Position Summary

The Assistant Site Superintendent is responsible for assisting the Site Superintendent in all areas of administration of the preserve.  This includes, but is not limited to, daily operational and maintenance tasks, natural resource management, short-term and long-term planning of capital projects and equipment needs, and supervision of staff and volunteers.

Supervisory Relationships

This position reports to the Homer Lake Forest Preserve Site Superintendent. This position may supervise other staff as well as volunteers.

Job Responsibilities

Essential Functions

• Ensure general park areas, trails, the Kickapoo Rail Trail, maintenance areas, and facilities are kept in neat and orderly condition at all times. Provide support to maintenance workers and seasonal staff by participating in maintenance work as needed.
• Safely use, maintain, and repair powered and non-powered equipment and tools such as tractors, backhoe, skid steer, three point attachments, power tools, and other specialized equipment.
• Develop daily work plans for staff and volunteers in consultation with the Site Superintendent and in his/her absence.
• Train, coach, and evaluate staff and volunteers as directed by the Site Superintendent.
• Plan, implement, and coordinate inter-departmental projects within the preserve.
• Assist the Site Superintendent with planning capital projects and capital equipment purchases. Provides input on the annual budget process.
• Research alternatives and prepare estimates of labor and equipment needs as requested.
• Inspect grounds, buildings, and other facilities and report the condition to the Site Superintendent to ensure the safety of visitors and staff.
• Assist with the implementation of management plans for the preserve.
• Assist visitors with general questions regarding the preserve and other District sites. Explain and enforce District rules and regulations as they relate to use of the preserve and its facilities.  Listen and respond to visitor concerns.
• Aids facility renters and special use permit holders as necessary (may include weekends).
• Accepts on call duties as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.

Secondary Duties

• Keep statistics and prepare reports on projects and activities as requested.
• Evaluate and propose ways to improve the effectiveness of operations within the preserve.
• Assist with various District functions as needed.
• Assist with various natural resources and construction related projects as needed.

Required Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required. Associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in parks and recreation, natural resources, forestry, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of three years of experience in the operation and maintenance of a park, forest preserve, or other public recreational area required. Supervisory parks and recreation management experience preferred.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within the Homer Lake Forest Preserve as well as throughout the District.
• Strong customer service skills and the ability to successfully interact with persons of all backgrounds and abilities.
• Knowledge of, or ability to learn, the practices and equipment associated with the operations and maintenance of the preserve and its facilities.
• Excellent time management and prioritization skills; ability to work proactively and independently without constant supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment in solving problems and making decisions; ability to respond professionally to challenging or stressful situations.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to communicate clearly and concisely in a professional manner.
• Demonstrated good safety awareness.
• Ability to use standard office equipment, including a computer. Must possess a working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite.
• Valid driver’s license is required. Must possess or have the ability to obtain and maintain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) within 12 months of employment.
• Current Illinois Pesticide Applicator license, or the ability to obtain within 12 months of employment.
• Must possess, or have the ability to learn, a working knowledge of the District’s rules and regulations.