Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission

Description

• Are you a seasoned leader with a passion for park management and public service?
• Are you a problem solver who encourages collaboration?
• Do you empower your team to become phenomenal leaders?

If this sounds like you, The Southern Parks Division is the place you want to be!

Montgomery Parks is seeking a strategic and collaborative leader to join our team as the Southern Parks Division Chief. This is a unique opportunity to lead, manage, and implement a comprehensive Work Program spanning 237 developed park sites consisting of 176 playgrounds, 212 athletic fields, 70 miles of trails and 39 picnic shelters. The successful candidate will oversee an operating budget of over $11.5 million and a staff complement of over 200 seasonal and career employees.

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is a six-time National Gold Medal Award Winner. Behind the vast and diverse Montgomery Parks system is a career staff complement of over 800 employees, 415 parks and more than 37,000 acres of park land that serves a diverse population of more than one million residents in the Washington, DC metro area. Go to our website to learn more: www.montgomeryparks.org

Very competitive and flexible benefits programs available!

Please Note: The salary range listed above represents the earning potential for this position. Salary is commensurate with experience.

Examples of Important Duties

About the Role:

As Division Chief, you will provide comprehensive leadership and guidance to the Southern Parks Division, with a particular focus on advancing the development and maintenance of urban parks and athletic fields. Your responsibilities will include overseeing planning, budgeting, personnel management, operations, maintenance, and program development. A key aspect of the role will be transforming urban parks into dynamic community spaces that are accessible, inclusive, and aligned with diverse recreational and environmental needs. Additionally, you will craft initiatives to enhance the quality, sustainability, and usability of athletic fields, ensuring they cater to the varied demands of their users. Working closely with other division leaders, planners, engineers, and architects, you will ensure the seamless delivery of park services and major capital projects that emphasize these priorities across the region.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading and managing divisional staffing, including supervisory and professional park management, park maintenance, and administrative personnel.
• Manage an annual operating budget of over $11.5 million, ensuring effective and responsible fiscal planning and execution.
• Oversee maintenance and operations of parks, trails, nature centers, and facilities within the Southern Region.
• Champion the enhancement and activation of urban parks to ensure they serve as accessible, inclusive, and vibrant community spaces.
• Develop and implement strategies to enhance the quality, accessibility, and sustainability of athletic fields, ensuring they meet the needs of diverse user groups and align with community expectations.
• Support capital projects including park development, facility renovations, and infrastructure improvements.
• Promote a culture of accountability, performance excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations and Commission policies, especially around safety and procurement.
• Cultivate strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including community members, government partners, and departmental colleagues.

What We’re Looking For:

• Proven experience in strategic leadership, team development, and operational management.
• Strong fiscal management and budgetary planning skills in large, complex organizations.
• Broad and significant experience working in urban parks.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities to lead diverse teams.
• Experience in park management or public service delivery environments.
• Knowledge of safety standards, compliance, and regulations.
• A leader committed to equity, inclusion, and community engagement.
• Proficient with data, technology, and modern decision-making tools.

Why Join Us?

Montgomery Parks is a nationally recognized and award-winning parks department. We value innovation, collaboration, and stewardship. This role offers the opportunity to leave a lasting impact on parklands that enrich lives and preserve nature in one of the most vibrant and diverse counties in the country. To learn more about the strategic direction, future development, and management of our park system, please refer to the “Powered by Parks: 2022 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan.”

If you are ready to take on this exciting challenge and contribute to the success of Montgomery Parks, we encourage you to apply for the Southern Parks Division Chief position.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Parks, Recreation, Public Administration, Engineering or related field.
• Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP), Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE), or Certified Park Professional (CPP)
• Bi-lingual or Multi-lingual a Plus!

Minimum Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree or four years progressively responsible experience in park administration, or related subjects; and

2. Six additional years of park administration/management experience that relates to the functional area of assignment (e.g., park enterprise, interpretation and conservation, horticulture and forestry, maintenance and development) that included four years of supervisory experience; or

3. An equivalent combination of education and experience.

4. Valid Maryland driver's license or the ability to acquire one.

Supplemental Information

Classification Specification: Parks Division Chief (3411)

May be subject to medical, drug and alcohol testing.

Working Conditions:

Works in office. Considerable pressure to meet deadlines. May work evenings, weekends and holidays as required. On call 24 hours a day and seven days per week. Handles citizen inquiries; communicates and exchanges information with the public, town officials and volunteer organizations. Resolves complaints and disputes. Responds to emergency situations as required (e.g., repairs, security, scheduling). Depending on assignment, may be required to attend outdoor programs and activities; conduct field inspections; and may be exposed to toxic chemicals or materials and be required to wear protective clothing and gear.

DIVERSITY STATEMENT:

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate a workplace culture of diversity, equity and inclusion without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non-merit factor.

Applicants with Disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

If you require accommodations or special arrangements due to a qualifying disability, please notify the Recruitment & Selections Services Unit at the time of applications at or 301-454-1411 (Maryland Relay 7-1-1)

M-NCPPC will make all efforts to reasonably accommodate you.

THE MARYLAND-NATIONAL CAPITAL PARK AND PLANNING COMMISSION

2025 BENEFIT SUMMARY FOR MERIT SYSTEM EMPLOYEES

The following benefit summary is provided for informational purposes only and is not, nor should be construed as an employment agreement with the M-NCPPC, implied or actual. It is not all-inclusive and is subject to change. Benefits listed are extended to all Merit System employees of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC). All plans are optional except the Defined Benefit and Long-Term Disability plans.

Eligibility

You have 45 days from your hire date to elect your benefits. Your coverage begins on the first of the month following receipt of your enrollment forms and required documentation.

Retirement Programs

• Defined Benefit Plan (Mandatory Participation) – Plan E excludes FOP members.

Plan

Employee Contribution

Plan C

9.5%* of base salary (FOP members only)

Plan E

4% of base salary up to maximum Social Security Wage Base (SSWB) and 8% in excess of SSWB.

• Deferred Compensation ICMA-RC 457 plan (Optional)
• Traditional and Roth IRAs (Optional)

Health Insurance Plans (FOP Members Pay 23% for Medical, Prescription and Dental and same as all other employees for Vision.) All other employees pay percentage below.

• Medical
  • Kaiser Permanente Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) with Prescription Plan – (15%)
  • UnitedHealthcare Select Exclusive Provider Organization Health Plan (EPO) – (20%)
  • UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus Point of Service (POS) – (20%)
• Prescription – CVS Caremark – (15%)
• Dental – Delta Dental PPO and DeltaCare USA HMO – (20%)
• Vision – EyeMed – (80% of Low Option plan paid by Commission. Any balance paid by employee.)
  • Low, moderate, and high options are available. Frequency of covered services differs.

Flexible Spending Accounts (Employee Pays 100%)

• Medical Account – Maximum annual contribution: $3,200
• Dependent Care Account – Maximum annual contribution: $5,000

Long-Term Disability Insurance (Mandatory Participation)

• Employee Pays 20%: Commission Pays 80% (FOP Members Pay 100%)
• Benefits paid at 66 2/3% of base salary, maximum of $6,000/month

Supplemental Long-Term Disability Insurance (Employee Pays 100%)

• Benefits paid at 66 2/3% of base salary that exceeds $108,000; capped at $216,000

Basic Life and AD&D Insurance (Employee Pays 20%: Commission Pays 80%)

• Two (2) times base salary; maximum benefit is $200,000 for each
• Automatic coverage with opt-out provision

Supplemental and Spouse/Dependent Life Insurance (Employee Pays 100%)

• Supplemental – 1,2,3,4, or 5 times base salary; maximum benefit is $750,000
• Spouse/Dependent Combination - $10,000/$5,000, $20,000/$10,000, or $30,000/$15,000

Sick Leave Bank (Contribution and Benefit hours prorated for part-time employees)

• Employees have 60 days from date of hire to enroll.
• Employee contributes 8 leave hours each year
• Annually covers up to 688 hours for own serious medical condition, and 480 hours for parental responsibilities (birthadoption or foster care), and 80-160 hours for serious medical condition of an immediate family member

Leave Programs

• Annual: 15 days per year
• Personal: 3 days per year (12-month waiting period)
• Sick: 15 days per year
• Holidays: 11 days per year

Other Benefits

• Credit Union
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Legal Services Plan
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Wellness Program
• Work-Life Program

For a more detailed description of benefits, please contact the Commission’s Health and Benefits Office at benefits@mncppc.org or 301-454-1694.

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