, practices, and methodology of developing and preparing natural science and historical interpretive programs and exhibits.
• Mathematical principles.
• Principles and practices of record keeping and report preparation.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety precautions.
• Customer service principles and practices.
• Methods and techniques of public relations.
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

Ability to:

• Oversee and participate in the management of a public parks, lakes, and recreation facilities operations and maintenance program.
• Supervise, direct, and coordinate the work of lower level staff.
• Select, train, and evaluate staff.
• Participate in the development and administration of unit goals, objectives, and procedures.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques.
• Prepare and administer program budgets.
• Prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Interpret and apply federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
• Issue and/or review park citations, infractions, and misdemeanor citations.
• Oversee, respond, assess, treat, and extract accident victims from City lakes, parks, and open space areas.
• Ensure adherence to safe work practices and procedures.
• Estimate time, material, and labor costs for maintenance and repair projects.
• Compile data, maintain records and files, and participate in the preparation of clear and concise reports.
• Oversee and participate in the provision of a high level of customer service to internal and external customers.
• Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public; tactfully and courteously represent the Public Works Department during public contacts.
• Read and interpret maps, plans, sketches, schematics, diagrams, and blueprints.
• Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
• Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience Guidelines - Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education/Training: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in parks/open space administration, natural resource management, business or public administration, or a related field.

Experience: Six years of responsible experience in parks, lakes, or open space maintenance and operations including two years of administrative and supervisory responsibility.

License or Certificate - Completion of PC 832 course. Possession of certification as a First Responder. Possession of an appropriate, valid driver’s license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment: Office and field setting with travel from site to site. Exposure to noise, dust, fumes, noxious odors, gases, and all types of weather and temperature conditions; work and/or walk on various types of surfaces including slippery or uneven surfaces and rough terrain. Work schedule is 80-hours biweekly, with unscheduled breaks; overtime may occasionally be required to accommodate schedules. Work environment is both formal and informal, team oriented, having variable tasks, pace, and pressure.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability to work in an office and field setting and operate assigned vehicle and office equipment. CONTINUOUS sitting and upward and downward flexion of neck; fine finger dexterity; light to moderate finger pressure to manipulate keyboard, equipment controls, and office equipment; pinch grasp to manipulate writing utensils. FREQUENT side-to-side turning of neck, walking, standing, bending, stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting at waist; moderate wrist torque to twist equipment knobs and dials; lifting objects weighing up to 20 lbs. from below waist to above shoulders and transporting distances up to 50 yards. OCCASIONAL squatting, kneeling, and reaching above and at shoulder height; moderate grasp to manipulate reference books and manuals; lifting objects weighing 20-35 lbs. from below waist to above shoulders and transporting distances up to 50 feet.

Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents and to operate equipment.

Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

Date: April 2003
Johnson & Associates

Revised: October 2006
Johnson & Associates