Playground Safety Inspector Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Supervises: Grounds Department Personnel

Function / Position Summary

The primary purpose of this position is to assist in the management of the day-to-day operations of the grounds department under the supervision of the Coordinator of Grounds. This person is responsible for assisting with the supervision of staff, long term scheduling, the snow and ice management plan, landscape and snow plowing contracts, Plant Operations fleet maintenance, project bidding and coordination of subcontracted work, athletic field and stadium maintenance, and the overall upkeep of facility exteriors.

Job Duties / Responsibilities

• Review work orders assigned to the grounds department, determine priority status, assign to the appropriate staff and verify completion.
• Inform the Coordinator of Grounds and Building Administrator(s) of the status of completed and outstanding work orders.
• Monitor the computerized preventive maintenance program as it pertains to the grounds department. Update the program for any new assets or required preventive maintenance work orders with any new equipment purchased
• Respond promptly to quality concern issues.
• Assist in the department's safety inspections of all playground equipment, including conducting routine inspections and ensuring accurate documentation of inspection records.
• Assist in the development and maintain the district's herbicide treatment contract, maintain the department's supply of herbicides, and ensure compliance of those associated laws.
• Assist in the documentation and maintenance of standard operating procedures and grounds records.
• Assist with executing the ice and snow management plan, perform routine inspections to verify the quality of work, and ensure that schools are ready to open during a snow event and that parking lots, sidewalks, and walkways are safe for staff and students.
• Prepare cost benefit analysis for equipment and services.
• Assist with the vehicle, equipment, and trailer inventory as well the age and obsolescence report for the district vehicles. Ensure accurate records of district vehicle safety inspections, as well as the safety lane certificates for equipment as required.
• Evaluate, supervise, and train grounds employees and assist in the onboarding and evaluation of all newly hired staff.
• Assist in the management of athletic fields and facilities (including stadiums) in the district.
• Assist in the supervision of the district wide plan for asphalt repair and maintenance.
• Assist in the management of landscape services contract and the snow plowing contract. Be in direct communication with the vendor(s) in the absence of the Coordinator of Grounds.
• Assist in the management of grounds department vacation schedules and leaves of absence.
• Read and interpret plans, technical manuals, diagrams, blue prints, and specifications.
• Plan, coordinate, and supervise assigned activities and special projects.
• Enforce district policies, procedures, work rules, performance standards, and codes of conduct among assigned employees.
• Maintain accurate SDS records in the district's preferred system while performing periodic audits and verifying compliance with grounds related products.
• Performs other related duties as assigned. 

Education

• Associate's Degree in Business, Horticulture, General Construction, Arboriculture, or a related discipline, or a combination of education and experience. Any combination of education, training, and/or experience which demonstrates ability to perform the required duties.
• Illinois Pesticide Applicator's license or must obtain within 12 months of employment.
• National Recreation and Park Association's Certified Playground Safety Inspector's certification or must obtain within 12 months of employment.

Experience / Knowledge

• Minimum of three years of related experience in grounds and turf maintenance, including three years of supervisory experience.
• Athletic field, wastewater management experience preferred.
• Strong people management skills are preferred.
• Ability to ensure the proper use of all equipment.
• Must display excellent problem solving and people management skills.
• Must display responsible and professional leadership.
• Ability to interview, train, motivate, and communicate objectives with all personnel.
• Ability to set goals and establish methods for achieving them.
• Must hold a valid driver's license.
• Ability to review and evaluate operating procedures and recommend improvements.
• Strong ability to provide a very high level of customer service to stakeholders.

Physical Demands

• Ability to work in a very fast paced environment.
• Ability to work long hours as needed.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds.
• Ability to meet the physical demands required of the staff that this position supervises.

Terms of Employment

• This is a 12-month position.  Salary and benefits as established by the Board of Education.
• The salary range for this position is $60,243.00 - $90,353.00.  Our typical practice is to hire in between the minimum and midpoint $75,298.00.
• Benefit / Pension eligible, see attachment.