Grounds Supervisor

Salary: $35.69 - $37.88 Hourly
Location : White Cliff Building, 1900 First Avenue, Ketchikan, AK
Job Type: Permanent Full-time
Job Number: 2026-10.5.4
Department: Public Works
Opening Date: 10/04/2026


Job Description


This is a working supervisor position responsible for supervising, evaluating, and training staff in the operations of the Borough parks, fields, playgrounds, buildings, grounds, beautification and facilities programs, including the performance of skilled and semi-skilled tasks.

Examples of Duties

• Provide daily supervision and scheduling of personnel and routine work. Supervise and train full-time employees, temporary staff and volunteers in maintenance tasks as assigned. Develop an effective work force, promote teamwork, and provide daily direction to the workforce based upon policy and guidelines.
• In coordination with the Deputy Director, supervise the development, construction, and maintenance of parks, fields, playgrounds, gardens, lawns, and Borough facilities. Responsible for budget management, supply and inventory control and equipment management.
• Assist in the development of capital project plans and specifications with a focus on facility operations upon completion.
• Recommend maintenance planning and facility operations to the Deputy Director. Assist with annual capital and budget preparation, including costing for operating, equipment, materials, vehicles and facility needs, and the acquisition of such budgetary items.
• Oversee and implement the safety program for assigned areas of responsibility, including conducting weekly staff safety meetings, the chemical safety/Right-to-Know program, and ensuring that all personnel are aware of and following OSHA practices and availability of safety resources. Enforces safety standards under the direction of the Deputy Director.

• Direct the physical upkeep of parks, fields, playgrounds, and facilities in a safe and fiscally responsible manner.

• Ensure that all necessary materials, supplies and equipment are available by maintaining an inventory of parts and materials and obtaining necessary parts, tools and supplies.
• Ensure the proper maintenance of equipment and tools by supervising and participating in cleaning and checking equipment and tools after use. Will develop vehicle, equipment and apparatus maintenance schedules, and implement any required work schedules.
• Oversees and facilitates the Borough's gardening and beatification programs. Develops planting plans, directs and trains staff in planting and pruning of trees, shrubs and flowers. Ensures lawns, trees and floriculture are adequately cared for and maintained.
• Interact with contractors, vendors, sports league representatives and the general public on a regular basis. Resolves complaints or problems with all assigned facilities. Coordinates usage and maintenance schedules for all assigned facilities.
• Develops volunteer work programs, including coordination between staff and volunteers, and acquisition of equipment and materials necessary to the success of such programs.
• Coordination of snow removal programs and winter maintenance at Borough facilities.
• Remain available for emergency calls relating to Borough facilities.
• Provide operational reports on ongoing activities to the Deputy Director at regular frequency.
• When necessary, assist with the operation and maintenance of the Gateway Recreation and Aquatic Center, Borough-owned water and wastewater facilities, and other Borough facilities.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES :
Supervise and evaluate the Parks Tech I and Parks Tech II positions.

ADDITIONAL JOB DUTIES :


Provide instruction to other employees of this or a similar job classification in all aspects of procedure and technique relating to the duties required by this job description unless such instruction requires a specialized certification which the employee doing the training does not have.


Performs all duties of assigned personnel.


Perform other duties as assigned by the Deputy Director.

Qualifications


Working knowledge of the development and maintenance of parks, fields, playgrounds, landscaping, beautification, greenhouse operations, and departmental facilities. Ability to work independently and respond to emergency situations quickly and effectively. Ability to supervise, train, and evaluate departmental personnel. Good interpersonal skills and an ability to resolve routine problems as they arise. Ability to delegate work efficiently. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other Borough personnel, vendors, sports league representatives, the general public, and other governmental agencies. Ability to project a strong sense of teamwork. Ability to work on-site at various facilities, playgrounds, fields, and/or facilities on an as-needed basis. Skilled in tool usage, equipment operation, and organization of work and workers. Experience in any of the following: carpentry, plumbing, electrical, small power equipment maintenance and building and general facility maintenance. Working knowledge in effective oral and written communication, work organizations, and delegation. Must possess knowledge of department policies and procedures including all safety rules and regulations.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDE :


Must be able to hear. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Ability to use hands to finger, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch; and taste or smell. Each of the listed activities also requires standing, sitting, walking, bending, stooping, pushing, reaching, climbing on stools and ladders, driving vehicles, frequent exposure to inclement weather, and routinely lift and carry items and boxes up to fifty (50) pounds.

Requirements

LICENSES :


Valid State of Alaska driver's license with a driving record acceptable to the Borough's
insurance carrier.


The following licenses/certificates must be current or obtained within *6 months of employment:

• State of Alaska CDL (Commercial Driver's License) with Class A endorsement*
• CPR or BLS card
• First Aid Certification
• Forklift Certification
• Traffic Control Technician and Supervisor Certification*
• Pesticide applicator license*

* The six-month requirement for obtain licenses may be waived by the Director based upon individual circumstances, availability of certification examinations, and experience requirements.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE :


A minimum of two years' supervisory experience is preferred, and five years maintenance experience with construction equipment, power and hand tools is required. Welding experience and forklift certification is preferred.

Any combination of related education and/or related experience will be considered if the candidate possesses the demonstrated ability.
KGB employees not represented by a Collective Bargaining Unit can find information through the following links:
• Participation in the Alaska Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS);
• Health, vision and dental benefits provided by the Borough through Meritain Health effective the first of the month following your start date. The premium associated with health benefits are $25 per pay period, however, the Borough encourages participation in the Healthy Merits Wellness Program, which allows each covered employee to "buy back" the anticipated premium through wellness participation.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) accrued at a rate of 176 hours or 22 days per year for the first two years and thereafter at higher levels set out in the Borough Code (KGBC 3.30.030).
• Eleven paid holidays every year and two annual floating holidays.