Description
Park Maintenance Specialist-Natural Resources-Full Time
Requirements
JOB SUMMARYUnder the supervision of the Natural Resources, Horticulture & Turf Manager, or designated supervisor, perform day-to-day restoration and management of naturalized areas and assisting with landscaping and turf maintenance when needed. This position requires 90% fieldwork in the out-of-doors.
Full Time Benefits
• Full Time employees, and family members living in their household, receive a FREE membership to our Lifestyles Fitness Center and the Pelican Harbor Aquatic Park.
• Full Time employees, and their family members living in their household, receive 50% discount on eligible programs.
• Participation in our mandatory pension fund with IMRF-Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund.
• Life insurance is paid by the park district.
• Optional Medical insurance from 5% to 15% of cost, depending on selections.
• Optional Dental & Vision Insurance at 15% of cost, depending on selections.
• Paid Vacation, Sick, and Personal Time (PT for Hourly staff only).
• 10 Paid Holidays (includes 1 floating holiday)
• Optional Supplemental Insurances: Life, Accident, Critical Care, Cancer, Hospital, and Whole Life available during open enrollment.
• FSA Healthcare & Dependent Care
• 457 Retirement Plan (Security Benefits Group & Nationwide)
• Free CPR/AED Training & Certification.
• Employee Recognition Program
• Access to Employee Self-Service Payroll & Timekeeping portals.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & TRAINING
High school diploma or equivalent. Degree in related field preferred.
Have at least two years' experience in a wide variety of manual labor activities.
Must be licensed by the State of Illinois as a certified pesticide operator or become certified within 6 months of hiring.
Must have a Chicago Wilderness burn certificate or become certified within 6 months of hiring.
Valid driver's license is required and the ability to drive a truck & trailer is preferred.
Class C non CLD driver's license or ability to obtain within 6 months of hiring.
Must be able to carry 50 lbs. for 25 yards
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
A reasonable mechanical aptitude and interest in machinery and equipment used to maintain parks and natural areas, including herbicide packs, mowers, hedge trimmers, string trimmers, chippers, etc.
Ability to properly identify native and invasive woody and herbaceous species in natural areas.
Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions.
Ability to use assorted hand tools such as, but not limited to rakes, shovels, hand saws, pole saws pruners, etc.
Ability to understand and follow both oral and written directions
Ability to work in all types of weather
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Essential Duties
Perform ecological restoration through brush/tree removal and invasive species management
Conduct prescribed burns of naturalized areas
Perform maintenance of landscaping
Planting trees, shrubs, and plugs; installing seed
Mowing, edging, and trimming trails
Maintain the community gardens and Nature Play area
Spray herbicide with backpack sprayers & through mechanical application
Safely operate mechanical restoration equipment (brush cutters, chainsaws, skid steer pruners, etc.) as assigned
Watering and weeding gardens & natural areas
Tree felling and pruning
Maintain vehicle, tools, and equipment and report any need for repairs to your direct supervisor
Abide by the Bolingbrook Park District dress code for your area
Perform all job tasks within the rules and guidelines of the Park District's safety program
Work as a Team Player with co-workers and in conjunction with other departments
Marginal Duties:
Maintain and repair gravel and asphalt trails and pathways as directed
Remove trash from natural areas and along trails
Native seed collection, installation and processing
Remove snow from walks, drives, lots and trails
Assist with volunteer workdays
Attend staff meetings and in-service training sessions
Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Walking: to apply herbicides, pick up trash, mow and/or trim grass
Standing: to watch over prescribed burns
Sitting: to drive or ride in a vehicle; or while mowing grass
Lifting: to lift and carry 50 lbs. for 25 yards while loading materials onto truck
Climbing: to climb ladder while trimming trees, to climb into the bed of vehicles
Pulling: to remove weeds; drag branches, rake leaves or fields and to open doors
Pushing: to mow grass, close doors and shovel snow
Stooping/Bending: to pick up litter
Seeing: to drive a vehicle, mower or other vehicle. Also, to obtain information from written materials
Will be required to use a variety of hand tools, power tools, and maintenance equipment.
Will be exposed to all types of weather conditions.
Will be exposed to poison ivy and biting or stinging insects.
Will be exposed to smoke during prescribed burns.
COGNITIVE CONSIDERATIONS
Must have the ability to read and write in English and organize materials. Ability to drive a vehicle, construction equipment or powered lawn equipment. Must be able to relate to other people in a professional manner. Must exhibit good safety awareness and judgement.
FLSA
This is a full time, hourly, non-exempt position.
IMRF
This position is required to participate in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund.
HOURS
Generally 6:30am - 3:00pm, Monday through Friday, but hours may change due to work load, special events or weather. May be required to work weekends. If changes occur, you will be notified by manager. On call evenings and weekends for seasonal snow removal.
