Park Superintendent

New as of 01/01/2026: Your well-being matters from the start — benefited new hires are eligible for up to 40 hours of advanced annual leave and 40 hours of advanced sick leave. Position Description Catawba County Parks is looking for an energetic, experienced, and hands-on leader to join our team as a Park Superintendent. If you love the outdoors, enjoy staying active, and take pride in maintaining beautiful natural spaces for your community, this could be the perfect opportunity for you. This position offers steady, meaningful work with a collaborative team, reliable pay, and the strong benefits that come with a career in county government. A Park Superintendent is a working supervisor who oversees the operations of a specific County park and also serves as a steward of the entire Catawba County Park System. This position manages individual park operations; manages and implements park maintenance and programming plans; implements park improvement and beautification projects; assures park safety; enforces park ordinances; and engages in public relations and programming activities. This position supervises full-time rangers and hourly staff and works closely with the County's other Park Superintendents and Parks Director to optimize resources across the entire park system. This is a full-time position with benefits, regularly scheduled to work both weekday and weekend hours. To learn more about Catawba County Parks, visit: https://www.catawbacountync.gov/county-services/parks Responsibilities Implements and manages park maintenance plans and procedures, including grounds, landscaping, trails, facilities, and equipment Recommends and implements natural habitat preservation/restoration plans, including invasive species management Ensures effective daily park operations, including management of daily workflow and routine inspections of all park trails, grounds, structures, and facilities Performs park maintenance duties Provides direct supervision to full-time and hourly staff, including work assignments, scheduling, training, coaching, team building, and performance management/evaluation Schedules, supervises, and trains approved volunteers and assists in the recruiting and hiring of full-time and hourly staff Maintains supplies and materials inventory and procures approved supplies and materials following County and Park System purchasing policies Handles revenue/deposits and monitors expenditures to ensure compliance with budgetary limits Manages shelter/facility reservation system and recommends park and/or policy improvements to the Parks Director Implements approved park improvement projects and establishes and oversees safety precautions in collaboration with the Parks Director Implements the park's emergency operations plan as needed and ensures staff are trained to respond to emergencies Prepares monthly reports tracking park usage, equipment service logs, etc. Provides positive public and community relations through direct interactions with park visitors and collaborations with community partners Develops and implements approved park programming and oversees community service projects, special events, and community outreach activities Provides content for inclusion in Catawba County Park System communications and social media platforms Other duties as assigned Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Parks and Recreation Management, Biology, Natural Resources Management/Forestry, Horticulture, or other related field, and 2 years of park operational experience; OR Associate's degree in Parks and Recreation Management, Biology, Natural Resources Management/Forestry, Horticulture, or other related field, and 4 years of park operational experience; OR High school diploma or GED equivalent and 6 years of park operations experience Additional Requirements A valid driver's license with a safe driving record (Driving is an essential function of this position) Forest Service Chainsaw Certification and CPR/First Aid (or willingness to obtain upon hire) Ability or willingness to learn how to operate, maintain, and perform light repairs on tools and equipment (e.g., chainsaws, weed eaters, tractors, mountain bikes, trail motorcycles) Proven supervisory, leadership, and teambuilding skills with the ability to manage, motivate, and train individuals and teams Thorough knowledge of materials, methods, and equipment used in park operation and maintenance Knowledge of natural habitat maintenance and preservation Strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to excellent customer service Collaborative, hands-on, problem-solving mindset with sound judgment and self-initiative Sound judgment and the ability to work independently and problem solve Ability to establish priorities and maintain appropriate work standards Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office and digital logs/reporting This is considered Physical/Heavy Work, lifting up to 100 pounds occasionally, and up to 50 pounds frequently. Must be in good physical condition and possess stamina to walk/bike longer distances (5-10 miles) on a regular basis to monitor and maintain the trail system, conduct tours, and assist patrons. As of 7/1/ 2025: You will find that Catawba County has one of the best benefits packages around. Our Human Resources staff are dedicated to keeping in touch with trends in benefits on both a local and national level, listening to employees' suggestions regarding benefits, and continually reviewing to ensure our benefits package is of good quality and meets the needs of both our employees and our organization.

Available benefits include:

Health Care Health:

For a small bi-weekly premium, employees may choose between a traditional (co-pay) health plan and a high deductible health plan coupled with a Health Savings Account (HSA). Coverage may also be purchased for spouse, child(ren), or family.

Dental Insurance:

At no cost to full-time employees, the County covers preventive, routine, and non-routine care. Coverage for the same benefits may also be purchased for spouse, child(ren), and family. In addition, a $2,000 benefit toward orthodontia coverage is provided for children up to age 19.

Vision Care:

Coverage is available, at group rates, for employee and dependents,with 2 plan options to choose from. Supplemental critical care and accident insurance plans: These optional coverage plans are available at a nominal cost.

Flexible Spending Accounts:

Pre-tax accounts that can be used to pay for qualified out-of-pocket medical, dental, and vision expenses. Employee Wellness Employee Health Clinic (EHC): An employee medical clinic, available to all County employees, which operates 40 hours a week. Services provided include acute care, first aid, evaluation and care for workers' compensation injuries, pre-employment screenings, health education, and behavioral health referrals. Services are offered both in person and through telehealth. Acute care is available to employee's children ages 3-17, regardless of health insurance coverage, and for employee's adult children (ages 18-26) or employee's spouse if covered on the county's health insurance.

Wellness:

The County recognizes the importance of our health and well-being. We maintain a very proactive and effective Wellness Program, including reimbursement and discounts for gym membership, incentives for physical activity, on-site nutrition counseling, free exercise opportunities, wellness education, and more.

Employee Assistance Program:

Counseling services are available to all County employees and immediate family members in the home. Services are provided in a private and confidential setting (in-person or virtually). The County provides coverage for the first six visits.

Work Life Balance Annual Leave:

Full-time employees earn from 10-24 days annually based on years of service. Service credit from other NC and Local Governments in the retirement system may be transferred to the County. To help new employees settle in, up to 40 hours of annual leave is advanced upon hire, with first-year accruals adjusted to align with established annual limits.

Sick Leave:

Full-time employees earn one day (8 hours) of sick leave per month. Sick leave from other NC and Local Governments in the retirement system may be transferred to the County. New hires are advanced up to 40 hours of sick leave, with first-year accruals adjusted to align with established annual limits.

Holiday Leave:

Throughout the year, 11 days of paid leave are provided in recognition of holidays. Flexible work schedules. Time off for activities that support our local schools. Continuing educational assistance. Discount tickets to recreational venues. Employee appreciation days/activities. Tax-free flexible spending account to pay for dependent care.

Financial Security Local Governmental Employees Retirement System:

For employees assigned to work 20 hours per week or more in a benefitted position, participation in this program is automatic. Employees contribute 6% of their salary, which is tax-deferred. After (5) years of creditable service, you become fully vested in the retirement system. Employees may also take advantage of individual and group retirement counseling through the Human Resources department. 401

K:

The County provides a 2% contribution plus an additional 1% match (up to 3% total contribution by the County). Our sworn law enforcement officers receive a flat 5% contribution to their 401k.

Other Tax Deferred Programs:

Other tax-sheltering programs are available through IRS Code 125 (Cafeteria Plan), and a 457 supplemental retirement plan (Deferred Compensation).

Longevity Pay:

After 5 years of creditable service, employees receive an annual longevity payment that is paid every year thereafter. This lump sum payment rewards employees for their length of service to Catawba County. The amount is based on years of service.

Life Insurance:

Death benefit equal to one times the employee's annual salary, with a minimum coverage amount of $25,000. Optional supplemental life insurance coverage is also available for both employee and dependents through payroll deduction at group rates.

Short Term Disability:

Available at no cost to employees, benefits are available after a 55-day waiting period.

Long Term Disability:

Available through payroll deduction at group rates. Eligibility for membership and financial services at State Employees Credit Union (SECU)/Local Government Federal Credit Union (LGFCU). Park Superintendent 3.1 3.1 out of 5 stars 3471 Valley Arbors Dr, Hickory, NC 28602 $52,352.31 a year - Full-time Catawba County 23 reviews $52,352.31 a year - Full-time New as of 01/01/2026: Your well-being matters from the start — benefited new hires are eligible for up to 40 hours of advanced annual leave and 40 hours of advanced sick leave. Position Description Catawba County Parks is looking for an energetic, experienced, and hands-on leader to join our team as a Park Superintendent. If you love the outdoors, enjoy staying active, and take pride in maintaining beautiful natural spaces for your community, this could be the perfect opportunity for you. This position offers steady, meaningful work with a collaborative team, reliable pay, and the strong benefits that come with a career in county government. A Park Superintendent is a working supervisor who oversees the operations of a specific County park and also serves as a steward of the entire Catawba County Park System. This position manages individual park operations; manages and implements park maintenance and programming plans; implements park improvement and beautification projects; assures park safety; enforces park ordinances; and engages in public relations and programming activities. This position supervises full-time rangers and hourly staff and works closely with the County's other Park Superintendents and Parks Director to optimize resources across the entire park system. This is a full-time position with benefits, regularly scheduled to work both weekday and weekend hours. To learn more about Catawba County Parks, visit: https://www.catawbacountync.gov/county-services/parks Responsibilities Implements and manages park maintenance plans and procedures, including grounds, landscaping, trails, facilities, and equipment Recommends and implements natural habitat preservation/restoration plans, including invasive species management Ensures effective daily park operations, including management of daily workflow and routine inspections of all park trails, grounds, structures, and facilities Performs park maintenance duties Provides direct supervision to full-time and hourly staff, including work assignments, scheduling, training, coaching, team building, and performance management/evaluation Schedules, supervises, and trains approved volunteers and assists in the recruiting and hiring of full-time and hourly staff Maintains supplies and materials inventory and procures approved supplies and materials following County and Park System purchasing policies Handles revenue/deposits and monitors expenditures to ensure compliance with budgetary limits Manages shelter/facility reservation system and recommends park and/or policy improvements to the Parks Director Implements approved park improvement projects and establishes and oversees safety precautions in collaboration with the Parks Director Implements the park's emergency operations plan as needed and ensures staff are trained to respond to emergencies Prepares monthly reports tracking park usage, equipment service logs, etc. Provides positive public and community relations through direct interactions with park visitors and collaborations with community partners Develops and implements approved park programming and oversees community service projects, special events, and community outreach activities Provides content for inclusion in Catawba County Park System communications and social media platforms Other duties as assigned Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Parks and Recreation Management, Biology, Natural Resources Management/Forestry, Horticulture, or other related field, and 2 years of park operational experience; OR Associate's degree in Parks and Recreation Management, Biology, Natural Resources Management/Forestry, Horticulture, or other related field, and 4 years of park operational experience; OR High school diploma or GED equivalent and 6 years of park operations experience Additional Requirements A valid driver's license with a safe driving record (Driving is an essential function of this position) Forest Service Chainsaw Certification and CPR/First Aid (or willingness to obtain upon hire) Ability or willingness to learn how to operate, maintain, and perform light repairs on tools and equipment (e.g., chainsaws, weed eaters, tractors, mountain bikes, trail motorcycles) Proven supervisory, leadership, and teambuilding skills with the ability to manage, motivate, and train individuals and teams Thorough knowledge of materials, methods, and equipment used in park operation and maintenance Knowledge of natural habitat maintenance and preservation Strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to excellent customer service Collaborative, hands-on, problem-solving mindset with sound judgment and self-initiative Sound judgment and the ability to work independently and problem solve Ability to establish priorities and maintain appropriate work standards Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office and digital logs/reporting This is considered Physical/Heavy Work, lifting up to 100 pounds occasionally, and up to 50 pounds frequently. Must be in good physical condition and possess stamina to walk/bike longer distances (5-10 miles) on a regular basis to monitor and maintain the trail system, conduct tours, and assist patrons. As of 7/1/ 2025: You will find that Catawba County has one of the best benefits packages around. Our Human Resources staff are dedicated to keeping in touch with trends in benefits on both a local and national level, listening to employees' suggestions regarding benefits, and continually reviewing to ensure our benefits package is of good quality and meets the needs of both our employees and our organization.

Available benefits include:

Health Care Health:

For a small bi-weekly premium, employees may choose between a traditional (co-pay) health plan and a high deductible health plan coupled with a Health Savings Account (HSA). Coverage may also be purchased for spouse, child(ren), or family.

Dental Insurance:

At no cost to full-time employees, the County covers preventive, routine, and non-routine care. Coverage for the same benefits may also be purchased for spouse, child(ren), and family. In addition, a $2,000 benefit toward orthodontia coverage is provided for children up to age 19.

Vision Care:

Coverage is available, at group rates, for employee and dependents,with 2 plan options to choose from. Supplemental critical care and accident insurance plans: These optional coverage plans are available at a nominal cost.

Flexible Spending Accounts:

Pre-tax accounts that can be used to pay for qualified out-of-pocket medical, dental, and vision expenses. Employee Wellness Employee Health Clinic (EHC): An employee medical clinic, available to all County employees, which operates 40 hours a week. Services provided include acute care, first aid, evaluation and care for workers' compensation injuries, pre-employment screenings, health education, and behavioral health referrals. Services are offered both in person and through telehealth. Acute care is available to employee's children ages 3-17, regardless of health insurance coverage, and for employee's adult children (ages 18-26) or employee's spouse if covered on the county's health insurance.

Wellness:

The County recognizes the importance of our health and well-being. We maintain a very proactive and effective Wellness Program, including reimbursement and discounts for gym membership, incentives for physical activity, on-site nutrition counseling, free exercise opportunities, wellness education, and more.

Employee Assistance Program:

Counseling services are available to all County employees and immediate family members in the home. Services are provided in a private and confidential setting (in-person or virtually). The County provides coverage for the first six visits.

Work Life Balance Annual Leave:

Full-time employees earn from 10-24 days annually based on years of service. Service credit from other NC and Local Governments in the retirement system may be transferred to the County. To help new employees settle in, up to 40 hours of annual leave is advanced upon hire, with first-year accruals adjusted to align with established annual limits.

Sick Leave:

Full-time employees earn one day (8 hours) of sick leave per month. Sick leave from other NC and Local Governments in the retirement system may be transferred to the County. New hires are advanced up to 40 hours of sick leave, with first-year accruals adjusted to align with established annual limits.

Holiday Leave:

Throughout the year, 11 days of paid leave are provided in recognition of holidays. Flexible work schedules. Time off for activities that support our local schools. Continuing educational assistance. Discount tickets to recreational venues. Employee appreciation days/activities. Tax-free flexible spending account to pay for dependent care.

Financial Security Local Governmental Employees Retirement System:

For employees assigned to work 20 hours per week or more in a benefitted position, participation in this program is automatic. Employees contribute 6% of their salary, which is tax-deferred. After (5) years of creditable service, you become fully vested in the retirement system. Employees may also take advantage of individual and group retirement counseling through the Human Resources department. 401

K:

The County provides a 2% contribution plus an additional 1% match (up to 3% total contribution by the County). Our sworn law enforcement officers receive a flat 5% contribution to their 401k.

Other Tax Deferred Programs:

Other tax-sheltering programs are available through IRS Code 125 (Cafeteria Plan), and a 457 supplemental retirement plan (Deferred Compensation).

Longevity Pay:

After 5 years of creditable service, employees receive an annual longevity payment that is paid every year thereafter. This lump sum payment rewards employees for their length of service to Catawba County. The amount is based on years of service.

Life Insurance:

Death benefit equal to one times the employee's annual salary, with a minimum coverage amount of $25,000. Optional supplemental life insurance coverage is also available for both employee and dependents through payroll deduction at group rates.

Short Term Disability:

Available at no cost to employees, benefits are available after a 55-day waiting period.

Long Term Disability:

Available through payroll deduction at group rates. Eligibility for membership and financial services at State Employees Credit Union (SECU)/Local Government Federal Credit Union (LGFCU).