Love working outdoors? Enjoy hands-on work that makes a visible impact in your community?
If you take pride in well-kept parks, fresh landscapes, and safe public spaces, we want YOU on our Grounds team!
As a Grounds Laborer, you'll help keep our parks beautiful, safe, and welcoming year-round-from lush summer fields to winter ice rinks. No two days are the same, and your work will be seen and enjoyed by the entire community.
Schedule: Part-Time, M-F, hours are flexible up to 28 hrs/wk.
You'll play a key role in maintaining and enhancing park grounds and facilities by:
- Mowing, trimming, edging, and weeding park grounds.
- Assisting with landscape installation, planting, and mulching.
- Performing general park clean-up (leaves, debris, trash removal).
- ⚽ Maintaining turf areas, sports fields, and irrigation systems.
- Completing minor repairs and painting of park structures.
- ❄ Setting up and maintaining ice rinks, including snow removal and resurfacing.
- Operating and maintaining landscaping equipment (mowers, tractors, power tools).
- Safely using fertilizers, herbicides, and other materials.
- Identifying and reporting safety hazards and helping correct them.
- Assisting with special events and community programs.
- Responding to public questions and concerns in a friendly, professional manner.
- Supporting sustainability and environmental initiatives.
What We're Looking For
Education & Experience
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- Two (2) years of landscaping or grounds maintenance experience preferred
Certifications
- Illinois Pesticide Operator's License (or ability to obtain within one year)
- CPR/AED certification preferred
Skills & Strengths
- Knowledge of grounds maintenance, turf care, landscaping, and irrigation
- Ability to safely operate and maintain maintenance equipment
- Strong commitment to safety and quality work
- Good communication and teamwork skills
- Problem-solver who can work independently or with a crew
- Availability to work weekends and holidays as needed
Other Requirements
- Valid driver's license and current vehicle insurance
Physical & Working Conditions
This is an active, hands-on role that includes:
- Lifting up to 50 lbs unassisted.
- Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and reaching.
- Working outdoors in all seasons and weather conditions.
- Exposure to loud equipment, chemicals, and varying temperatures.
The Crystal Lake Park District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Please click here for a listing of our benefits.