This is a FLSA non-exempt, Full-Time position in the Parks & Recreation Department, represented by Local IUOE 302. This position classification will perform a variety of semi-skilled and skilled journey-level maintenance, repair and construction in the City’s parks, open spaces, trails and grounds. Employees in this position will operate a variety of park maintenance vehicles, equipment and tools; and perform a variety of tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility such as but not limited to; inspects and repairs irrigation systems; drains and winterizes water fountains, irrigation systems and restrooms; apply pesticides, fertilizers and other chemicals to vegetation; falls large trees; inspects parks and equipment for damage, vandalism, broken equipment or hazardous conditions; operates a variety of vehicles, gas powered equipment and power tools.
Essential Function Task Statements/Duties at This Time:- Maintains park grounds, including water, mow, weed, trim, prune, aerate, irrigate, renovate and fertilize lawns; plant, water, fertilize, and maintain landscaped areas including bushes, trees, flowers and shrubs.
- Plans, inspects, and performs work including, but not limited to, the following areas of park maintenance: turf, tree and shrub maintenance, playground maintenance, trail maintenance, field maintenance, and irrigation system maintenance.
- Establishes turf maintenance procedures and controls along with safely and effectively utilizing fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides or other chemicals according to City, county and state regulations.
- Operates a variety of equipment/machinery used in parks maintenance, including backhoe, tractor, trucks, mowers, aerators, and a variety of related hand and power tools.
- Sweep and blow leaves, snow and debris from trails, walks and driveways; gather and remove trash from grounds.
- Inspects parks, playgrounds, and recreation areas for hazards and unsafe conditions and keeps records, makes necessary repairs or modifications.
- Reads and interprets, maps, blueprints and drawings.
- Plans and coordinates park improvement projects.
- Coordinates work activities in relation to the public’s use of the parks, including weekend, holiday and after-hours assignments.
- Coordinates, facilitates, and actively performs set-up and take-down of City events (such as concerts in the park, movies in the park, etc.).
- Perform custodial and cleanup functions as required: clean restrooms, toilets, sinks, mirrors, and walls.
- Maintains and repairs picnic tables, fences, benches, trash cans, walkways, playground equipment and other park items, using tools such as saws, drills, wrenches, screwdrivers, and hammers.
- Rakes leaves, performs other landscaping duties, removes brush and trash, and repairs fences as needed.
- May perform minor cement work, as for laying small foundations; and other construction work.
- Investigates citizens' complaints relative to the City’s responsibilities and initiates appropriate action to resolve the matter.
- Performs strenuous physical labor for extended periods of time under varying weather conditions.
- Understands, follows, transmits, and communicates written and oral instructions.
- Trains, schedules, assigns and monitors the work of assigned staff including seasonal parks staff.
- Attends work on a regular and dependable basis.
- Interacts in a professional and respectful manner with city staff and the public.
Other Identified Task Statements/Duties:
- Operates trucks in picking up and delivering materials and supplies and to collect and remove debris from different locations.
- Operates Parks vehicles as assigned, learn the safe operation of equipment, such as riding lawn mowers, hand mowers, turf equipment and trucks.
- Responds to public inquiries in a courteous manner, provides information within scope of knowledge, or refers to employee of higher classification.
- Supervises seasonal personnel and trains entry level employees in the safe operation of equipment.
- Performs other tasks as assigned.
Demonstrated Knowledge and Ability: Applicants will be required to describe their previous experience and training for each of the following Selection Factors. These Selection Factors will be used in selecting the most qualified applicants to be interviewed. Candidates selected for employment must satisfactorily demonstrate possession of these factors during a prescribed probationary period, and afterwards, for continued employment.
Demonstrated knowledge of:- Knowledge of practices and principles of grounds maintenance, including turf maintenance and landscaping.
- Knowledge of turf maintenance, fertilizers, and proper application for proper grounds maintenance. Including various chemicals, pesticides and herbicides used in controlling plant and vegetation diseases and pests.
- Proper safety practices and procedures concerning the operation of equipment and power tools.
- Knowledge of problem-solving techniques to identify issues, evaluate options, and implement effective solutions in park maintenance and operations.
- Knowledge of installation and maintenance of drainage and irrigation systems.
- Building and landscape supplies and their proper application.
- Basic record-keeping techniques.
Ability to:
- Perform semi-skilled and skilled construction, maintenance and repair of parks and related facilities and equipment.
- Conduct routine inspections of parks, including equipment and facilities.
- Maintain and repair irrigation systems.
- Apply herbicide and pesticide.
- Maintain landscaped areas.
- Perform heavy manual labor.
- Operate a variety of parks maintenance vehicles, equipment, and tools in a safe and effective manner.
- Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
- Communicate, read, write and understand English at a level necessary for efficient job performance.
- Perform basic math calculations; add, subtract, multiply and divide.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including City officials and the general public.
- Work independently in the absence of supervision.
- Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities.
- Provide quality services in a cost-effective manner and to recommend improved methods of performing the work.
Education and/or Experience Required: Required: High School Diploma or GED.
Desired: Two (2) years cemetery, park, landscape, grounds and/or building maintenance or similar experience, including the operation of such equipment as backhoes, tractors and the like; or any combination of training and experience that would provide the desired knowledge, skills and abilities.
Licensing and Certification
Required:Valid Washington State Driver's License with driving record free of serious or frequent violations.
The applicant must either have at the time of hire or be able to obtain within 12 months of hire the following certificates as determined by the City for the position classification:
- Washington State Public Pesticide Operator's license.
- Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) Certification
- Flagger certification
- CPR/First Aid certification.
- Ability to obtain and maintain job specific training, license and certification as required.
