Parks Operations Supervisor - Open Competitive Exam

This is a supervisory position in the Department of Parks, Recreation and Human Services responsible for planning and directing grounds maintenance activities and ice rink maintenance in assigned areas. Direct supervision is exercised over Crew Chiefs and their crews. General supervision is received from the City Forester. Related work is performed as required.

• Schedules and supervises grounds maintenance staff in the care of grass, shrubs, trees and plants, the plowing of snow, the marking of athletic fields and the maintenance of artificial and natural ice rink surfaces;
• Verifies time cards and submits overtime requests;
• Trains staff on varied topics, such as the safe and correct use of tools and equipment, hearing protection, and hazardous substances;
• Communicates with the public orally and in writing and acts to resolve complaints regarding grounds maintenance;
• Monitors inventory of and determines need for equipment and supplies and originates necessary paperwork;
• Maintains information pertaining to maintenance management system, attendance, personnel evaluations, pesticide usage, and hazardous substances;
• Implements and enforces City and Bureau safety policy through regular inspections of activities and equipment, and training and counseling of subordinates;
• Inspects, maintains and makes minor repairs to playground apparatus, including basketball rims, tennis nets and play apparatus;
• Schedules and monitors the application of insecticides, fertilizers and other chemicals used in grounds upkeep;
• Supervises the daily preventive maintenance tasks on vehicles and grounds maintenance equipment (such as commercial mowers, tractor mowers and sprayers), and performs minor repairs to grounds maintenance equipment;
• Coordinates grounds maintenance activities and other support services with users such as recreation staff, permit holders and City School District staff;
• Conducts interviews and performance evaluations, initiates disciplinary procedures, and makes hiring and firing recommendations;
• Prepares reports related to such matters as motor vehicle accidents, disciplinary actions, vandalism, personal injury incidents, project costs, etc.;
• Monitors and reports on contractual grounds maintenance;
• Compiles data to support development of operating budget;
• Suggests projects and recommends equipment for inclusion in the operating and capital improvement budget submissions;
• Assists in developing and implementing parks programming activities for the public, (e.g., tours and workshops).

High school diploma or G.E.D.** PLUS

1. Four (4) years experience in grounds maintenance work, including one (1) year of experience as a lead worker; OR
2. Associate's degree** (or 60 college credits) with a major in forestry, landscape architecture, horticulture, parks administration, or closely related field AND two (2) years of experience in grounds maintenance work, one (1) year of which must have been as a lead worker; OR
3. Bachelor's degree** as specified in B above AND one (1) year of experience in grounds maintenance.

**Candidates who expect to receive this degree or diploma by August 1, 2024, may participate in the examination. If successful on the examination, you will not be certified for appointment until you have submitted proof of completion of the requirements to the City of Rochester Examination Administration unit. Proof must be submitted no later than 2 (two) months after the completion of your degree or diploma; failure to do so will result in removal of your name from this list.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Possession of a New York State Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's license at time of appointment.

Scopes / Subjects of examination: A test designed to evaluate knowledge, skills and /or abilities in the following areas.

Grounds maintenance, including turf, trees and shrubs: These questions test for knowledge of the principles and practices involved in grounds maintenance and may include such areas as turf grass planting, fertilizing, and maintenance; tree and shrub selection, planting, transplanting, trimming and maintenance; snow and ice control; and safe operating practices involved when performing grounds maintenance activities.

Operation and maintenance of ice skating rinks: These questions test for knowledge of the principles and practices involved in the operation and maintenance of ice skating rinks, including such areas as operation of refrigeration systems, procedures for producing and maintaining ice skating surfaces, and ice rink requirements for various types of ice skating activities.

Work planning and scheduling: These questions test for knowledge of the principles for developing and implementing work plans and for the ability to arrange work assignments in a manner that will achieve work goals while staying within scheduling criteria. This may include setting up vacation or work schedules, taking into consideration such factors as seniority, work skills, duty hours and shift coverage.

Supervision: These questions test for knowledge of the principles and practices employed in planning, organizing, and controlling the activities of a work unit toward predetermined objectives. The concepts covered, usually in a situational question format, include such topics as assigning and reviewing work; evaluating performance; maintaining work standards; motivating and developing subordinates; implementing procedural change; increasing efficiency; and dealing with problems of absenteeism, morale, and discipline.

• The New York State Department of Civil Service has not prepared a test guide for this examination. However, candidates may find information in the publication 'General Guide to Written Tests' helpful in preparing for this test. This publication is available on line at:https://www.cs.ny.gov/testing/testguides.cfm.
• The Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County may have exam-related material, as well as other branches.