Parks and Grounds Specialist

Department: Park Services                                                                        Full-time: Hourly - Non-exempt

Position Description

The Park Specialist performs duties as assigned by the Park Supervisor. General responsibilities include, but not limited to performing skilled tasks related to maintaining the aesthetic appearance of district parks, landscape construction and park maintenance. Responsibilities may include other parks and grounds tasks.  Works efficiently and productively without direct supervision. This is an at-will position.

Essential Responsibilities

• Performs routine and preventive maintenance and repairs to district lands, facilities and equipment and other park district property as needed. Areas include but not limited to the following:
  • Turf, including aerification, overseeding, fertilization, renovation and pesticide application
  • Flower beds, trees, shrubs and natural areas
  • Irrigation systems
  • Playgrounds
  • Walks and parking lots including snow removal
  • Athletic fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, ice rinks and other sports facilities, and
  • Miscellaneous park amenities
• Applies pesticides and herbicides
• Installs, maintains and repairs general landscape improvements as directed.
• Assists General Trades Specialist and other staff with maintenance and construction of the following:
  • Pavements (asphalt, concrete and brick, etc.), buildings, plumbing, carpentry, electrical and lighting, furnaces, ducts, pipe lines, waterlines, shelters, benches, playground equipment, signs, fencing, plastering, drywall, painting, roofing and flooring.
• Performs project management by completing the following:
  • Researches and procures supplies and materials, creating a cost estimate for various projects.
  • Leads and instructs crew, which may include full time, part time, and seasonal staff.
  • Evaluates, plans, prioritizes and directs tasks simultaneously to complete project.
  • Completes inspections, reports and records.
  • Completes vandalism removal as needed or required.
• Inspects and operates vehicles, tools and equipment to perform maintenance tasks including high-risk machines and tools, which require strict safety precautions (skid steer, backhoe, saws, drills, testers, etc.)
  • Trains others in the safe and effective use of high-risk machines to include those listed above and other equipment particular to park maintenance. 
• Removes trash, litter and other debris from parks
• Provides feedback and assists in long-range Park Service Department planning.

• Proficient in Parks Specialist I responsibilities, performing those duties and essential functions as needed.
• Supports DTPD’s Mission statement, by providing excellent service to the community by ensuring our parks are well maintained and litter free.

• Completes all additional duties as prescribed by management.
• Assists other Park District employees when needed.

Marginal Functions

Other non-essential duties as assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities, may instruct others for task management.

Communication & Customer Service

• Develops and maintains positive and effective working relationships with coworkers.
• Provides excellent customer service to both internal and external customers.
• Ensures that matters of importance are shared to supervisor in a timely manner.
• Solicits feedback and actively listens to subordinates, peers and patrons. 
• Makes recommendations for improvements and efficiencies.
• Attends meetings and participates on teams as required.

• Represents the Dundee Township Park District in a professional manner.

Safety & Risk Management

• Maintains a working knowledge of all general and departmental-specific safety rules.
• Immediately reports all accidents and unsafe conditions to the supervisor.
• Cooperates and assists in the investigation of accidents.
• Attends all required safety program and in-service education meetings.
• Treats public complaints and concerns with the utmost attention.  Is courteous in all cases.
• Pays strict attention to housekeeping of work area(s) and general facility.

• Must be able to use personal protective equipment based on job specific tasks, which may include, but is not limited to, the following: Safety goggles/glasses, earplugs, ear covers, appropriate work boots, protective gloves, helmets/hard hats, masks.

Qualifications

• Educations: Minimal High School Diploma or equivalent experience
• Experience: 3-5 years’ experience in related field
• Licensures: Pesticide’s Operator’s License or ability to obtain in 90 days. Driver’s license
• Certifications and/or Memberships: NA
• Experience with large commercial mowers and 60-72” Zero turn mowers as well as tractors, string trimmers and other landscaping equipment preferred. 

• Ability to read, understand operations manuals.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of park maintenance, grounds maintenance, turf management, vehicle and equipment maintenance and repair.
• Excellent customer service skills; verbal communication skills and listening skills.
• Bilingual a plus.
• Valid Driver's License.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Good physical condition, sufficient strength, and mobility required.
• Mechanical aptitude required, including the use of tools, equipment.
• Reading, writing, speaking and understanding English language.
• Possess troubleshooting skills.
• Capacity to act rationally and calmly in high stress and/or emergencies.
• Ability to pay attention to detail.  
• Ability to execute the essential functions of the position without reasonable accommodation.

Hours Standards

This is a full time year round non-exempt position.

• Work hours are between 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

• Weekend or holiday hours may be required as well as extended hours as needed.