This is skilled work that requires knowledge of grounds maintenance and construction. Work involves performing heavymanual labor, which requires the use of hand tools to assemble, install, and maintain equipment and city properties. Work is performed with some independence, with more unusual or difficult work being given greater direction and supervision by a foreman. Work is inspected by the supervisor while in progress and upon completion.

• Participates in the work of grounds maintenance and light construction work at a City park or other City-owned properties.
• Operates equipment such as trucks, tractors, slope mowers, front-end loaders and backhoes in park construction and maintenance activities.
• Uses small, power-operated equipment including mowers, edger, clippers and other associated equipment used in landscaping and grounds maintenance.
• Performs the more skilled gardening and pruning work.
• Involves all phases of landscape installation and maintenance; weeding and maintenance of plantings.
• Mixes and applies pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers.
• Cleans and makes minor repairs to equipment; performs routine maintenance on grounds equipment.
• Performs minor electrical, plumbing, mechanical and carpentry work.
• Performs various safety inspections as required.
• Checks and repairs automatic and mechanical sprinkler system clocks, valves and sprinkler heads.
• May be required to work overtime or alternate hours as necessary for the efficient operation of the department.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS:

• May serve as foreman when necessary.
• Position may be designated Mission Critical by Department Director.
• Performs related work as required.

• High school diploma from an accredited school or GED.
• Two (2) years of experience in general labor and grounds maintenance work.

An equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provide the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities and other competencies necessary for success in the target position.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to obtain Class "A" CDL with appropriate endorsements within six (6) months of employment.
• Must maintain a valid telephone number.
• May be required to possess a state of Florida Restricted Pesticide license.
• May be required to pass and maintain qualification for:
  • Respiratory Protection Physical
  • Pulmonary Function
  • Qualitative and Quantitative Fit Test(s)

• Knowledge of the tools and standard practices of labor operations.
• Knowledge of the operation principles and repair of grounds maintenance equipment, small engine repair and other equipment used in the construction and maintenance of a water/wastewater utility system.
• Ability to lay out and supervise the work of subordinate, unskilled or semi-skilled employees performing grounds construction and maintenance tasks.
• Ability to keep records, work from blueprints, shop drawings and sketches.
• Ability to understand and apply safe practices in the use of hand tools and power tools.
• Ability to detect problems related to plant and/or turf grass related problems.
• Ability to perform a variety of manual tasks and make minor repairs to broken equipment.
• Ability to perform heavy manual labor for prolonged periods, often under adverse weather conditions.
• Ability to apply preventative maintenance and service to motor vehicles and motorized equipment and to make minor adjustments to correct performance malfunctions in the field.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability and willingness to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, other City employees and the general public.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Requires heavy work that involves lifting, shoveling, walking or standing most of the time and carrying 35-50 pounds on a regular and recurring basis along with exerting up to 100 pounds of force on a frequent basis.
• The job risks exposure to bright/dim light, wet or humid conditions, disease, pathogens, extreme noise levels, traffic, toxic/caustic chemicals, fumes, noxious odors, moving machinery, heights, dusts, pollen, extreme cold and heat.
• The job requires normal visual acuity, field of vision, hearing, speaking, color perception, sense of smell, depth perception and texture perception.

All City of Lakeland positions are subject to testing (e.g. written, oral, performance, computerized, interview, and/or any combination). Candidates selected for testing will be notified via email or telephone. Please check your e-mail and telephone messages regularly, including "junk" folders. Test times and locations to be announced.

THE CITY OF LAKELAND IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/EQUAL ACCESS EMPLOYER AND A DRUG FREE WORKPLACE