Landscape Superintendent

One City. One team. One mission. The city is looking for a Landscape Superintendent to manage the operations and maintenance of City parks, public spaces, rights of way and the urban tree canopy through daily administrative duties, supporting the assistant director and supervising staff. This is a new position and one of two superintendents in the Asset & Property Management Department. The Landscape Maintenance team is collaborative, supportive, and guided by the City's core values of inclusion, collaboration, creativity, and accountability. The work environment is dynamic and team-oriented, combining outdoor, administrative, and project-based responsibilities. Staff support one another daily through shared problem-solving, cross-training, and open communication. Career development is a core part of the department philosophy. Advancement pathways, cross-department collaboration opportunities, and skill-based growth allow team members to continually develop. Access to professional workshops, certifications, and industry training ensures employees can confidently build a long-term career with the City. As the next Landscape Superintendent, you'll help carry this culture forward while leading operations that sustain the beauty, safety, and health of Wilmington's parks, public spaces, rights-of-way, and urban tree canopy. You'll join a mission-driven team committed to responsible stewardship and improving the quality of life for the community every day. Help keep our city thriving—oversee parks, landscapes, and infrastructure while leading teams, managing projects, and making a visible difference every day Oversees administrative functions by carrying out policies and procedures, making policy recommendations, preparing and monitoring budgets and expenditures, preparing and monitoring standard operating procedures, acting as liaison to other department projects, maintaining records, establishing costs for maintenance, and facilitating capital projects. Supervises staff by planning and supervising daily tasks and activities, establishing procedures and guidelines, establishing work plans based on established maintenance standards, inspecting for compliance, managing contracted temporary workers and external contracts, evaluating assigned duties, coaching for performance improvement, and recommending personnel actions. Recommend salaries, promotions, and other status changes for department personnel. Completes public relations and customer service activities by responding to requests and inquiries, establishing effective working relationships with internal departments and citizens, administering rules and policies, and serving on committees. Participates in professional committees, conferences, workshops and classes to improve job knowledge and management skills. Oversees enterprise asset management system, maintains data, prepares reports for City Management, City Council and external stakeholders. Supports the City's Emergency Operations Command (EOC) in pre-, during, and post-events. Education and Experience Bachelor's degree in parks and recreation, forestry, environmental science, natural resources management, or a related field, and five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in parks and landscape maintenance and administrative oversight, or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training sufficient to perform the essential functions of the position. Supervisory and/or administrative experience preferred. Licenses/Certifications Valid state driver's license required. Pesticide Applicator License, or ability to obtain within 12 months. NC Registered Forester or ISA Certified Arborist (preferred but not required) Knowledge Understanding of landscape construction methods, grading, drainage systems, and hardscape installation Familiarity with equipment operation and maintenance (mowers, loaders, irrigation systems, etc.) Understanding of OSHA safety standards and environmental regulations Knowledge of budgeting, cost control, and project estimation Skills Strong team leadership and supervision skills, including training and performance management Excellent project management skills (scheduling, resource allocation, meeting deadlines) Proficiency in problem-solving and decision-making in dynamic outdoor environments Effective communication skills for coordinating with internal and external stakeholders Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously Competency with asset management software and basic administrative tools (e.g., scheduling, reporting) Abilities Ability to lead and motivate staff in physically demanding outdoor conditions Ability to plan, organize, and execute large-scale projects efficiently Ability to enforce safety protocols and promote a culture of safety

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position is primarily office-based, utilizing standard office equipment in a climate-controlled setting and adhering to applicable safety and ergonomic guidelines. The role also requires occasional fieldwork at City sites, with exposure to outdoor conditions, traffic, noise, and uneven terrain, and occasional standing, walking, or lifting of light materials with appropriate safety measures in place. The position functions in a fast-paced, collaborative, and public-facing municipal environment, involving interaction with elected officials, employees, community members, and external partners. Attendance at evening meetings and occasional after-hours or emergency response may be required.