Superintendent, Parks and Forestry Division in Needham, Massachusetts at Town of Needham

Looking for a division leadership opportunity with great benefits and ongoing support and training? Under direction of the Assistant Director of Public Works, the Division Superintendent for Parks & Forestry plans, organizes, and directs all operations involving the maintenance and care of public lands, municipal grounds, recreation areas, and the Town’s public shade trees.

The Town of Needham provides great benefits such as employer-paid training opportunities, professional development and certification opportunities, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage options, and more. For a full list of benefit offerings, please view the "Benefits" tab at the top of this posting.

Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Tuesday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm, Friday, 8:00 am - 1:00 pm

CON #26098

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Plans, directs, and organizes the work of the Parks & Forestry Division within the DPW, including the maintenance and care of public parks, recreation areas, municipal grounds, public shade trees, and equipment utilized by division.
• Manages all tree pruning, removal of public trees that are deemed to be hazardous or diseased, and roadside brush control.
• Manages the annual tree planting and replacement program on public ways and setback planting on private property.
• Maintains parks and athletic fields under the jurisdiction of relevant municipal boards and committees involved in their stewardship and care.
• In collaboration with the Park and Recreation department, provides support for athletic and recreational programs, including field lining and community events.
• Plans and supervises turf management application programs and provides technical advice and information on arbor culture to the public and others.
• Serves as Town’s Tree Warden.
• Plans, schedules and assigns work to department personnel; makes recommendations on division hiring and personnel administration; promotes professional development opportunities, appraises performance, and ensures the quality and quantity of work performed by department personnel.
• Prepares and submits the division budget; monitors and authorizes expenditures; processes payments; compiles data to draft reports or make submissions to relevant regulatory agencies.
• Develops, recommends, and implements division policies and procedures and ensures compliance with relevant local, state, and federal health and safety standards; maintains liaison with public utilities and other agencies regarding park operations and issues.
• Coordinates activities with other DPW divisions and municipal departments to ensure the safety and efficiency of operations and completion in a timely manner including the snow and ice program.

The following requirements may be substituted by any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, or related field.
• Four (4) to six (6) years of related experience.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Certified arborist license, required within one year of hire

Beneficial, but not Required Qualifications:

• CDL A or B
• Pesticide applicator license

To apply, please submit your cover letter, resume, and application materials by clicking “Apply.”

Applications will be accepted until 11:59 AM on May 29, 2026.

The Town of Needham is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and encouraging workplace. There shall be no discrimination on the basis of race, age, gender, national origin, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, veteran status, or any other protected class. We are an inclusive organization and actively promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills, and potential. We welcome all applications from a wide range of candidates. Selection for roles will be based on individual merit alone.

For general employment inquiries, please contact us atpersonnel@needhamma.gov.

The Town of Needham will endeavor to provide reasonable accommodation to a qualified applicant with a disability unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you believe you require such assistance to complete this form or to participate in an interview, please contact us attswanson@needhamma.gov.