Parks and Forestry Superintendent | City of Watertown

Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department

Grade: 170

Salary: Grade 170 / Step 1-7 is $78,332.80 to $88,212.80 annually

Application Deadline: Open Until Filled, with an initial review on July 31, 2026.

Human Resources Department, 20 N. Maple, P.O. Box 910, Watertown, South Dakota 57201

Application forms and complete position descriptions are available at City Hall or on line at https://www.watertownsd.us/job-application. A resume, cover letter and completed City of Watertown Application must be submitted to be considered for this position; application materials must be received in the Human Resources Department at City Hall no later than 5:00 P.M., Friday, July 31, 2026, for initial applicant review. Applications will be accepted until position is filled.

POSITION SUMMARY

This position is responsible for the leadership, planning, and coordinating of the maintenance and repair of parks and city recreation services; provides for safe, sustainable and attractive active and passive-use parks and recreational opportunities for residents and the general public; and ensures effective and efficient operation of all divisions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Directs the maintenance of all Parks, Recreation, and Forestry facilities including indoor and outdoor sports complexes, parks, cemetery, playgrounds, athletic fields, landscaping and tree care.
• Directs the work of and manages assigned staff. Interviews and select new employees. Provides training and instructions and ongoing training needs. Provides coaching, counseling, and mentoring to allow for optimal performance. Assigns tasks, reviews work and prepares performance evaluations. Recommends employee transfers, promotions, disciplinary action, and discharge to the Director.
• Identifies training needs and opportunities for the department.
• Establishes and maintains work schedules.
• Develops and recommends annual division budget to the Director; forecasts necessary funding for operational needs, staff, and equipment. Monitors budget, contracts, and outside services. Identifies problem areas and recommends refinements; authorizes expenditures; projects anticipated revenues.
• Develops and prepares bids, contracts, and related reports specific to maintenance operations. Assists in the development and evaluation of requests for proposal and bid documents as well as selection of contracted services and equipment purchases.
• Reviews costs, progress of work projects, preventative maintenance programs, and budget matters to identify potential problems and determine possible solutions.
• Inspects major work projects while in progress and when completed to ensure compliance with job specifications and procedures.
• Performs on-site inspections of parks, athletic fields and facilities. Checks operation, condition, safety and security of facilities. Plans, develops and implements maintenance standards for all areas.
• Calculates the most efficient and cost-effective methods to extend and preserve the useful life of the existing and future facilities and equipment. Continues to identify process improvements, eliminates redundant systems and implements cost control measurements.
• Reviews purchase orders, invoices for payment and other documents for accuracy of information; authorizes invoices for payment.
• Ensures all activities are carried out in a safe manner; adheres to all City safety regulations; ensures equipment is safely operated and driving laws are obeyed; ensures all regulations pertaining to the safe use of equipment are understood and followed.
• Reports all accidents to the appropriate authority. Follows all policies for reporting, investigating, and follow-up of equipment incidents, or personal injuries. May investigate incidents as assigned.
• Prepares requests for purchase of services, materials and supplies and solicit quotes from suppliers, contractors, architects and surveyors within the City’s purchasing guidelines and state rules and regulations.
• Performs troubleshooting and problem-solving functions for irrigation, electrical, water, and other facility problems.
• Sketches, plans, reviews and interprets blueprints and manufacturers specifications and orders materials/equipment for repairs and installation.
• Provides landscape planning, design and plant selection. Coordinates and recommends any pesticide spraying.
• Receives and handles questions and concerns from the public, elected officials, and City staff pertaining to recreation-based maintenance matters.
• Responds to citizen complaints, concerns or inquiries.
• Responds to and calls out after hours on-call crews for emergency requests.
• Serves as Project Manager for various department projects.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree in parks management, recreational management, natural resources management, horticulture, forestry, or closely related field with five (5) years professional work experience in recreation facility construction, management, and maintenance.
• Two (2) years of directly related progressively responsible administrative and supervisory experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Commercial Pesticide Applicator certification.
• Playground Safety Inspector certification.
• Valid Class B CDL without air brake restriction.
• Arborist certification.

Veteran’s preference points are acknowledged in the City’s hiring process.

The City of Watertown’s Personnel Policy, including the City’s policy on Nepotism, can be obtained at the City Finance Office or on our website at .

The City of Watertown does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation/gender identity, sex, religion, age or disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any political affiliation in employment practices or the provision of services. EOE

Human Resources Office

City of Watertown, SD

Pay: $78,332.80 - $88,212.80 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Opportunities for advancement
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Safety equipment provided
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person