Regional Parks, Lakes and Trails Superintendent
City of Greensboro, NC
About Us
The Greensboro Parks and Recreation Department is a nationally accredited agency and four-time National Gold Medal Award winner for Parks and Recreation Excellence. We are committed to enhancing our community’s assets, expanding access through meaningful partnerships, and delivering transformational programs that connect residents to a vibrant, healthy, and equitable park system.
Guided by our values of being purpose-driven, people-centered, data-informed, innovative, and equity-focused, we are building a city known for its exceptional quality of life, connected communities, and sustainable growth.
Why You’ll Love This Opportunity
As the Superintendent of Regional Parks, Lakes & Trails, you will lead and shape some of Greensboro’s most treasured public spaces. Your leadership will directly influence:
The care and activation of regional parks, lakes, greenways, and trails that serve thousands of residents each year.
Recreation programming, environmental stewardship, and public engagement that enhance health, wellness, and community connection.
Strategic investments that ensure public spaces remain safe, accessible, and sustainable.
A culture of inclusion, ensuring all residents—especially those historically underrepresented—feel welcomed and reflected in our spaces.
This is an opportunity to lead at scale while contributing to Greensboro’s vision of becoming the most connected, resilient, and desirable mid-sized city in the nation.
About the Role
The Regional Parks, Lakes & Trails Superintendent provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for a large and diverse portfolio of outdoor assets and facilities. This position manages an annual operating budget exceeding $5 million, supervises a multi-level team, and ensures high-quality service delivery across parks, lakes, trails, and event spaces.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Operations
Oversee daily operations and long-term planning for regional parks, city lakes, trails, spraygrounds, and major facilities.
Lead and develop a workforce of 30–35 full-time staff and 100+ part-time/seasonal employees through 8 direct reports.
Establish performance standards, operational procedures, and strategic priorities aligned with departmental goals.
Financial & Asset Management
Manage budgets, procurement processes, and financial operations, including approximately $750,000 in annual revenue.
Support capital improvement planning and long-term asset sustainability.
Oversee permitting, scheduling, and logistics for 100+ events annually.
Community Engagement & Partnerships
Serve as a primary public contact for parks, lakes, and trail operations.
Build and maintain partnerships with community organizations, nonprofits, and stakeholders.
Ensure community voice and engagement inform planning, programming, and service delivery.
Compliance & Stewardship
Ensure compliance with ADA standards, environmental regulations, and watershed protection practices.
Promote sustainability and environmental stewardship across all managed spaces.
Innovation & Strategic Impact
Contribute to grant development and administration.
Lead data-informed decision-making to improve services and operations.
Support departmental strategic initiatives that enhance Greensboro’s public safety, infrastructure, and economic development goals.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Parks and Recreation, Public Administration, or a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Minimum of 4+ years of progressively responsible experience in parks, recreation, or related operations.
At least 4 years of supervisory experience.
Experience in facility, park, or recreation operations management and budgeting.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
Valid Driver’s License.
First Aid/CPR Certification (or ability to obtain within six months).
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in Parks and Recreation Management, Public Administration, or related field.
Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP).
Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI).
Experience with RecTrac, INFOR, SharePoint, or Enterprise Asset Management systems.
Knowledge of ADA compliance, environmental regulations, and watershed management practices.
Requirements
Compensation & Benefits
The City of Greensboro offers a competitive salary range of $73,605 – $131,715, based on qualifications and experience.
Our comprehensive benefits package includes:
Health, dental, and vision insurance
NC Retirement System participation
Paid leave and holidays
Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities