Park Operations Technician

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Park Operations Technicians assist in the daily maintenance of all parks, including but not limited to mowing, athletic field preparation, turfgrass maintenance, playground maintenance, litter and trash pickup, hiking trail maintenance, truck and trailer operation, and fence repair.

This is a full-time, benefit-eligible position.

Must have reliable transportation.

JOB DESCRIPTION

SUMMARY

Park Operations Technicians carry out front-line work to provide safe, clean, and well-maintained parks that deliver fun, healthy, and outstanding park experiences, connecting the community with the outdoors. The ideal candidate will possess the skills and competencies necessary for athletic field preparation and turfgrass management, supporting high-quality playing surfaces and park amenities.

GOALS & OBJECTIVES

• Meet the care and maintenance expectations of community residents.
• Conduct maintenance activities in the most time and cost-effective manner possible.
• Provide input and recommendations for improvements to parks, amenities, and processes.
• Innovate and initiate better methods for conducting park and facility maintenance tasks.
• Contribute to create a collaborative work environment within the agency.
• Continually review park facility functions, including routine maintenance, park improvements, and visitor safety.

SPECIFIC DUTIES & EXPECTATIONS

• Coordinates schedule and prepares park shelter facilities for reserved group use.
• Assists with all aspects of day-to-day park operations as needed.
• Assists with the implementation of the strategic plan for the Park District.
• Direct involvement with technical applications such as sign construction and repair, woodworking, operation of power tools, and vehicle/equipment maintenance.
• Coordinates park improvement projects performed by staff or contractors.

GENERAL DUTIES & EXPECTATIONS

• Organizes and carries out necessary, routine maintenance and facility tasks.
• Become proficient in the operation of all applicable maintenance equipment.

REQUIRED SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Candidates with a degree or pursuing a career in Turfgrass or Sportsfield Management, Horticulture, Arboriculture, or Natural Resource Management preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of athletic field layout, preparation, and maintenance for baseball, soccer, lacrosse, and football facilities.
• Proficient in operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting a wide range of grounds maintenance equipment, including mowers, tractors, drags, and utility vehicles.
• Skilled in turfgrass management practices, including field conditioning, mowing, irrigation, and seasonal care.
• Ability to assess field and site conditions and make sound, timely decisions regarding safety and playability.
  
• A high school diploma with exceptional experience in turfgrass management, irrigation, or general park maintenance will also be considered.
• Willingness and ability to learn to perform a wide range of operations and maintenance tasks.
• Ability to operate a variety of power hand tools safely and properly.
• Ability to work with minimum supervision.
• Continue education by attending workshops, seminars, etc. when offered.
• Ability to maintain accurate and legible records.
• Ability to work well with others and as part of a team.
• Be able to read, write, and follow oral and written instructions.
• Pass a pre-employment drug test, physical examination and background check.
• Be insurable by park district insurance to operate vehicles, if applicable.

JOB FIT

• Job requires outdoor work in all types of weather.
• Communicate and enforce park rules and regulations to park users.
• Frequently, tasks are performed in dirty, dusty and wet environs.
• Required to lift objects 50 lbs. or more repeatedly.
• Correct inappropriate conduct.
• Function as a part of a productive and supportive team.
• Implementation of best management and industry practices.

IDEAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Undertakes jobs, tasks, or similar actions without being asked.
• Volunteers to take on additional or new tasks.
• Gets additional training and education that results in direct benefit to the park system.
• Willingness to work with different supervisors and different departments on a daily basis.
• Maintains a positive attitude.
• Works independently with minimal errors and defects, and infrequent need to rework task.
• Accomplishes task within time and budget allocated.
• Provides timely reports and project updates.
• Remembers instructions of job tasks without repeated instruction.
• Organizes and checks work to meet required standards or objectives.
• Properly documents all aspects of responsibility (i.e. programs or maintenance records).
• Is a self-starter but also seeks supervisory assistance and guidance when necessary.
• Thoroughly and accurately accomplishes job duties.
• Makes appropriate independent decisions. Takes initiative to act when needed.
• Contributes new ideas or improved methods to the work process.
• Volunteers information that is helpful to others.
• Complies with safety standards developed by the Park District.
• Is well organized and maintains effective methods for working efficiently.

Salary : $21 - $32