Park Operations Manager
The Park Operations Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of Little Island’s park and park staff. They oversee a team of park-based employees to ensure the park is well maintained and the visitor experience is positive. This role will uphold Little Island’s standards of excellence in safety, accessibility, and hospitality for all park visitors and employees. They implement these standards while working onsite alongside their team and empower park supervisors to do the same when not onsite. This position is full-time and reports to the Director of Operations.
A successful Park Operations Manager has a strong understanding of parks or public spaces, both operationally and experientially, and is excited to contribute to an evolving outdoor environment. They are passionate about people and skilled in supporting a dynamic and diverse field staff comprised of Park Supervisors, Custodians, Park Attendants, and security personnel. Candidates with experience working in parks and public spaces are strongly encouraged to apply.
About the Role
- Salary Range: Starting from $85,000/annual
- Job Type: Year-Round
- Employment Classification: Full-Time, Exempt
- Schedule Expectations: Will work a flexible schedule to ensure they are working in the park at all times of operations. Weekend and evening work is expected.
- Projected Start Date: Early September 2024
- How to Apply: Click the ‘Apply Here’ button below to submit your application. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please let us know at jobs@littleisland.org
What You’ll Do
- Oversee the day-to-day operations of a beautiful and well-maintained 2.4-acre public park; Work in the field to actively supervise staff and ensure a safe and welcoming environment for visitors
- Maintain a visible presence on site and be the primary point of contact for Supervisors as they problem-solve all visitor-related matters
- Build, activate and sustain appropriate systems to manage crowds with an eye on maintaining a positive visitor experience
- Create, evaluate, and manage standard operating procedures for the park and ensure operational protocols are successfully implemented and maintained
- Hire, train and supervise an active and informed park team including Park Operations Associate, Senior Park Supervisor, Park Supervisors, Assistant Park Supervisors, Custodians, and Park Attendants, and other staff as assigned
- Support the Park Operations Associate and Senior Park Supervisor in reviewing seasonal, weekly, and daily work schedules for the Park Attendants, Custodial, and Security staff; reviewing, tracking, and approving time & attendance
- Partner with Human Resources and Education and Community Relations on the development and implementation of ongoing training, assessment, and professional development for park staff
- Hold accountability for ensuring Little Island’s third-party security vendor is successfully operating at Little Island’s standard and support the Park Operations Associate maintaining the roster of Security Guards as needed
- Collaborate with the Artistic Programming, Production, ECR, Horticulture, Facilities, and Food & Beverage teams to ensure the successful coordination and seamless operational support for all activity and programming onsite
- Partner with the Director of Operations on the development, execution and ongoing maintenance of security systems and safety protocols; Ensure all staff are trained on those systems and protocols
- Act as a primary stakeholder in park safety, participating in Little Island’s Safety Working Group and holding accountability for the safe operations of the park and facilities
- Partner with the Assistant Manager of Park Administration on safety meetings and related metrics, training, tracking, and reporting
- Collaborate with the Park Facilities Manager, Head of Horticulture and other department supervisors to:
- Maintain and execute the park operating plans, safety protocols, and all park related closures to the standard set by the organization
- Select and store equipment necessary for park operations
- Help to facilitate ongoing maintenance plans such as ice and snow removal
- Partner with the Director of Operations in building the park operating plans and annual budget, including the Future Planning
- Collaborate with the Park Operations Associate to build a staffing plan that incorporates the dynamic nature of the park seasons and is in line with the budgetary goals of the department
- Support the Park Operations Associate in the collection and analysis of park data including visitation, litter, breaches, and park closures
- Collaborate with the Assistant Manager of Park Administration on the planning and execution of Quarterly Park Ops Team building meetings as needed
- Other duties and tasks related to the park and its operations as assigned by the Director of Operations or Executive Director
What You Bring
- 5+ years’ experience leading and training a dynamic team of field-based employees; experience in public, outdoor, and/or artistic spaces preferred
- Passion for engaging with visitors and guests, ensuring they feel welcome and have the information they need in service to a memorable visitor experience
- A hardworking and energetic spirit with a dedication to the details
- Demonstrated experience in holding a high-quality standard of care and implementing systems that work in service to this standard
- Great judgment and an intentional approach to decision-making and conflict resolution
- Ability to transport, move, and utilize park equipment weighing up to 30 lbs. with proper tools for safety, as well as move materials and equipment into various positions within the park
- Ability to actively move throughout the park for extended periods of time in all weather; ability to walk, sit, stand, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb stairs, use hands for fine manipulation, handle or feel and reach with hands and arms using a keyboard and video display terminal
- A genuine interest and investment to contribute to our culture of camaraderie and excellence by collaborating and problem-solving cross-departmentally
- Comfort conversing in Spanish is a plus
- Ability to work in U.S.
Benefits and Perks
- 15 days’ vacation, 7 sick, up to 3 personal days
- Health Benefits: Medical, dental & vision care
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Commuter benefits
- Flexible spending accounts
- Basic Life Insurance, Short & Long-Term Disability
- Employee Assistance Program
- Access to discounts at neighborhood businesses
Life at Little Island
- Park employees will spend time onsite at Little Island working in outdoor weather conditions, navigating the entire park multiple times a day, and interacting with park visitors to ensure operations are running effectively. Little Island is ADA compliant, and park employees are committed to fostering an inclusive environment for each other and our park’s visitors.
- Little Island’s Headquarters, located near the park, provides an open floor plan office, shared work areas and kitchen, a locker room, and rehearsal space. It is a dynamic and multi-use space where employees and artists can collaborate, connect, and unwind in between shifts, meetings, and events.
- Little Island is a proud equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, familial or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. In short, you are welcome here no matter who you are, where you come from, or what you look like. Our park is for everyone, and so is our workplace.