TEMPORARY GROUNDS MAINTENANCE WORKER

NATURE OF POSITION

Perform a variety of grounds maintenance work to improve, expand, and maintain City parks, cemetery, and golf locations; plant, spray, fertilize, prune, irrigate and maintain lawns, plants, trees, shrubs, and landscaped areas; clean and perform minor maintenance of buildings and other park features; and assist with other grounds maintenance projects.   

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

General direction and oversight is provided by the Park Maintenance Supervisor; daily oversight by Ground Maintenance Worker III – Lead.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Employees of the City of Walla Walla are expected to model and foster the City’s core values:  Service - Integrity - Collaboration - Equity - Leadership - Community
2. Perform a variety of grounds keeping duties including raking, weeding, trimming trees, fertilizing, and cutting down or transplanting trees and shrubs; edge landscaped areas using weed eaters and tractors; aerate and sweep park, cemetery, and golf areas.
3. Perform landscaping and beautification activities around City buildings and grave sites; maintain flower beds and vegetation; pull weeds and ensure proper irrigation. 
4. Perform a variety of grave site preparation activities for funeral services; open and close graves; set up tents, chairs, and other items for services; provide assistance to funeral directors as necessary. 
5. Assist in the installation, repair, replacement, and service to irrigation systems; inspect functioning of sprinklers and report malfunctioning sprinkler systems to appropriate personnel; assist in winterizing irrigation systems as directed.
6. Clean and sanitize public restrooms; pick up litter and empty trash receptacles for City grounds, parks, cemetery, and golf areas; blow sidewalks clear of debris; move picnic tables as required; inspect and notify appropriate personnel of safety hazards and repair needs. 
7. Assist applying pesticides and herbicides according to established procedures. 
8. Perform and assist with minor and preventive maintenance and repair work on equipment and facilities, including painting. 
9. Maintain routine records of work performed, including labor, equipment usage, preventive maintenance and needed repairs.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Demonstrate punctual, regular, and reliable attendance which is essential for successful job performance.
2. Present a positive, professional image; maintain cooperative and effective working relationships; assure excellent customer service with internal and external customers. Act as an ambassador for park and public space users within the City of Walla Walla; answer questions and provide information of City services, events, and areas of interest.
3. Execute assignments, projects and job responsibilities efficiently and within defined timeframes; work independently and effectively with little direction.
4. Demonstrate good judgment and employ critical thinking to execute duties, identify issues, seek solutions, and recommend improvements in support of departmental goals.
5. Provide assistance to staff and higher-level management; participate in resolving operational or interpersonal concerns; participate in training, meetings, and on committees as assigned.
6. Respect the value of diversity in the workplace and the community.
7. Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Methods, tools, and materials used in cultivating and maintaining landscapes in parks, cemeteries, ballfields and golf courses, and related areas.
• Basic grounds maintenance procedures including mowing, edging, raking, and weeding. 
• Operation and maintenance of hand and power tools and equipment used in grounds keeping. 
• Cultivating, fertilizing, watering, and spraying of flowers, trees, and shrubs. 
• Basic maintenance and repair of irrigation systems. 
• Proper methods of storing equipment, materials, and supplies.
• Health and safety regulations. 
• Learn basic local cemetery codes and regulations.
• Utilize tools and equipment used in grounds maintenance work.
• Operate a computer and understand the software programs required to enter payroll, use email, enter work orders, and use the Internet.
• Operate light power and mechanical equipment used in the care and maintenance of grave sites, trees, shrubs, and landscaped areas.
• Utilize herbicides, pesticides, and other sprays in a safe and effective manner.
• Maintain records as required. 
• Perform first aid and CPR according to established guidelines.
• Effectively work in a team environment, contribute openly, respectfully disagree, understand the ideas of others, listen well and work for consensus.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Operate and maintain a variety of grounds maintenance equipment and tools as assigned, including backhoe, tractor, five-yard dump truck, rototiller, aerator, sod cutter, pruner, clipper, snow blower, casket hoist, and small hand and power tools. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Sitting and standing for extended periods of time; seeing , hearing and speaking to exchange information; intermittently stand, walk, kneel down, stoop, bend at the waist and lift heavy objects; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a variety of specialized grounds equipment and power and hand tools; reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally; standing for extended periods of time; walking over rough or uneven surfaces; digging; carrying, pushing, and pulling grounds maintenance equipment; perform heavy physical labor. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Outdoor environment; subject to driving a vehicle to conduct work; subject to seasonal weather and adverse weather conditions; dust, dirt, chemical fumes, and pollen; working around and with machinery having moving parts.

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Must be 18 years of age by date of hire; and possess valid driver’s license and good driving record.  Some experience in maintaining grounds and facilities, farm and/or harvest labor acceptable. Previous irrigation experience helpful.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bilingual in Spanish.