PARKS SUPERINTENDENT

Salary: $66,400.00 - $84,660.00 Annually
Location : Columbia, SC
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202600240
Department: PARKS & RECREATION
Division: P&R ADMINISTRATION
Opening Date: 09/03/2026
Closing Date: 10/3/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Pay Grade: 115


Description
This position plans, directs and participates in the development, construction and maintenance of City parks and recreational facilities; and performs related professional, administrative and supervisory work as required. The incumbent plans, organizes and implements programs within major organizational policies, reporting program progress to executive-level administration through reports and conference.

The work is considered light in nature and involves walking or standing much of the time and involves exerting up to 20 pounds of force on a recurring basis, or skill, adeptness and speed in the use of fingers, hands or limbs on repetitive operation of machines or tools within moderate tolerances or limits of accuracy. The work requires the following physical abilities to perform the essential job functions: balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, fingering, handling, hearing, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, talking, visual acuity, and walking.

Work environment may involve exposure to bright/dim light, dusts and pollen, extreme heat and/or cold, wet or humid conditions, extreme noise levels, vibration, fumes and/or noxious odors, traffic, moving machinery, electrical shock, heights, toxic/caustic chemicals; and involves critical situations that major decisions involving people, resources, and property.

Essential Job Functions

• Plans, directs and participates in the development, construction and maintenance of City parks and recreational facilities to meet the recreational needs of the community;
• Supervises division staff. Supervisory duties include instructing; assigning, reviewing and planning work of others; maintaining standards; coordinating activities; allocating personnel, selecting new employees; acting on employee problems; and recommending and implementing employee discipline and discharge;
• Reviews the work of subordinates for completeness and accuracy; evaluates and makes recommendations as appropriate; offers training, advice and assistance as needed;
• Ensures staff compliance with all department and City policies and procedures, standards of quality and safety, and all applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations;
• Assists in developing strategic plans to help the department meet the growing recreation needs of the community;
• Prepares and administers assigned operating and construction budgets; prepares related records and reports;
• Coordinates the design and construction of park facilities and the acquisition of land for park projects; prepares project specifications and budgets; participates in the solicitation and selection of bids for projects; administers project contracts; serves as liaison to consultants, engineers, architects, contractors and others involved in park projects;
• Plans, supervises and participates in building, landscape and athletic field maintenance;
• Inspects grounds and facilities for security and safety, and takes appropriate steps to ensure the safety of all staff and citizens and the protection of City recreational property;
• Procures necessary equipment, materials and supplies;
• Inspects motorized, construction, cleaning and grounds maintenance equipment; initiates repairs when necessary;
• Coordinates activities and programs with those of other divisions, departments and other agencies as appropriate;
• Receives and responds to inquiries, requests for assistance, concerns and complaints in areas of responsibility;
• Attends meetings, workshops, training, etc., as necessary to maintain job knowledge and skills; and
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK:

• Bachelor's degree in parks and recreation or closely related field;
• Five (5) years of relevant prior experience;
• Valid South Carolina Class "D" Driver's License.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of basic algebra involving variables and formulas and/or basic geometry involving plane and solid figures, circumferences, areas and volumes, and/or computing discounts and interest rates;
• Knowledge of planning, design and implementation; good knowledge of federal, state and local laws, codes and ordinances pertaining to park and recreation facility development;
• Ability plan or direct others in the sequence of major activities and reporting on operations and activities which are very broad in scope;
• Ability to negotiate, exchanging ideas, information and opinions with others to formulate policy and programs or arrive jointly at decisions, conclusions or solutions;
• Ability to establishing long-range plans and programs, identifying funding resources, allocating funds for and implementing long-range capital improvements, major construction projects, major equipment, rolling stock, and new technology systems which support goals and objectives of the organization;
• Ability to perform work involving the application of logical principles and thinking to solve practical problems within or applying to a unit or division of the organization;
• Ability to read journals, manuals and professional publications; speaking informally to groups of co-workers, staff in other organizational agencies, the general public, people in other organizations; presenting training; composing original reports, training and other written materials using proper language, punctuation, grammar and style;
• Ability to perform professional-level work requiring the application of principles and practices in a wide range of administrative, technical or managerial methods in the solution of administrative or technical problems; or the coordination of entry-level managerial work; requires general understanding of operating policies and procedures and the ability to apply these to complex administrative problems; requires continuous, close attention for accurate results or frequent exposure to unusual pressures; and
• Ability to make decisions, affecting a large segment of the organization and the general public; works in a dynamic environment; responsible to assist in developing policy and practices.

The City of Columbia is proud to offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees. This package includes health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

Part-time or temporary employees, including interns, are not eligible for City benefits.
To learn more details, visit our benefits page at:
01


Do you have a Bachelor's degree in Parks and Recreation administration or closely related field?

• Yes
• No

02


Do you have at least five (5) years of work experience relevant to this position?

• Yes
• No

03


Do you have a valid Driver's License?

• Yes
• No

Required Question