Superintendent of Parks and Open Space

Superintendent Of Parks And Open Space

Reporting to the Director of Parks & Recreation, the Superintendent of Parks and Open Space provides strategic leadership as part of the department's executive team. The position oversees 48 parks, 450 acres of parkland, landscape assessment districts, urban forestry, recreation facilities, and an expanding open space program.

The Superintendent manages a 13-member Parks Maintenance team, develops and implements the division's annual work plan, and leads efforts in park planning, community partnerships, contracted services, and restorative land practices. The role collaborates closely with other City departments to prioritize Capital Improvement Projects and strategic initiatives with citywide impact. The position also serves as staff liaison to the Tree Advisory Committee and provides high-level support to the Director to align operations with City goals.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative and community-minded leader with proven experience managing parks, landscapes, and open spaces. They bring a strong commitment to environmental stewardship, practical knowledge of sustainable maintenance, and a passion for the vital role parks play in community health and connection.

They are skilled in administration, budgeting, and maintenance coordination, and adept at leveraging funding sources to achieve operational goals. Petaluma's next Superintendent will be a coalition buildersomeone who cultivates partnerships, fosters inclusivity, and leads with integrity and creativity.

Key priorities and opportunities include :

• Urban Forestry Management Plan : Implement the community's vision for a thriving, sustainable urban tree canopy.
• Organic Turf Maintenance : Advance a scalable organic turf program balancing active recreation while maintaining healthy and resilient environments.
• Open Space Strategy : Develop a long-term vision and funding strategy for managing Petaluma's open spaces.
• Capital Projects : Prioritize multi-use park projects through data-driven, community-focused planning.
• Strategic Parks & Recreation Master Plan : Contribute to developing the City's first comprehensive plan guiding future investment.

Core competencies include :

Salary range : $128,169.60 - $155,812.80 annually.

Benefits include :