Description

Job Purpose:

The Parks & Planning Landscape Assistant serves as a primary resource for the mowing and trimming of turf in non-sports field spaces throughout the Park District system.
Essential Functions:

In order to effectively perform the functions of this position, the Landscape Assistant shall assume the following responsibilities and associated duties:

Facility Management/Programming
Implements turf maintenance practices for non-sports field areas in all parks and/or facilities.
Assists Parks & Planning Department with turf and sports field maintenance as needed

Communication/Coordination
Works with a crew to maintain the non-sports field areas throughout the park system
Communicates needed improvements to supervisor
Coordinates with Park District Sports Field crews to ensure consistent quality turf throughout park system

Employee Management
Uses, operates, and maintains turf management tools in proper and safe manner
Becomes familiar with the personnel policies and manual of the Park District in order to facilitate routine day-to-day human resource matters

Risk Management
Completes accident and incident reports in a timely manner
Promotes an environment of safe work habits and active participation in the Park District’s risk management and safety programs
Maintains a complete actionable understanding of the Park District’s emergency action plans (EAPs); acts as a leader (as assigned) in the execution of EAPs when required
Additional Functions:
Participates in Parks & Planning special projects, programs, and activities
Performs other tasks as assigned

Qualifications

Required:

• Minimum high school graduate or equivalent, preferred experience in Horticulture or related field, or 3 years’ experience as landscaper, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Broad knowledge of turf management practices
• Must have valid driver's license with a good record. This position is subject to pre-employment, post-accident/injury and random drug testing.
• Ability to maintain multiple projects in a dynamic environment
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills
• Strong sense of self-motivation and independent work habits
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and problem solve
• Certification in advanced Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), First Aid and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) within 1 month of employment and keep certification current. The District provides this training.
• Ability to operate medium and light turf management machinery

Work Environment, Physical Demands and Considerations

• Frequently – Sitting, walking, standing, reaching
• Occasionally – Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crawling
• Strength – Work requires digging and handling heavy weight (up to 50lbs. over 50lbs with assistance) materials or equipment, with or without accommodations
• May be exposed to chemicals such as cleaning materials, acids, glues, chlorine, fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides
• Will be exposed to inclement weather including extreme heat, sun, humidity, cold, rain, snow, ice, and wind
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) is required as it pertains to the particular job duty, including: safety goggles, glasses, face shields, steel tip work boots, protective rubber or leather gloves, hard hat, paint spray respirator, protective suits and outer wear, and back brace
• Some exposure to noise, dust, fumes, elevation, and confined spaces
• Ability to present ideas and recommendations in a concise verbal and written manner
• Ability to maintain effective audio-visual and perception needed for making observations, communicating with others, reading and writing, and operating assigned equipment
• Math skills including measuring, calculating, and estimating
• Ability to interpret and explain Park District and department policies, practices, and procedures
• Demonstrated safety awareness and judgment in all aspects of responsibility

Customers:
Internal: Park District staff and Board of Park Commissioners
External: Park District residents of Oak Park and users of PDOP park spaces

Hours: Approximately 30 hours per week March through November. 10 hours per week December-February, below 1000 hours annually
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, functions or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, functions, activities or responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.
The Park District of Oak Park is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer!