<p>The General Manager of Maintenance provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Rockford Park District's unified maintenance structure, including Park Services, Natural Resources, Special Projects, Special Events & Support Services, Facilities Maintenance & Compliance, and Fleet & Equipment. This position ensures cohesive service delivery across all maintenance functions through the implementation of district-wide standards, effective communication systems, and a strong culture of training, safety, and compliance.</p> <p>The General Manager of Maintenance is responsible for long-range planning, resource alignment, budget development, staff development, and system optimization. This role plays a critical part in maintaining safe, clean, and welcoming parks and facilities by driving operational excellence, strengthening organizational capacity, and ensuring the District's maintenance operations are efficient, consistent, and future-focused.</p> <p>TitleGeneral Manager - MaintenanceDepartmentOperationsStatusFull TimeOffice LocationWebbs Norman CenterReports ToSuperintendent of OperationsFLSA StatusExemptPosition DescriptionThe General Manager of Maintenance provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Rockford Park District's unified maintenance structure, including Park Services, Natural Resources, Special Projects, Special Events & Support Services, Facilities Maintenance & Compliance, and Fleet & Equipment. This position ensures cohesive service delivery across all maintenance functions through the implementation of district-wide standards, effective communication systems, and a strong culture of training, safety, and compliance.</p> <p>The General Manager of Maintenance is responsible for long-range planning, resource alignment, budget development, staff development, and system optimization. This role plays a critical part in maintaining safe, clean, and welcoming parks and facilities by driving operational excellence, strengthening organizational capacity, and ensuring the District's maintenance operations are efficient, consistent, and future-focused.</p> <p>ROCKFORD PARK DISTRICT VISION, MISSION AND LEADERSHIP BY VALUESAgency VisionTo be the best urban parks and recreation system in North America, as measured by national standards and the citizens we serve.Agency MissionThe Rockford Park District is in business to "help people enjoy life" by providing a quality park and recreation system.Vision & Planning SystemThe District aligns itself and all its resources to achieve its purpose, vision, mission, and priorities. This successfully drives the strategic plan, operational plans, and performance goals.Policy Management & Operations SystemEvery team member serves as an active contributor in the development of the team's operational plan; develops job strategies and plans that support the team's operational goals; identifies timetables for completion; plans daily work activities in an organized manner ensuring effective utilization of time and resources in the completion of job tasks.Leadership by Values SystemLeadership by Values can only be achieved if all team members believe in and live by these shared values: accountability, integrity, passion, agility, relationship oriented, results driven, service oriented, respectful, and innovative. While all team members share these essential values, our culture is enriched by and welcomes the diverse supporting values of its team members.Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging StatementThe Rockford Park District is committed and accountable to being a place where everyone is invited and belongs, as demonstrated by being an inviting, equitable, and inclusive environment, respectful of all people, embracing diversity, creating accessibility and valuing all team members, partners and community members for their unique experiences and backgrounds.</p> <p>RELATIONSHIPS TO RESULTS CULTUREDefinitionSustained by long-term, positive, exceptional relationships with stakeholders and team members as our hallmark of success.</p> <p>ONE TEAM, ONE GOAL COMMITMENTDefinitionTo work together to achieve the mission, vision, and shared values of the Rockford Park District.ConnectednessDepartments are truly interconnected to support the mission and vision of the Rockford Park District.</p> <p>ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS include the following. Other duties may be assignedLeadership by Values</p> <ul> <li> <p>Provides visionary, strategic, and values-driven leadership that aligns with the District's Leadership by Values, Mission and Vision, Priority Results, and Strategic Plan.</p> </li><li> <p>Partners with executive leadership and department leaders to support district-wide planning, clear communication, and cross-department coordination.</p> </li><li> <p>Establishes and maintains a high level of citizen confidence.</p> </li><li> <p>Demonstrates the principles of One Team, One Goal in daily interactions with staff and guests.</p> </li><li> <p>Assists with establishing and maintaining exceptional relationships with internal team members and external stakeholders.</p> </li><li> <p>Leads a unified maintenance structure by establishing role clarity, balanced workloads, consistent standards, and collaborative expectations across all teams and specialty areas.</p> </li><li> <p>Guides Managers, Supervisors, and facility leaders in the development, alignment, and execution of annual budgets, operational plans, staffing models, and long-range service strategies.</p> </li><li> <p>Plans, organizes, and conducts regular team meetings, leadership meetings, and cross-department planning sessions that promote shared problem-solving and strengthen communication across divisions.</p> </li><li> <p>Oversees system planning, including routing, scheduling, and resource deployment to ensure team members, equipment, and services are delivered efficiently, safely, and in alignment with operational priorities.</p> </li><li> <p>Researches, evaluates, and develops systems, practices, and operational models that enhance service delivery, supporting continuous improvement and innovation across the Maintenance Division.</p> </li><li> <p>Demonstrates strong financial stewardship by understanding and supporting the District's financial structure, philosophy, and resource allocation processes.</p> </li><li> <p>Ensures the Maintenance Division follows all federal, state, and local regulations, and actively integrates industry best practices, professional standards, and evolving maintenance technologies.</p> </li><li> <p>Promotes and supports a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB), ensuring equitable treatment, inclusive leadership practices, and belonging-focused operational culture within all areas of the Division.</p> </li><li> <p>Builds a high-performance culture grounded in accountability, teamwork, communication, and service excellence, modeling the behaviors and values expected of all RPD team members.</p> </li></ul> <p>Operational Excellence</p> <ul> <li> <p>Provides strategic leadership and oversight for all maintenance operations, specialty teams, and service units, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality delivery of parks, facilities, natural areas, fleet services, and operational support.</p> </li><li> <p>Develops and maintains communication systems, reporting structures, workflows, and service coordination models to support efficient operations, consistent standards, and smooth collaboration across all maintenance divisions.</p> </li><li> <p>Oversees department budgets, equipment lifecycle planning, staffing models, and optimized scheduling strategies that include on-call and after-hours coverage, along with providing capital project input, ensuring fiscal responsibility, long-range planning, and alignment with District priorities.</p> </li><li> <p>Leads the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), operational processes, manuals, electronic forms, inspections, and documentation systems to enhance safety, efficiency, and compliance district-wide.</p> </li><li> <p>Serves as a primary operational lead during severe weather events, emergencies, and major incidents, coordinating resources, communication, and response efforts across all maintenance and specialty teams.</p> </li><li> <p>Monitors and evaluates operational effectiveness through safety audits, risk pool requirements (PDRMA), OSHA standards, insurance compliance, customer evaluations, usage reports, incident trends, and other performance metrics.</p> </li><li> <p>Ensures District risk management strategies, crisis management plans, OSHA standards, PDRMA requirements, and all relevant regulatory policies are implemented consistently, documented accurately, and aligned with organizational priorities.</p> </li><li> <p>Conducts research and communicates emerging safety trends, operational risks, efficiencies, and anticipated impacts to the Executive Leadership</p> </li><li> <p>Team, supporting proactive planning and informed decision-making.</p> </li><li> <p>Collaborates with Financial Services, Business Operations and Information Services teams to manage business intelligence tools and data systems, ensuring access to accurate operational data (incidents, customer satisfaction, attendance, project updates, KPIs) and advancing a culture of data-driven decision-making.</p> </li><li> <p>Partners with the District's Police Department to address safety issues, behavioral trends, and vandalism concerns, supporting strategies that improve park safety and reduce risk.</p> </li><li> <p>Cultivates partnerships with intergovernmental agencies, businesses, and community organizations to leverage resources, expand service capacity, and better serve the District's diverse community.</p> </li><li> <p>Establishes service standards, monitors compliance, and conducts annual analyses of assigned operations to foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and accountability.</p> </li><li> <p>Supports the Rockford Park District Foundation by identifying operational opportunities for donor engagement, sponsorships, and supplemental funding that align with service priorities.</p> </li><li> <p>Leads project initiatives, master planning efforts, and systems development that require coordination with operations staff, vendors, contractors, and community stakeholders.</p> </li><li> <p>Establishes and updates operational standards, procedures, and project priorities to ensure work is completed efficiently, safely, and on schedule.</p> </li><li> <p>Recommends policy and procedural updates to improve operational efficiency, workflow optimization, service delivery, and staff performance.</p> </li><li> <p>Monitors expenditures, purchasing, and resource allocation for assigned departments to ensure fiscal stewardship and compliance with District guidelines.</p> </li><li> <p>Approves payroll for direct reports according to District payroll procedures and timelines.</p> </li><li> <p>Provide on-site support if required for emergencies before or after work hours.</p> </li></ul> <p>Compliance</p> <ul> <li> <p>Ensures all maintenance operations, facility systems, natural areas, and specialty teams operate in full compliance with District policies, procedures, ordinances, and regulatory requirements.</p> </li><li> <p>Serves as the District's primary PDRMA contact for maintenance operations, overseeing safety initiatives, loss control documentation, risk mitigation strategies, and preparation for audits and internal reviews.</p> </li><li> <p>Develops, implements, and monitors comprehensive safety programs, including OSHA-required training, Train-the-Trainer systems, and ongoing professional development to ensure staff understand and adhere to all safety standards.</p> </li><li> <p>Establishes and maintains District-wide inspection standards for parks, playgrounds, facilities, natural areas, trails, amenities, fleet, and equipment to ensure safe, consistent, and high-quality asset care.</p> </li><li> <p>Ensures compliance with CPSI, ADA, PDRMA, OSHA, NEC, EPA, IDNR, and other applicable regulatory or industry standards through structured inspections, documentation, and corrective action processes.</p> </li><li> <p>Oversees the CMMS inspection-to-correction workflow, ensuring that hazards are documented, prioritized, addressed, and closed out in accordance with risk management and operational timelines.</p> </li><li> <p>Leads the creation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), operational manuals, electronic forms, inspections, and record-keeping systems to ensure consistency, accountability, and regulatory compliance.</p> </li><li> <p>Partners with Capital Planning to support lifecycle assessments, reinvestment recommendations, capital project input, and long-term facility and infrastructure planning to ensure assets meet safety and compliance requirements throughout their lifespan.</p> </li><li> <p>Monitors readiness and compliance across zones, facilities, natural areas, and specialty units, ensuring that preventative maintenance, safety practices, and documentation meet District expectations.</p> </li><li> <p>Provides oversight to ensure proper equipment operation, safety practices, PPE usage, and workplace behavior, modeling compliance expectations and reinforcing a culture of safety and risk awareness.</p> </li><li> <p>Coordinates compliance efforts during severe weather events, emergencies, and major operational incidents to ensure appropriate response, documentation, and adherence to District and regulatory requirements.</p> </li><li> <p>Tracks emerging regulations, industry standards, and safety trends, communicating relevant impacts, risks, and required adjustments to the Executive Leadership Team for proactive planning.</p> </li></ul> <p>Performance Management/Development</p> <ul> <li> <p>Partners with the Human Resources Department to attract and recruit high-quality team members.</p> </li><li> <p>Monitors, evaluates, and supports team member performance through regular feedback and goal alignment.</p> </li><li> <p>Provides coaching, guidance, and accountability to staff while effectively resolving issues in accordance with District policies and procedures.</p> </li><li> <p>Creates and supports training and development opportunities that enhance skills, build capability, and strengthen the District's culture.</p> </li><li> <p>Collaborates closely with internal operations, sharing information, addressing challenges, and developing solutions that support organizational goals.</p> </li><li> <p>Demonstrates a servant-leadership approach when engaging with both internal and external customers.</p> </li><li> <p>Assesses staffing and operational needs and makes strategic recommendations to meet current and future demands.</p> </li><li> <p>Participates in District meetings, including Rockford Park District Board meetings, as required.</p> </li></ul> <p>Teamwork</p> <ul> <li> <p>Fosters a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive working environment that aligns with the District's Leadership by Values and One Team-One Goal culture.</p> </li><li> <p>Ensures supervisors coordinate staffing, equipment, and operational resources across zones and specialty teams to support balanced workloads, consistent service delivery, and unified problem-solving.</p> </li><li> <p>Develops and maintains internal communication structures and cross-team workflows that promote transparency, information sharing, and coordinated responses to operational needs.</p> </li><li> <p>Provides guidance, technical expertise, and support to internal staff, program teams, and external customers, serving as a knowledgeable resource for maintenance operations, safety, and facility stewardship.</p> </li><li> <p>Collaborates with contractors, vendors, and service providers for repairs or projects beyond in-house capabilities, ensuring work meets District standards and regulatory requirements.</p> </li><li> <p>Builds and maintains strong working relationships with intergovernmental agencies, community partners, and other stakeholders to support joint initiatives, shared services, and cooperative operational efforts.</p> </li><li> <p>Responds to citizen inquiries, service improvement requests, and community concerns in a timely, professional, and service-oriented manner.</p> </li><li> <p>Adjusts work schedules and priorities as necessary to meet operational demands, support teams during peak periods, and ensure continuity of essential services.</p> </li></ul> <p>Education/Experience</p> <p>Bachelor's degree in Parks and Recreation, Public Administration, Business Administration, Construction Management, Facility Management, or a related field</p> <p>OR equivalent Technical Degree; Master's degree preferred.</p> <p>Minimum of 8-10 years of progressively responsible experience in maintenance operations, facilities management, public works, or related fields, including 3 years of supervisory or leadership experience.</p> <p>Critical Skills, Knowledge, and AbilitiesTo perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:</p> <ul> <li> <p>Advanced knowledge of park and facility maintenance operations, including grounds, natural areas, trades, asset management, and lifecycle planning.</p> </li><li> <p>Strong understanding of District culture, values, mission, and organizational priorities.</p> </li><li> <p>Working knowledge of CPSI, ADA, OSHA, PDRMA, environmental compliance, and industry best practices for maintenance and facility operations.</p> </li><li> <p>Ability to work effectively with other District employees, partners, vendors, donors, and volunteers.</p> </li><li> <p>Ability to network and publicly represent the district in a professional manner.</p> </li><li> <p>Have a team orientation approach when working with others.</p> </li><li> <p>Knowledge of District parks, facilities, equipment, operational techniques, and safe equipment operation.</p> </li><li> <p>Exceptional leadership, team development, and coaching skills; ability to motivate and support diverse teams.</p> </li><li> <p>Strong project management, strategic planning, and problem-solving abilities.</p> </li><li> <p>Effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including customer service and conflict resolution.</p> </li><li> <p>Proficiency with CMMS, asset management systems, business intelligence tools, and data-driven decision-making.</p> </li><li> <p>Ability to plan, prepare, and manage annual and long-range budgets, staffing models, and operational forecasts.</p> </li><li> <p>Ability to work effectively with contractors, vendors, intergovernmental partners, and community stakeholders.</p> </li><li> <p>Ability to respond professionally to citizen inquiries, media contacts, and public concerns.</p> </li><li> <p>Ability to lead during emergencies, weather events, and operational incidents with clarity and sound judgment.</p> </li><li> <p>Ability to interpret operational data, inspections, safety reports, and performance metrics to guide decision-making.</p> </li><li> <p>Ability to support and model diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in all leadership practices.</p> </li><li> <p>Have general knowledge of human resource management</p> </li><li> <p>Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and function in a high stress environment</p> </li><li> <p>Must maintain a valid Illinois Driver's License (Class A or Class C preferred).</p> </li></ul> <p>Physical RequirementsThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:Heavy Work:</p> <ul> <li> <p></p> </li><li>Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally <p></p> </li><li> <p>Exerting up to 50 pounds of force frequently</p> </li><li> <p>Exerting up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.</p> </li><li> <p>Must be able to perform moderately physically intensive tasks, potentially including any combination of the following: climbing, balancing, stooping, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, repetitive motions, substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands and/or fingers.</p> </li></ul> <p>Work EnvironmentThe work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.</p> <p>Work is performed in a combination of indoor and outdoor settings, including program areas, office environments, and various park district facilities. The role may involve exposure to varying weather conditions, uneven terrain, animals, cleaning agents, and noise. Duties require regular travel between sites, direct interaction with participants, staff, and the public, and occasional lifting or moving of equipment or materials.</p> <p>BenefitsThe Rockford Park District offers an extensive benefits package designed to support employees' health and wellness, financial security, and overall work-life balance. Key highlights include:</p> <p>Health & WellnessHealth Insurance: Choose from three PPO Plans administered by BlueCross/BlueShield of Illinois, including a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with an option for a Health Savings Account (HSA).Dental Insurance: Coverage through BlueCross/BlueShield, with a $2,000 individual annual maximum.Vision Insurance: Provided by EyeMed, offering discounts on frames, lenses, and other vision services.Wellness Program: Empower Health Services offers a variety of programs and resources to support employee well-being, including wellness challenges and health resources.Employee Assistance Program: Confidential counseling and support for personal and work-related challenges through SupportLinc.</p> <p>Financial SecurityRetirement Plans: Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) pension with voluntary additional contributions & optional 457(b) deferred compensation.Life Insurance: Employer-paid life & AD&D (2x salary, up to $300K) plus optional voluntary coverage</p> <p>Critical Illness & Accident Insurances: Provides financial support by covering out-of-pocket costs for covered critical illnesses and offering optional accident insurance for additional protection.</p> <p>Tax-Free Accounts: HSA (with HDHP) & FSA for medical and dependent care expenses</p> <p>Employee Crisis Fund: Provides financial assistance of up to $2,500 for unforeseen emergencies such as medical crises, loss of a primary residence, or a family tragedy. Repayments are made through bi-weekly payroll deductions with flexible terms.</p> <p>Paid Time Off: Vacation, Sick Leave, Holidays, Personal Days, Bereavement, and various leave programs.</p> <p>Additional PerksEmployee Participation Program: Use for District programs or passes including: Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, Golf Membership, or up to $400 on a card to use throughout Park District facilities.</p> <p>Exclusive Discounts: Local partners, safety shoe reimbursement, and more</p> <p>Unique Benefits: Legal, identity theft, and pet insurance options</p> <p>This robust benefits package reflects the District's commitment to fostering a supportive and rewarding workplace.</p>