Parks Operations Technician

Position Information

Current Title                                  Parks Operations Technician

Department                                    Community Services

Division                                          Parks

FLSA                                              Non-Exempt       

Job Summary

Under the direction of management, the employee performs duties relating to the preparation and maintenance of parks, pavilions, and city facilities. Assesses and maintains city playgrounds and similar features. Spearheads park projects as directed. Must be available to work evenings and weekends as assigned for maintenance, on-call rotation, and special events. The position may require overtime.

Essential Job Functions

1. Verifies high-quality work is completed for every task and provides constructive feedback when changes or enhancements need to be made.
2. Leads, supervises, and assists crewmembers in daily work duties. Coordinates and assigns daily work duties to staff as needed or in the Supervisor’s absence. Schedules weekend maintenance as needed.
3. Leads park inspections to ensure the safety of the public and park facilities; notes possible hazards or causes of injury and reacts accordingly; performs general maintenance and repair as required.
4. Maintains park restrooms and grounds, including litter and trash removal.
5. Inspects, repairs, and maintains park playgrounds and other amenities.
6. Cleans, maintains, operates, and inspects specialized and heavy equipment required in the upkeep and operation of the areas of responsibility. Cleans and maintains equipment and tools.
7. Performs special projects, including repairing, updating, constructing, and installing items at parks and other facilities.  
8. Communicates with multiple operations supervisors to coordinate programming and special events.
9. Coordinates special projects involving construction, maintenance, or other areas related to park and playground maintenance and athletics; works with assigned crews to ensure proper workmanship and materials are used.
10. Completes necessary paperwork and reports, including work orders. Provides input regarding hiring and disciplinary actions.
11. Documents and reports estimated damage to parks and facilities; participates in emergency response and clean-up.
12. Provides on-call services for the City on a rotational basis.
13. Adheres to Hurst’s Code of Ideals and The Hurst Way. Fosters positive employee relations and employee morale on a City-wide basis.
14. Performs related duties as directed when such duties are logical and appropriate.
15. Regular and timely attendance is required for this position.
16. Interacts professionally and respectfully with the public, coworkers, and others during daily work.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Basic computer skills, including email correspondence, spreadsheets, and presentations.
• Knowledge of the common practices, requirements, inspections, and laws or standards required to inspect and maintain playgrounds.
• Knowledge of small engines, basic carpentry, plumbing, painting, basic gardening, landscape techniques, and related standards and safety procedures.
• Knowledge of water fountain installation and maintenance.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to follow safety procedures.
• Ability to work and communicate effectively orally and in writing with City personnel and the public.
• Ability to orally direct guests and staff in emergency and non-emergency situations.
• Ability to work under time pressures and meet deadlines, multi-task, be flexible with frequent changes in tasks, and effectively resolve situations with disgruntled persons.

Minimum Education, Certification, and Experience Requirements

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required; an associate’s degree is preferred.
• One year of experience in park ground maintenance, including playground safety.
• Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job's essential functions.

• Must have a valid Texas driver’s license with an acceptable driving record as defined by City policy. 
• Candidate must have a personal electronic device capable of making and receiving phone calls and sending and receiving text messages. The City incorporates reimbursement for the business usage of the personal electronic device into the hourly rate.
• Previous experience in a municipal government or public agency setting is preferred. 
• Must have regular and punctual attendance, reliable transportation, and flexibility to work evenings and weekends.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screen.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Playground Safety Inspector certification
• Texas Department of Agriculture Applicator’s License 
• Irrigation experience 

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

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

While performing the essential functions of this position, the employee is regularly required to perform strenuous physical activity, including pushing, pulling, bending, stooping, reaching, lifting, twisting, standing, and walking for extended periods in adverse conditions, including extreme heat, cold, moisture, dust, and fumes, at various heights, and in confined spaces. This position requires occasionally lifting and/or moving up to 80 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision to distinguish when working with chemicals, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Fine dexterity with fingers and hands is required to handle items and operate equipment.

While performing the essential functions of this position, the employee is subjected to extreme heat, sun, or inclement weather, as most work is performed outdoors.

Disclaimer

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work the person assigned to this position performs. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of required responsibilities, duties, and skills. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the employer's needs and the job requirements change.