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The Agency

The Wheaton Park District (WPD) was established by the citizens of Wheaton in 1921 and has a rich history of elevating the quality of community life through its parks, facilities, programs and services. Today, citizens enjoy active and passive parks owned and leased by the district across fifty-four (54) sites totaling nearly 900 acres. Recreational facilities owned and/or operated by the District include the Ray Morrill Community Center, Parks Plus Fitness, Central Athletic Complex, Northside Park Family Aquatic Center, Rice Pool and Water Park, Arrowhead Golf Club, Lincoln Marsh Natural Area, Mary Lubko Center, Memorial Park Bandshell, Clocktower Mini Golf Course and Skate Park, Cosley Zoo, and DuPage County Historical Museum. The Wheaton Park District is an Illinois Distinguished Accredited Agency and is a recognized leader in the delivery of parks and recreation services in Illinois. WPD is a four-time winner of the NRPA Gold Medal Award for excellence in the field of park and recreation management.

District mission, vision and core values

Mission: To create vibrant, welcoming spaces and activities that inspire fun, foster connection, strengthen the community, and enrich well-being for all.

Vision: To be the community leader in offering fun and inclusive experiences inspired by nature, powered by creativity, built on collaboration, and guided by integrity.

Values: Community, Respect, Excellence, Adventure, Teamwork, Equity

Position Description

Responsible for assisting with and overseeing the implementation and maintenance of the landscaping of our parks during the growing season throughout the district.

Required Education, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Minimum of high school diploma or equivalent with two or more years’ experience in landscaping industry. Knowledge and experience in plant identification, plant maintenance, and landscape installation. Knowledge and experience in operation of all field equipment and tools. Must be able to lead, manage, and motivate assigned staff. Must have great problem solving, analytical, organizational, interpersonal, and written and verbal communication skills. Must have good time management skills and work calmly and effectively under pressure.

Essential Functions

• Attendance at work site as scheduled; must be available to work other shifts and overtime as required.
• Demonstrate knowledge of plant care and identification.
• Mow and trim turf areas with tractors, small mowers, and weed whips.
• Inspect playgrounds each week on high frequency schedule.
• Perform tree and shrub pruning and trimming.
• Apply pesticides when and where needed.
• Install, maintain, and repair general landscape improvements throughout the District.
• Operate all District trucks.
• Train full and part-time staff in proper equipment operation and landscape procedures as directed.
• Maintain ice and ice rinks and assist with snow removal.
• Supervise staff and provide performance appraisal information to supervisors as assigned.
• Maintain effective two-way communication with immediate supervisors and assigned staff about concerns in the field.
• Communicate professionally with coworkers and the public.
• Wear personal protective equipment for job function when needed.
• Carry two way or cell phone communication at all times while working.
• Contribute to a feedback rich environment.
• Provide a high quality of customer service in a professional manner to the internal customer that will facilitate team building and exceptional customer service to the external customer.
• Follow the Wheaton Park District policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Proactively support the Districts Mission, Vision, and Values.
• Maintain good safety awareness and follow all safety guidelines and procedures.

Required Certifications, licenses, etc.

Must have and maintain: a valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record; and CPR/AED certified or obtain within one (1) year of employment; obtain valid Illinois Pesticide Operator’s license within first three (3) months and maintain.

Physical Demands

Must be able to: continuously move about the parks and facilities and frequently on uneven ground, repetitive use of hands/arms/legs when using vibrating equipment, move landscaping objects such as sod rolls, fertilizer, grass seed, 5-gallon buckets, etc. weighing up to 50 lbs. and over 50 lbs. with assistance, and eye/hand coordination; frequently position one’s self to climb stairs, ladders, trees, etc. Must be able to drive a vehicle.

Environmental Demands

Must be able to: handle all weather conditions while working and traveling outdoors and between facilities, frequently encounter rain, snow, biting/stinging bugs and insects, dirt, poisonous plants, fumes, gases, odors, dust, mold, pesticides, chemicals, smoke, grease, oil, mud; frequently confined spaces, heights over 12 feet, noise over 85 decibels, wet, slippery floors and surfaces; occasionally encounter confined spaces, animal hair/dander/feces.

Compensation & Benefits

The Wheaton Park District offers highly competitive compensation that is commensurate with a candidate’s prior experience and accomplishments and has a very comprehensive and attractive benefits package.

Position Salary Range

Min Mid Max

$20.24 - $25.30 - $30.35

Benefits

• Health (HMO, PPO, or HSA), with very low employee contribution for employee, spouse, and dependents.
• 100% employer paid dental insurance for employee, spouse, and dependents.
• 100% employer paid vision insurance for the employee.
• 100% employer paid life insurance at 1.5 times your annual salary.
• Health insurance waiver incentive up to $4,500 per year.
• FSA and Dependent Care pre-tax via payroll deduction.
• Pension Plan through the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund, including employer contributions.
• Paid time off includes 12 sick days per year, 12 vacation days, 2 personal days (pro-rated first year), 12 ½ holidays.
• Free use of fitness center, two pools, golf, and entrance to Cosley Zoo to employees and family members eligible for insurance coverage.
• Tuition Reimbursement, discounts on merchandise, and professional memberships.

The Wheaton Park District is an equal opportunity employer. EOE/M/F/D/V