Parks Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Classification:    Full-Time Hourly Non-Exempt, IMRF Eligible
Job Summary
Under  the  direction  and  supervision  of  the  Parks  Manager  and  Parks  Supervisors,  the Parks Specialist  is  responsible  for  supervising  part-time  and  seasonal  staff,  and 
performing  a  variety  of  park maintenance  tasks,  including  playground  safety  inspections, playground  repairs,  garbage  collection,  turf maintenance, horticulture, forestry, athletic 
fields, custodial and recreation support activities. This is a hands- on position with a vast majority of time to be spent working in the field. The Parks Specialist is on-call as-needed, 
supervising and leading part-time and seasonal employees. This is an at-will position.
Qualifications/Education
    Must have a High School Diploma or equivalent.
    Preference given to candidates with an Associates' Degree in a related field such as: Turf Management, Horticulture, Urban Forestry or a related  field.
    Minimum of two (2) years of experience in related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
    Must have a valid Driver's License.
    Must possess a valid State of Illinois Pesticide Operator's License or must have ability to obtain within six 6) months of hire (District provided)
    Must be CPR and AED certified within six (6) months of hiring (District provided).
    Bi-lingual (Spanish/English) communications skills preferred.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
    Employee is responsible for completing hands-on maintenance-related tasks in the field, as assigned by the Parks Manager and/or Parks Supervisor(s).
    Employee must perform assigned inspections and is responsible for ensuring our parks, properties, vehicles, equipment, and other assets are in a safe and functional working condition and maintained at a presentable service level.
    Employee is responsible for garbage collection in all of our parks and must clean and maintain park pavilions, restrooms and other assigned buildings.
    Employee must maintain grounds through litter pickup, recycling, and other activities.
    Employee must organize, prioritize and direct multiple projects, labor and equipment  needs.
      Employee  must  document  labor-hours  and  materials  used  on  work  orders  to  specific  job requirements.
    Employee must apply herbicides, fungicides, and pesticides to destroy undesirable growth and pests.
    Employee must assist the Horticulture, Fleet & Mowing, Playgrounds, and Athletic Fields crews as-assigned.
    Employee   must   perform   playground   maintenance,   including   inspections,   repairs, mulch maintenance, and cleaning as-needed.
    Employee must perform ornamental horticulture maintenance which includes, but is not limited to  planting  trees,  watering,  fertilizing,  flower  bed  arrangement,  tree  removal  and  other horticulture as needed.
    Employee  must  perform  mowing  and  turf  maintenance  as  assigned,  including  operating mowers, weed whips, tractors, and small engine equipment.
    Employee must perform athletic field maintenance tasks as assigned, including ballfield preps, painting field lines, and operating field maintenance equipment.
    Employee must maintain the trails, which includes, but is not limited to debris removal, grading and renovation.
    Employee must adhere to safety policies and procedures as outlined in the safety manual.
    Employee must work snow shifts as assigned and operate snow removal equipment on District roads, parking lots, and sidewalks.
    Employee is responsible for the operation and preventive maintenance of Park District vehicles, tractors, ground equipment, implements and ensuring it is performed and reported.
    Employee must maintain a proactive approach to safety and risk management and perform all job tasks within the rules and guidelines of the Streamwood Park District's safety program and manual.
    Employee  is  responsible  for  supervising  part-time  and  seasonal  staff  by  communicating  job expectations,   job   training,   coaching   duties   and   responsibilities, performance evaluation, recognition, and discipline.
    Employee must be able to regularly lift and/or move up to fifty (50) pounds.
    Employee must demonstrate, lead, and support the Park District's mission statement, vision and core values.
    Employee must establish, support and maintain collaborative efforts with internal and external customers and organizations.
    Employee must perform all other duties as assigned.
Secondary Duties & Responsibilities
    Employee is responsible for supervising part-time and seasonal employees for other duties including, but not limited to, recreation programs and special events as needed.
    Employee must have the ability to accurately determine and perform minor mechanical repair needs, and estimate the time required to complete repairs.
    Employee must be able to attend workshops and seminars pertaining to employee's position, as needed, for new ideas, developments and techniques.
    Employee must assist with set up for recreation programs and special events as  needed.
    Employee may be required to work special events at nights and on weekends.
Cognitive Considerations
    Employee must have knowledge and skill in aspects of construction, maintenance and repair of park facilities, landscaping, turf, and hardscapes.
    Employee must be able to follow directions and communicate in English both verbally and in writing.
    Employee must have the ability to read and understand materials, such as complex service manuals, wiring diagrams and maintenance and operators' manuals printed in English.
    Employee must be able to make decisions objectively based on customer service and fiscal constraint.
    Employee is responsible for keeping organized records and reports.
 

Environmental & Physical Demands
    Employee  will  be  required  to  work  both  inside  and  outside  during  various environmental conditions,  such  as,  but  not  limited  to  rain  and  mud,  extremely  hot  and  
cold  temperatures, exposure to dust, fumes, dirt, noise, insect bites, and exposure to hazardouschemicals.
    Frequent operation and handling of assigned equipment, which may include, but is not limited to tractors, heavy equipment, trucks, and automotive equipment.
    Employee must have the physical agility to maintain mobility from site to site and be able to perform heavy manual tasks (a thorough pre-employment physical examination will be required after 
conditional job offer).
    Employee may perform duties  which  include, but not limited to prolonged lifting, stooping, bending, twisting, and climbing for extended periods of time.
 

Psychological Considerations
    Employee must be able to work independently in day-to-day operations with general direction of the Parks Manager.
    Employee must have the ability to delegate work, where appropriate, in order to accomplish work most effectively.
    Employee must demonstrate leadership qualities to perform required work.
    Employee must be able to work in a team atmosphere, while promoting the Park District's mission statement, vision and core  values.
    Employee must have the ability to maintain self-control and composure in difficult situations.
    Employee must have the ability to recognize priorities and meet deadlines.
    Employee must have the ability to receive constructive criticism and/or  supervision.
    Employee must have the ability to be flexible and adaptable to new  situations.
    Employee must possess enthusiasm and drive with a desire to accomplish goals and  objectives.
 

Pay Information
New Hire Pay Rate:    Newly hired employee can expect $18.00+ depending on qualifications.
Benefits We Offer
Please see applicable benefits at: SPD-PayTransparency-WebsiteDisclosure-2025.pdf
Please note as an FT2 classified employee, the Park District only offers HMO coverage.  The Park District paid portion of Medical, Dental and Vision premium will be the same amount as employee only coverage, no matter the number of dependents covered.  Please see the last page of the SPD Pay Transparency Website Disclosure to see the current employee-employer cost share for FT2 insurance.