Superintendent - Trails

Overview

The Indianapolis Department of Public Works works to improve daily life for residents by enhancing public spaces and infrastructure and delivering dependable public services. Its work spans multimodal connectivity, strong green spaces, meaningful capital projects, universal accessibility, and collaboration across public and private partners. The department builds and maintains public infrastructure and parkland, oversees solid waste collection, and keeps the city fleet operating. As one of the largest city agencies, Team DPW focuses on efficient, effective service for residents and visitors by fostering a productive, collaborative, and compliant workplace.

Job Summary

This role provides full oversight and direction for maintenance operations within an assigned district. The position is responsible for organizing and allocating personnel, vehicles, equipment, materials, and budget resources. It also includes responsibility for hiring, assigning, developing, promoting, and terminating staff. The work requires a very high level of independent judgment, including making decisions in situations where clear policies or procedures may not exist. Poor decisions can negatively affect the city’s reputation regarding street and park maintenance and may create liability, embarrassment, and added cost for the department and the city. Supervision is only occasionally available. This position reports to the Administrator Operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead, organize, and direct all resources, processes, and programs related to operational maintenance and park maintenance facilities.
• Track the output of team members and ensure complaints are resolved appropriately.
• Make sure repairs, upkeep, and improvements to district and park assets are completed in a cost-conscious, high-quality manner.
• Oversee the use and spending of district budget allocations.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with the bargaining unit and relevant city staff.
• Support a safe, efficient, and productive work environment for all staff.
• Ensure streets, sidewalks, and trailways are cleared after weather events and kept as passable as conditions allow.
• Keep supervisors and the public information officer informed about issues that could harm the city’s image or public perception.
• Follow city policy and procedure requirements related to hiring and termination.
• Set priorities and goals, schedule work, review results, and evaluate employee performance.
• Monitor progress after assignments are completed, oversee employee training, and provide counseling and disciplinary action when needed.
• Maintain strict confidentiality at all times.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline plus 5 years of progressively responsible experience, including 2 years in a supervisory role.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience totaling 9 years are acceptable.
• Working knowledge of local, state, and federal rules, regulations, ordinances, and related documents.
• Experience planning, directing, supervising, and reviewing the work of others in street maintenance.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Solid office management background.
• Ability to stay professional and composed in stressful situations while solving problems.
• Strong multitasking, prioritization, and independent work skills, along with the ability to work effectively in a team.
• Flexibility to shift priorities and direction as needed.
• Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving ability, and attention to detail.
• High level of ownership and accountability.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in Business Management or Operations Management.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The City of Indianapolis and Marion County provide equal employment opportunity to all applicants. Hiring decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability status. The city values a wide range of perspectives and experiences among staff and the residents it serves.

Application Process

If an applicant meets the posted qualifications, the application will be forwarded to the hiring agency. After that point, all interview and selection communication is handled directly by the agency. Applicants should save the contact details of the person arranging the interview, since City-County HR will not have access to that information and is not involved in the interview or selection process. HR can only confirm whether the application has been referred. Once a candidate is selected, HR will issue the official employment offer.

Working Conditions

Work is mainly carried out in an office setting and at street locations. The role includes exposure to environmental conditions often associated with maintenance and park-facility oversight, such as dirt, dust, odors, and all types of weather. The position may require 12-hour shifts depending on weather conditions and response to weather-related emergencies.

Physical Conditions

• Most of the day is spent seated at a desk.
• Light lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling of objects and materials in the 5 to 10 pound range may be required.
• Tasks may involve extended time at a keyboard or workstation.
• The role requires the ability to hear sounds and perceive visual cues or signals.
• Oral communication is necessary.