Parks Specialist West Region

The Parks Specialist works in the field at assigned park locations and at a park office. There will be travel to various work sites and/or meeting locations.

Why Its a Great Opportunity:

Our Park Specialist position is a working supervisory role that manages both full-time and seasonal staff throughout the this role you will oversee the maintenance and operations of a large regional park as well as multiple small neighborhood style parks with the following amenities: park shelters playgrounds community centers trails and undeveloped park areas. You will be responsible for developing and monitoring the maintenance work plan as well as using the computerized maintenance management system.

You will be a part of the West Region team a group of dedicated staff whose work positively impacts the community by maintaining safe beautiful and functional places for people to gather and spend time outdoors.

Why Its a Great Department:

Pierce County Parks and Recreation manages more than 5200 acres of parks trails and open space ranging from community hubs to natural areas. We deliver diverse recreation programs and maintain the infrastructure that supports both active play and quiet connection with nature.

Our department is made up of four divisions: Parks and Recreation Administration and Resource Stewardship and Capital Development working together to serve one of the most dynamic and fast-growing regions in Washington. Guided by our mission to create livable communities we provide opportunities for people to connect with nature learn about sustainability live healthy lives and experience inclusive thriving public spaces.

Joining Pierce County Parks means being part of a forward-thinking team that values collaboration innovation and community impact where your work truly makes a difference every day.

Learn more about the Pierce County Parks and Recreation Department

How to be Successful in the Role:

As a Parks and Recreation professional with knowledge of programmatic standards and operations support you will plan coordinate organize and oversee the functions and workflow in your designated parks. You will need to be comfortable creating and maintaining relationships with the public community partners and stakeholders. Your ability to understand the nuances of overseeing full-time part-time and seasonal staff and to be a solid leader to those you supervise will be key to your success. Your work will be critical as you inspire your team and guide them in keeping our Parks functional clean fun and safe for all residents of Pierce County.

Your Future in this Role:

This role allows you the opportunity to learn and grow as our local parks and facilities continue to expand and improve. You will have the opportunity to influence the operations and programs in the West Region by using your expertise to improve how things operate are maintained and bring your creative ideas and solutions to the team. As a working supervisor you will lead a small team of employees who are critical to ensuring the residents of Pierce County have access to safe and reliable parks and facilities. This role offers a foundation for personal and professional growth. The County also offers numerous virtual and instructor-led learning opportunities and Employee Resource Groups.

Core Daily Responsibilities:

• Plan organize schedule oversee perform and supervise all aspects of the parks public grounds and/or facilities that support programs and services.
• Develop the work plan and schedule resources to meet daily weekly and monthly operational needs.
• Identify maintenance deficiencies manage and update the work order system and coordinate with maintenance staff in conjunction with the Regional Manager and other Park Specialists.
• Plan direct and perform work in the repair of park grounds such as turf and landscaped areas irrigation systems courts athletic fields golf courses trails trailheads picnic areas waterfront areas and playground structures.
• Supervise staff and schedule training opportunities.
• Develop schedule monitor and evaluate work plans and programs. Determine work procedures prepare work schedules and determine methods for expediting workflow; assign review and approve the work of subordinate staff. Determine performance standards. Implement evaluate and participate in planned maintenance projects.

• Investigate respond to and resolve public complaints and inquiries.
• Promote good relationships with the staff user groups neighbors and park visitors. Develop partnerships and coordinate with Fire Sheriff and other public entities involving park lands County security services Facilities Managements Maintenance Division and physical site improvements.

A classification description with a more detailed list of essential functions can be found here.

• Additional education and/or experience that clearly demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position may be substituted for the recruiting requirements
• Four or more years of maintenance/grounds experience related to one or more of the following areas: parks recreation facilities trails or open space
• Supervisory and/or lead experience

Special Requirements and/or Qualifications

• Employees may be subject to 24-hour on-call availability
• A valid drivers license is required or the ability to otherwise meet the travel requirements of the position
• Satisfactory physical condition as evidenced by a County-approved physical examination may be required prior to the appointment

• Possession of or ability to obtain a CPR/First Aid Certification

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with commercial irrigation systems including but not limited to athletic complexes and golf courses

As a condition of employment the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.

To be considered for this opportunity please:

• Complete and submit an online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting APPLY above or go to: you have a question about this opportunity please email the Recruitment Team at and specify the Job Number and Title.
• If you do not have internet access you may visit your local public library or any WorkSource location and use their computers.
• Individuals needing accommodation in the application testing process or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at at least two days prior to the need.

This is a competitive selection process. Your application will be reviewed and evaluated for the quality and quantity of education/experience in the areas listed. Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the Countys needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status normally occurs 2 to 3 weeks after the closing date. Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes which may include assessments phone screen and interviews.

At Pierce County diversity equity and inclusion means commitment not a single step. We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career. We want to recruit develop and maintain a talented workforce from various backgrounds cultures lifestyles and perspectives committed to our vision. Employees of the County have local direct and visible impact in our diverse community. Will you join us in keeping Pierce County a place people are proud to call home

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.