Eau Claire, City of (WI)
Parks, Forestry, and Cemeteries Manager
Eau Claire, City of (WI), Eau Claire, Wisconsin, United States, 54701
Overview
Ready to take on a leadership role that makes a lasting impact? The City is seeking a Parks, Forestry, and Cemeteries Manager to guide the care, maintenance, and operations of some of our most valued community assets. This position is responsible for directing a wide range of programs and services, including the upkeep of parks and open spaces, the management of cemetery operations, and the development of urban forestry initiatives that ensure a healthy and sustainable tree canopy for the future. This role requires a leader who can balance planning with hands-on management, oversee staff and resources effectively, and provide the vision needed to maintain spaces and amenities that enhance the quality of life in our community. If you are looking for variety, responsibility, and the opportunity to shape how residents experience their city, we invite you to apply.
Requirements
Bachelor's degree in parks and recreation administration, public administration, or related field, OR an associate degree and a combination of 5 years of municipal operations or relevant experience Must possess or obtain (within 30 days of hire) and maintain a valid driver’s license Must possess or obtain (within 6 months of hire) and maintain a valid class B CDL license
Preferred Qualifications
ISA Certified Arborist credential, credentialed municipal specialist, Pesticide Applicator certification, and certified Parks and Recreation Professional 3 years of supervisory experience
Additional Reasons to Apply
Receive 40 hours of vacation on your first day of employment, plus earn 80 hours of additional vacation time in the first year Receive 3 paid floating holidays and 8 paid regular holidays (in a calendar year) Potential to qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Other excellent fringe benefits (paid sick leave, health insurance, life insurance, etc.)
Application Deadline
Open until filled, with first review of applications on October 13, 2025. Interviews are expected to take place on October 21, 2025. Candidates will be notified via email if selected to interview.
Job Description
Position Scope This position is responsible for directing and administering the City’s parks, forestry, and cemeteries operations, maintenance, personnel, and programs. Under the guidance of the Community Services Director, the role oversees the development, care, and maintenance of facilities, structures, and open spaces; oversees urban forestry programs to ensure long-term health and sustainability; and directs all cemetery operations. The position also establishes and implements policies, goals, and objectives, ensuring efficient use of staff and resources to meet community needs.
Essential Functions
Develops and administers the annual Capital Improvement Plan budget and operational budget and related projects, including equipment needs, purchase specifications, and long-term operational strategies. Works with division supervisors and outside contractors to manage and complete all projects within the division. Researches, applies for, and manages local, state, and federal grant opportunities to expand funding sources and support community initiatives. Identifies and implements opportunities for revenue generation and improved cost recovery to strengthen the long-term financial sustainability of the Division. Ensures that the work environment of the Community Services Department is inclusive and supportive of people of different backgrounds, and that department operations accommodate the needs of all residents. Establishes staffing requirements, oversees recruitment, personnel actions, leave requests, and employee safety (including injury claim reviews). Regularly reads and interprets construction plans and specifications and communicates with design professionals, project management staff, work crews, and procurement staff to ensure successful delivery of projects. Coordinates with supervisors to set priorities, monitor effectiveness, and adjust to changing staff levels, maintenance standards, and workloads. Prepares reports, maintains records, and assists in developing division policies and procedures. Coordinates with the Engineering Department on park projects and assists as needed with storm water, waterways, streets, and related infrastructure. Responsible for long-term project planning and forecasting. Directs and manages maintenance goals, work schedules, and standards for parks, athletic facilities, trails, cemeteries, and forestry programs. Monitors effectiveness and oversees the work order system, including oversight of Cartegraph. Supports the Recreation Division and coordinates efforts while promoting community use of parks, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all residents and groups. Represents the division in meetings, committees, and public forums; maintains effective relationships with staff, residents, contractors, and community groups; and ensures clear communication and follow-through. Works with the Chair of Waterways and Parks Commission to develop monthly agenda. Works with Community Parks Association on community fundraising projects. Expected to present topics at City Council meetings and represent the Division in media interviews and other public engagement activities. Actively participates in the Department Risk Management Plan, which includes security and public safety. Represents the Division in the Parks and Recreation Safety Team. Recommends and assists in administration of the current and long-range planning for the design and development of park areas ensuring that such areas meet the needs of the community and provide for the beauty of the municipality, safety, enjoyment, and welfare of the public. Oversees the City Forester in administering the Municipal Street Tree Ordinance and Master Street Tree Plan to ensure public service, safety, efficiency, and overall community welfare. Responsibilities include maintaining Tree City USA status, promoting Arbor Day and Earth Day recognition and awareness programs, and supporting City/County green waste disposal efforts. Makes recommendations concerning fee adjustments to the City Council for park reservations, cemetery costs, etc. Oversees the Sexton in the administration of cemetery operations, including lot sales, grave layout, interments, and coordination with families, funeral directors, and service providers. Develops and administers energy conservation and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance programs. Maintains effective working relationships with staff, building occupants, contractors, and the public.
Non-Essential Functions
Performs related duties as required.
Education/Experience/Certifications
Bachelor's degree in parks and recreation administration, public administration, or related field is required, OR an associate degree and a combination of 5 years of municipal operations or relevant experience is required. Must possess or obtain (within 30 days of hire) and maintain a valid Wisconsin Driver’s License. Must possess or obtain (within 6 months of hire) and maintain a valid Wisconsin class B CDL license. Preferred certifications include ISA Certified Arborist, Municipal Specialist, Pesticide Applicator, and Certified Parks and Recreation Professional. 3 years of supervisory experience is preferred.
Skills/Abilities
Must be able to facilitate an engaged and inspired work group with a focus on teamwork and collaboration. Maintains prompt, predictable, and regular physical attendance. Must be able to take direction and work well with others. Must be able to concentrate and perform accurately. Must be able to react to change productively and handle other tasks as assigned. Must be able to back-up fellow co-workers.
Supervision/Directions
Supervision/DIRECTION RECEIVED: Community Services Director SUPERVISION/DIRECTION EXERCISED: All employees of the Parks, Forestry, and Cemeteries Division
Work Environment
Job consists of a combination of sitting, standing, walking, and driving. There may be some exposure to heat, cold, wet, and slippery conditions. In addition, there may be occasional exposure to dust, noise, and chemicals. Work is classified as light according to the City’s job physical demand analysis. Lift on occasion a max of 20 lbs. with infrequent lift or push of 10 lbs. max.
The City of Eau Claire is an Equal Opportunity Employer
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Ready to take on a leadership role that makes a lasting impact? The City is seeking a Parks, Forestry, and Cemeteries Manager to guide the care, maintenance, and operations of some of our most valued community assets. This position is responsible for directing a wide range of programs and services, including the upkeep of parks and open spaces, the management of cemetery operations, and the development of urban forestry initiatives that ensure a healthy and sustainable tree canopy for the future. This role requires a leader who can balance planning with hands-on management, oversee staff and resources effectively, and provide the vision needed to maintain spaces and amenities that enhance the quality of life in our community. If you are looking for variety, responsibility, and the opportunity to shape how residents experience their city, we invite you to apply.
Requirements
Bachelor's degree in parks and recreation administration, public administration, or related field, OR an associate degree and a combination of 5 years of municipal operations or relevant experience Must possess or obtain (within 30 days of hire) and maintain a valid driver’s license Must possess or obtain (within 6 months of hire) and maintain a valid class B CDL license
Preferred Qualifications
ISA Certified Arborist credential, credentialed municipal specialist, Pesticide Applicator certification, and certified Parks and Recreation Professional 3 years of supervisory experience
Additional Reasons to Apply
Receive 40 hours of vacation on your first day of employment, plus earn 80 hours of additional vacation time in the first year Receive 3 paid floating holidays and 8 paid regular holidays (in a calendar year) Potential to qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Other excellent fringe benefits (paid sick leave, health insurance, life insurance, etc.)
Application Deadline
Open until filled, with first review of applications on October 13, 2025. Interviews are expected to take place on October 21, 2025. Candidates will be notified via email if selected to interview.
Job Description
Position Scope This position is responsible for directing and administering the City’s parks, forestry, and cemeteries operations, maintenance, personnel, and programs. Under the guidance of the Community Services Director, the role oversees the development, care, and maintenance of facilities, structures, and open spaces; oversees urban forestry programs to ensure long-term health and sustainability; and directs all cemetery operations. The position also establishes and implements policies, goals, and objectives, ensuring efficient use of staff and resources to meet community needs.
Essential Functions
Develops and administers the annual Capital Improvement Plan budget and operational budget and related projects, including equipment needs, purchase specifications, and long-term operational strategies. Works with division supervisors and outside contractors to manage and complete all projects within the division. Researches, applies for, and manages local, state, and federal grant opportunities to expand funding sources and support community initiatives. Identifies and implements opportunities for revenue generation and improved cost recovery to strengthen the long-term financial sustainability of the Division. Ensures that the work environment of the Community Services Department is inclusive and supportive of people of different backgrounds, and that department operations accommodate the needs of all residents. Establishes staffing requirements, oversees recruitment, personnel actions, leave requests, and employee safety (including injury claim reviews). Regularly reads and interprets construction plans and specifications and communicates with design professionals, project management staff, work crews, and procurement staff to ensure successful delivery of projects. Coordinates with supervisors to set priorities, monitor effectiveness, and adjust to changing staff levels, maintenance standards, and workloads. Prepares reports, maintains records, and assists in developing division policies and procedures. Coordinates with the Engineering Department on park projects and assists as needed with storm water, waterways, streets, and related infrastructure. Responsible for long-term project planning and forecasting. Directs and manages maintenance goals, work schedules, and standards for parks, athletic facilities, trails, cemeteries, and forestry programs. Monitors effectiveness and oversees the work order system, including oversight of Cartegraph. Supports the Recreation Division and coordinates efforts while promoting community use of parks, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all residents and groups. Represents the division in meetings, committees, and public forums; maintains effective relationships with staff, residents, contractors, and community groups; and ensures clear communication and follow-through. Works with the Chair of Waterways and Parks Commission to develop monthly agenda. Works with Community Parks Association on community fundraising projects. Expected to present topics at City Council meetings and represent the Division in media interviews and other public engagement activities. Actively participates in the Department Risk Management Plan, which includes security and public safety. Represents the Division in the Parks and Recreation Safety Team. Recommends and assists in administration of the current and long-range planning for the design and development of park areas ensuring that such areas meet the needs of the community and provide for the beauty of the municipality, safety, enjoyment, and welfare of the public. Oversees the City Forester in administering the Municipal Street Tree Ordinance and Master Street Tree Plan to ensure public service, safety, efficiency, and overall community welfare. Responsibilities include maintaining Tree City USA status, promoting Arbor Day and Earth Day recognition and awareness programs, and supporting City/County green waste disposal efforts. Makes recommendations concerning fee adjustments to the City Council for park reservations, cemetery costs, etc. Oversees the Sexton in the administration of cemetery operations, including lot sales, grave layout, interments, and coordination with families, funeral directors, and service providers. Develops and administers energy conservation and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance programs. Maintains effective working relationships with staff, building occupants, contractors, and the public.
Non-Essential Functions
Performs related duties as required.
Education/Experience/Certifications
Bachelor's degree in parks and recreation administration, public administration, or related field is required, OR an associate degree and a combination of 5 years of municipal operations or relevant experience is required. Must possess or obtain (within 30 days of hire) and maintain a valid Wisconsin Driver’s License. Must possess or obtain (within 6 months of hire) and maintain a valid Wisconsin class B CDL license. Preferred certifications include ISA Certified Arborist, Municipal Specialist, Pesticide Applicator, and Certified Parks and Recreation Professional. 3 years of supervisory experience is preferred.
Skills/Abilities
Must be able to facilitate an engaged and inspired work group with a focus on teamwork and collaboration. Maintains prompt, predictable, and regular physical attendance. Must be able to take direction and work well with others. Must be able to concentrate and perform accurately. Must be able to react to change productively and handle other tasks as assigned. Must be able to back-up fellow co-workers.
Supervision/Directions
Supervision/DIRECTION RECEIVED: Community Services Director SUPERVISION/DIRECTION EXERCISED: All employees of the Parks, Forestry, and Cemeteries Division
Work Environment
Job consists of a combination of sitting, standing, walking, and driving. There may be some exposure to heat, cold, wet, and slippery conditions. In addition, there may be occasional exposure to dust, noise, and chemicals. Work is classified as light according to the City’s job physical demand analysis. Lift on occasion a max of 20 lbs. with infrequent lift or push of 10 lbs. max.
The City of Eau Claire is an Equal Opportunity Employer
#J-18808-Ljbffr