About the Department

This is an INTERNAL ONLY opportunity, If you are an external candidate your application will automatically be rejected.

Why Tumwater?
Tumwater is more than just a city, it’s a vibrant community rooted in history and filled with opportunity. Located at the southern gateway to the Seattle-Tacoma metro area, Tumwater offers the perfect blend of small-town charm and big-picture vision.

Surrounded by the natural beauty of Puget Sound, prairie landscapes, rivers, and evergreen forests, we’re just over an hour from ocean beaches, the Olympic Peninsula, and Mount Rainier. Whether you’re into hiking, kayaking, brewery-hopping, or live music, you’ll find easy access to it all.

Here in Tumwater, we’re building a future that’s highly livable, connected, and inclusive. With safe neighborhoods, excellent schools, and a deep sense of civic pride, it’s not just a great place to live, it’s a great place to grow your career.

The Opportunity:

Plans, organizes, supervises, trains, and participates in the maintenance and operation of City parks, athletic fields, trails, cemeteries, landscaped areas, open spaces, and recreational facilities. Oversees daily maintenance operations, work scheduling, staff development, irrigation systems, athletic field preparation, horticultural programs, equipment utilization, and contractor coordination.

The position provides direct supervision to Parks Maintenance personnel and is responsible for ensuring parks maintenance activities are completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with departmental standards, industry best practices, and City objectives. The Parks Maintenance Supervisor serves as a technical resource and operational leader while supporting long-range maintenance planning, capital improvements, and stewardship of public assets.

Position Duties

Distinguishing Characteristics

First-line supervisory classification responsible for directing daily parks maintenance operations and supervising assigned staff.
Provides operational leadership for grounds maintenance, athletic field preparation, irrigation systems, horticultural programs, and park infrastructure maintenance.
Balances supervisory responsibilities with technical expertise in landscape management, irrigation, park operations, and maintenance practices.
Differs from the Parks Maintenance Lead through formal supervisory authority, employee performance management responsibilities, and operational oversight of assigned programs and staff.
Works with the Parks Manager with a primary focus on day-to-day field operations and direct supervision of maintenance personnel.
Implements plans and park improvements as directed by Manager/Department Director.

Essential Functions

Operations & Maintenance Management

Plans, prioritizes, schedules, and supervises maintenance activities for parks, trails, athletic fields, cemeteries, landscaped areas, open spaces, and recreational facilities.
Coordinates daily operations, staffing assignments, equipment utilization, and maintenance schedules.
Ensures maintenance activities are completed in accordance with departmental standards, safety requirements, operational goals, and industry best practices.
Develops and implements preventive maintenance programs for park infrastructure, equipment, irrigation systems, and recreational amenities.
Conducts inspections of parks, facilities, playgrounds, athletic fields, trails, and landscaped areas to identify maintenance, repair, replacement, and safety needs.
Coordinates with Manager/Director for response to vandalism, storm damage, safety concerns, and emergency maintenance situations.
Ability to develop and maintain resource management plan for all city parks.
Respond in a timely manner to citizen concerns or complaints, interact with community groups and volunteers.
Develop sustainable landscaping practices/design with emphasis on water conservation, protection of natural habitats and waterways, as well as aesthetics.

Staff Supervision & Development

Supervises Parks Maintenance Leads, Parks Maintenance Workers, seasonal employees, temporary employees, volunteers, and community service workers.
Assigns work, establishes priorities, monitors productivity, and evaluates work quality.
Participates in recruitment, hiring, onboarding, training, coaching, performance evaluation, corrective action, and employee development activities.
Knowledge of OSHA/L&I safety standards, conduct job site safety meetings and inspections, ensure compliance with environmental regulations, investigate accidents/incidents.
Develops staff knowledge and technical proficiency through ongoing training and mentorship.

Athletic Field Management

Coordinates athletic field preparation and maintenance activities to support recreation programs, leagues, tournaments, and community events.
Oversees pesticide and fertilizer application programs in compliance with applicable regulations and certifications.
Maintains records and reporting associated with chemical applications, irrigation systems, and environmental compliance requirements.

Project Management & Asset Stewardship

Coordinates maintenance projects involving parks, athletic facilities, trails, irrigation systems, playgrounds, and park infrastructure.
Assists with planning, budgeting, and implementation of adopted park improvement projects and capital maintenance activities.
Monitors condition of park assets and develops recommendations for repair, replacement, and future investment.
Oversees inventories of equipment, materials, chemicals, tools, and supplies.
Evaluates operational needs and recommends equipment purchases and replacements.

Contractor & Community Coordination

Oversees contractors, vendors, suppliers, and service providers performing work within assigned operational areas.
Coordinates maintenance activities with Recreation staff, City departments, community groups, athletic organizations, and event organizers.
Responds and documents citizen concerns, service requests, and operational issues.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Decision Rights & Problem Solving

In coordination with the Manager, determines staffing assignments, maintenance priorities, project sequencing, equipment utilization, and operational responses within established policies and budget authority.
Evaluates maintenance needs and develops recommendations regarding repairs, replacements, operational improvements, and resource allocation.
Resolves employee, operational, equipment, irrigation, and customer service issues within established supervisory authority.
Recommends policy, procedural, equipment, and operational improvements.

Key Relationships

Internal: Parks & Recreation staff, Facilities staff, Public Works staff, supervisors, managers, City leadership, and other City departments.
External: Contractors, vendors, suppliers, athletic organizations, community groups, volunteers, regulatory agencies, and members of the public.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

High school diploma or GED.
Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in parks maintenance, grounds maintenance, landscaping, horticulture, irrigation, athletic field maintenance, or a related field.
Two (2) years of supervisory, lead worker, or crew coordination experience.
Any equivalent combination of education, training, certifications, and experience demonstrating the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

Special Requirements:

Valid Washington State Driver License and acceptable driving record.
Washington State Department of Agriculture Public Pesticide Operator License, Categories B and C, or ability to obtain within six (6) months of employment.
Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) certification or ability to obtain within six (6) months of employment.

CPR, First Aid, and AED certification preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Parks Management, Turf Management, Horticulture, Landscape Management, Recreation Administration, or a related field.
Experience supervising parks maintenance operations in a municipal environment.
Experience managing irrigation systems, athletic field maintenance programs, and pesticide application programs.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of parks maintenance, groundskeeping, horticulture, turf management, irrigation systems, athletic field preparation, and landscape maintenance practices.
Knowledge of playground safety standards, pesticide application requirements, water conservation practices, and park asset management principles.
Knowledge of supervisory principles, employee development practices, safety programs, budgeting, and operational planning.
Knowledge of equipment operation, preventative maintenance practices, and maintenance management principles.
Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and supervise parks maintenance operations and personnel.
Ability to train, motivate, coach, and evaluate staff while promoting accountability and teamwork.
Ability to coordinate multiple projects, schedules, priorities, and operational demands.
Ability to evaluate maintenance needs, identify operational deficiencies, and develop practical solutions.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, contractors, volunteers, community organizations, and the public.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Other Qualifications

Tools & Technology

Commercial mowers, tractors, utility vehicles, trailers, and grounds maintenance equipment
Irrigation controllers, valves, piping systems, and diagnostic equipment
Hand tools, power tools, chainsaws, trimmers, blowers, and landscape equipment
Athletic field maintenance equipment
Mobile communication devices and tablets
Microsoft 365 applications
Standard office equipment

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

Work is performed in a combination of office, recreation facility, and outdoor park environments. Duties may include time spent at a computer, as well as active participation in or oversight of recreation programs, events, and activities.

The position requires regular movement including standing, walking, bending, reaching, and lifting or moving equipment and program materials. Work may occur indoors or outdoors in varying weather conditions and may involve set-up and take-down of equipment for programs and events.

Employees may interact frequently with participants, community members, and partners in both structured and dynamic environments, requiring the ability to provide customer service and maintain professionalism in a variety of situations.

Work schedules regularly include evenings, weekends, and holidays based on program and event needs. Travel between facilities, parks, and event sites may be required. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified individuals in accordance with applicable laws.

Commitment to Equity, Safety, and Ethics

Employees are expected to perform their duties in a manner that supports equity, safety, integrity, and professionalism. This includes following all safety policies and procedures, treating coworkers and the public with respect, and conducting work ethically and responsibly.

Employees are expected to uphold public trust through fair, transparent, and lawful conduct and to contribute to a safe, inclusive, and respectful work environment.

Benefits

The City of Tumwater offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial security, and work-life balance. (Benefits for part-time employees are pro-rated.)

Paid Time Off

Vacation: Start with 144 hours of paid annual leave your first year — increasing with service up to 288 hours per year.
Sick Leave: Earn 8 hours per month to care for your health or for immediate family illness or loss.
Holidays: Enjoy 13 paid holidays per year, including two floating holiday for flexibility and a community service day.

Retirement & Savings

State Retirement Plans: Membership in Washington State’s Public Employees Retirement System (PERS/LEOFF) with contributions from both you and the City.
Deferred Compensation (457b) & Roth IRA: Save for the future and reduce taxable income; contribute up to IRS limits with catch-up options if over 50.
401(a) Match: The City will match up to 5% of employee contributions.
Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA): City contributes $225/month for current and future healthcare expenses.

Insurance & Wellness

Medical, Dental, Vision: The City contributes $2,420/month toward coverage (pro-rated for part-time). That’s about 85% of family coverage!
- If your premiums cost less, you can take 60% of the unused contribution as cash in your paycheck.
- Flexible Spending Accounts (medical and dependent care) available.
Life Insurance: $50,000 group term policy fully paid by the City.
Wellness Commitment: Programs and resources to support your physical and mental health.
Discounts: City employees qualify for Liberty Mutual auto and home insurance discounts.

Work-Life & Career

Hours of Work: Standard schedule is 40 hours/week, Monday–Friday. Alternative schedules may be available depending on the position. Some roles may require occasional evenings, weekends, or overtime.
Career Opportunities: We believe in growing our talent — the City actively promotes from within and supports career development.

The City of Tumwater is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, military service, or other non-merit factors.

We are committed to wellness, safety, environmental stewardship, and racial equity in our workplace and community.

Supplemental Questions

Do you currently work for the city of Tumwater? If No your application will be rejected.

How do you balance the competing needs of different park users (e.g., rentals, dog owners, sports leagues, families and nature conservationists) while maintaining park facilities?

How do you conduct routine safety inspections and identify potential risks in park facilities or playgrounds?

Describe how you prioritize park maintenance and repairs

Describe your strategy for training, motivating, and evaluating seasonal or permanent staff.

Required Question

Agency Information

Employer: City of Tumwater
Address: 555 Israel Road SW

Tumwater, Washington, 98501
Phone: 360-754-4122
Website: http://www.ci.tumwater.wa.us

Parks Maintenance Supervisor - Internal Only