Downtown Dallas Inc. (DDI) is the champion of a clean and safe Downtown and of the economic development and vibrancy of a Downtown community with diverse unique neighborhoods. DDI’s mission includes stewardship of approximately 22 acres of land divided between 12 City of Dallas parks, medians, and right-a-ways throughout Downtown.
The Manager of Parks and Public Space is responsible for ensuring the Downtown public spaces are inviting, well-maintained, and enhanced through regular maintenance and improvement projects. The Manager will engage and oversee DDI contractors (landscape, bird abatement, pressure washing, etc.), and will be responsible for weekly audits and operational plans to ensure that services are delivered consistently and promptly. Additionally, the Manager will work closely with the City of Dallas, DART, building owners, and other stakeholders to collaboratively identify and solve relevant deficiencies in public spaces. General knowledge in project management, landscape management, and repair of basic electrical, plumbing, and facility items is required.
Park Management:
· Oversees DDI-managed Downtown Park facilities to ensure each space is maintained to the highest possible standard by liaising with the City of Dallas Park and Recreation Department and contractors on their provided services.
· Establish maintenance schedules and operating plans for DDI-managed parks. Oversee regular preventive scheduled maintenance on facilities and systems either with DDI staff, contractors, or the Dallas Parks Department.
· Oversee irrigation system checks for all irrigation systems related to DDI-managed spaces (parks, medians, flowerpots).
· Liaison with Dallas Park and Recreation staff to ensure City responsibilities and projects within Parks are scheduled and completed promptly.
· Liaison with Parks for Downtown Dallas to ensure parks with third-party contractor services are well-coordinated, and no duplication of services occurs.
· Serve as the on-call emergency contact for park facility concerns reported by DDI Field Teams or members of the public.
· Directly and indirectly complete minor repairs or maintenance to park facility buildings (restrooms, HVAC, electrical outlets, and irrigation).
Public Space Management:
· Ensures DDI-managed street medians are attractive, well maintained, and safe for motorists and pedestrians, working with contractors on maintenance, seasonal color changes, and mowing.
· Ensures a healthy urban forest canopy Downtown by managing regular tree maintenance and yearly tree plantings.
· Ensures public right-of-way (streets and sidewalks) is in good condition and safe for foot, bike, and car traffic.
· Maintain opportunities for volunteer projects and work with the park facility coordinator to execute volunteer projects and management.
· Oversee flowerpots placed along sidewalks and public spaces.
· Work in partnership with the Clean Team Assistant Manager on hand watering schedule and operations.
· Oversees all DDI contractors working within the public space (pressure washing, bird abatement, sidewalk, and site furnishing repair).
· Works with all DDI departments to provide additional support on large improvement projects and Citywide initiatives.
· Oversee the public space audit program and address identified deficiencies that cannot be resolved directly by DDI field operation teams.
· Ensures key Downtown gateways are attractive, well maintained, and present a refined image for Downtown Dallas as a premier destination.
· Oversee all aspects of site furnishings and signs throughout Downtown. Working to ensure trash receptacles, benches, and signs are well maintained and replaced as needed.
Education and Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Parks & Recreation, Horticulture, Management, or other related field preferred
• Five years’ experience in field project management and other relevant work experience with five years of supervisory experience, or any other equivalent combination of education or experience preferred
• Valid State Driver’s License
• Proven ability to directly manage staff
• Ability to communicate with all levels of management
• Ability to work independently and supervise others
• Demonstrated ability to maintain a high level of confidential information and department integrity
Language/Math/Reasoning Ability
• Ability to define problems, collect data, and review related information to develop and evaluate options, implement solutions, and draw valid conclusions.
• Considers the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one
• Excellent oral and written communications skills
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information
Computer Skills
• Proficient computer skills including electronic mail, record keeping, routine database activity, word processing, spreadsheets, graphics, etc.
• Experience in Microsoft Office applications; Word, Excel, Outlook
