Parks Specialist (Landscape Maintenance)

Do you like working outdoors and leading others to accomplish a common goal? We are looking for someone who takes pride in maintaining beautiful green spaces, contributes to a strong team environment, and can guide the team to be our next Parks Specialist (Landscape Maintenance) to join the Horticulture & Forestry Crew for the Parks Maintenance Department.

This is more than a job, it’s an opportunity to grow your career and serve the community by maintaining the beautiful landscape, parks, and trails of Leawood.

WHY JOIN THE CITY OF LEAWOOD?

At the City of Leawood, we are guided by our core values of Service, Teamwork, Innovation, Culture of Support, and Transparency. As part of the Parks Maintenance team, you’ll work alongside dedicated professionals in a supportive environment where your contributions are valued, and your work has a direct impact on the community. You’ll have opportunities to lead others, operate equipment, and grow your career within Parks Maintenance.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Lead the team and actively participate in responsibilities to:
  • plant flowers, shrubs, and seasonal vegetation
  • prune trees, shrubs, and other vegetation to maintain healthy growth and appearance
  • weed flower beds, garden areas, and landscaped areas
  • water plants, lawns, and other vegetation as needed
• Perform general grounds maintenance to keep outdoor areas clean, safe, and well-kept
• Operate landscaping tools and equipment safely and effectively
• Assist with minor repairs or upkeep of outdoor facilities and walkways

WHAT YOU BRING

• Demonstrated leadership and strong communication skills
• Ability to lead, coordinate and plan tasks for other staff members to meet expectations.
• Strong work ethic and dependable attendance
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Team-first mindset with a commitment to safety and positive attitude
• Pride in producing quality work that serves the community

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Eight (8) years of experience in parks maintenance, or equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities as determined by the Director of Parks, Recreation, and Arts
• At least one (1) Parks Technical Certification, such as Certified Park & Recreation Professional, Commercial Pesticide Applicator, Certified Playground Safety Inspector, Certified Snow Professional, Certified Arborist, Certified Landscape Technician, or equivalent certification from an accredited agency and approved by the Parks Superintendent
• Ability to perform physically demanding work, including lifting, bending, and standing for extended periods
• Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with air brakes and tanker endorsements

PREFERRED, BUT NOT REQUIRED

• Ten (10) years of experience in parks maintenance, or equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities as determined by the Director of Parks, Recreation, and Arts
• Two (2) or more Parks Technical Certifications, such as Certified Park & Recreation Professional, Commercial Pesticide Applicator, Certified Playground Safety Inspector, Certified Snow Professional, Certified Arborist, Certified Landscape Technician, or equivalent certification from an accredited agency and approved by the Parks Superintendent

SCHEDULE & WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Typical schedule: Monday – Friday, 6:30 AM – 3:00 PM
• Overtime opportunities may occur during peak work periods, snow/ice events, or emergency response
• Work is performed outdoors in all weather conditions
• This is a physically active, hands-on role with a team that relies on each other every day

PAY & BENEFITS

• Starting Rate of Pay: $24.47 - $25.20 hourly, depending on qualifications
• Retirement options: Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS) and 457(b) options
• Insurance benefits: begins the first day of the month after hire date
• Paid Time Off: vacation, sick, and personal leave plus holidays

Accepting Applications through July 13, 2026