The Highlands Ranch Metro District is seeking applicants for the Mow Crew position in the Parks Maintenance section. This position performs a variety of unskilled and semi-skilled tasks in the maintenance and operations of buildings, grounds, parks, open space, and forestry. The technician is expected to have basic working knowledge of mowing operations or exhibit appropriate development of essential duties and responsibilities within six months of job attainment.

The District is a great place to work! We recognize the importance of a work/life balance and offer an outstanding benefits package which includes:

• Health Benefits - Employees have a choice of four different medical plan options, with dental and vision insurance included in addition to life insurance.
• Retirement - We support an employee's desire to save for retirement through a pension plan and a 457 deferred compensation plan.
• Paid Time Off - Enjoy nine paid holidays annually in addition to vacation time, personal leave, a three-level sick leave program and bereavement leave.
• Discounts - We have secured group discounts for employees on everything from legal assistance to cell phone bills.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Complies with District and industry related safety policies, procedures, and guidelines to ensure the safety of self, co-workers, park users and the community.
• Park related maintenance including, but not limited to; care of plant material, maintenance of park infrastructure, landscape projects, various equipment operation, minor construction projects, litter control, weed eradication, shelter and restroom cleaning, rule enforcement, snow removal, sidewalk sweeping, and assists with special events.
• Operate and maintain specialized equipment and tools as listed below under “Tools and Equipment Used.”
• Fundamental knowledge of plant care and associated maintenance, including the application of pesticides. 
• Assists other Sections as needed such as Facilities, Fleet, Open Space, Parkways, Recreation, Sports Fields, Forestry and Park Services.
• Fulfills alternate duties and responsibilities as required or assigned by Supervisor.

This position’s area of emphasis is Mowing, and the associated duties include, but not limited to:

• All aspects of mowing operations.
• Ensuring proper maintenance and care of mowing equipment.
• Driving truck and trailer combinations and adequately securing contents.
• Thoroughly train and monitor seasonal employees.
• Properly track and securely store all mowing related equipment.
• Maintain alert and awareness of park users and park programming.
• Assist in identifying, researching, and recommending mowing equipment replacements.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: 

Works under the direct supervision of the Parks Maintenance Supervisor and receives direction from Technicians II and III on projects and tasks as assigned.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Supervise seasonal or volunteer employees as required and directed. 

PERIPHERAL DUTIES:

Serves as a member of various employee committees, as assigned. 

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience: 

• High School Diploma or GED required with two years progressive experience in park maintenance or related area of emphasis.
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Working knowledge of equipment, materials, and supplies used in landscaping and grounds maintenance; working knowledge of equipment and supplies used to do minor repairs; working knowledge of first aid and applicable safety precautions.
• Skilled in the operation of listed tools and equipment.
• Work independently and complete daily activities according to work schedule.
• Lift heavy objects, walk and stand for long periods of time, and perform strenuous physical labor under adverse field conditions. 
• Effective and tactful verbal, and written communication skills. 
• Use equipment and tools properly and safely. 
• Understand, follow, and transmit written and verbal instructions. 
• Establish effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, and the public. 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must possess a valid State of Colorado driver's license or can obtain one prior to employment.
• Possession of a valid State of Colorado Pesticide Applicators license within six months of hire.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

High pressure washer, pruning tools, chain saw, chipper, trencher, pickup truck with automatic/manual transmission, trailers, and water truck. Lawn and landscape equipment including tractors, mowers, aerators, edgers, weed trimmers, two-cycle engines, seeders, sprayers, spreaders, utility vehicles, sweepers, plows, blowers, electric motors, pumps, sprinklers, irrigation systems, miscellaneous hand and power tools for turf maintenance, carpentry, painting, plumbing, electrical, and cement finishing work, valves, filtration devices, gauges, etc.

Office equipment such as desk phones, calculators, cell phones, tablets, copier/scanner/printer, web-based software, and personal computers. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb, or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and smell.

The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions and near moving mechanical parts. The employee frequently works in high, precarious places, and is exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes, or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to the risk of electrical shock.

The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

WORK SCHEDULE:

Generally, works between 6:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The work schedule will vary depending on weather conditions, projects, events, programs, meetings, and staffing levels, and will include some evening, early morning, weekend, and overtime hours. 

The employee must be able to be on 24-hour snow on call for a period of two weeks at least four times per year. The employee must be able to arrive at work within 60 minutes of notification. Potential exists to work 4-day, 10-hour shifts.

Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of the job.

SELECTION GUIDELINES: 

Formal application, rating of education and experience, face-to-face interview, reference check, and job-related tests may be required. 

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all conditions, duties and responsibilities or qualifications associated with the job. The omission of specific states of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all conditions, duties and responsibilities or qualifications associated with the job.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the District’s and requirements of the job change.

Pre-employment screening includes background check, drug screen (THC excluded) and motor vehicle record check.

ABOUT US

This is a special district serving the thriving, active community of Highlands Ranch with approximately 103,000 residents. We employ a variety of professionals in fields including public works, parks, forestry, finance, and recreation.

The Highlands Ranch Metro District, as the local government in our community, is committed to providing the following high-quality municipal services while managing resources wisely for Highlands Ranch such as; construction of major roads, installation and maintenance of landscaping and fences adjacent to major roads, installation of traffic signals and street lights on major roads, construction and maintenance of parks and trails, youth and adult outdoor recreation and sports programs, management and maintenance of extensive natural open space areas and so much more.

Posting will be available for at least two weeks/until filled.

Submit applications at highlandsranch.org/apply or if viewing from our career center, click "Apply" below.