What are the responsibilities and job description for the Parks Maintenance Caretaker - Cemetery - Seasonal 8 months position at City of Yakima?
Salary
$2,969.20 - $3,539.47 Monthly
Location
Yakima, WA
Job Type
Full-time
Department
Public Works
Division
Cemetery
Opening Date
05/28/2026
Closing Date
6/11/2026 4:00 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit
AFSCME
Overview And Minimum Class Requirements
Tahoma Cemetery needs a grounds maintenance caretaker who takes pride in detailed outdoor work and understands the importance of creating a peaceful environment for families visiting their loved ones. This is a permanent position scheduled to work Monday - Friday, 6:00 AM - 2:30 PM, for the months of April through October. Work may be required on a Saturday, and all cemetery staff works Memorial Day weekend.
Minimum Requirements
Must be at least 16 and have reliable transportation. Must have 6 months experience with lawn, grounds maintenance, and/or custodial work. Must pass background investigation regarding applicant’s aptitude, character, judgement, credit, driving record and criminal history.
Licenses, Registrations And/Or Certificates
Must possess and maintain a valid Washington State Driver’s License.
Job Summary
Under the general supervision, and the direction of the Parks Operations Supervisor, performs and/or assists with a variety of unskilled and semi-skilled tasks in the care, operation, maintenance, repair and beautification of various city parks and facilities, including but not limited to the Harman Center, Fisher Golf Course and Tahoma Cemetery. May perform tasks and assignments independently or as part of a maintenance crew in park and facility maintenance operations. Work is seasonal, and requires physical strength and dexterity to utilize a variety of hand and power tools.
Essential Functions
Performs and/or assists with general grounds maintenance activities including but not limited to: litter control; leaf and debris removal; graffiti removal; cleaning and sanitizing restrooms and buildings; and trash removal in various parks and other City owned locations. Uses hand and power tools to perform a variety of maintenance duties which may include cleaning, painting, minor construction or repair. May provide basic assistance with plumbing or electrical issues to skilled workers.
Operates a variety of power and hand mowing equipment, edgers, weed eaters and trim mowers to maintain turf in public parks, cemetery, sports fields and golf courses. May apply fertilizers with the use of power and hand-operated equipment. Performs activities such as mowing, weeding, planting, excavating trenches, and assists with pruning trees, annuals, perennials and shrubs.
May operates and drive park vehicles and equipment including front loader, aerator, rototiller, pick-up trucks, tandem axle trailers, tractors.
Safely drives and operates vehicle, trucks and other motorized equipment to perform required duties in a variety of locations, within a timely and efficient manner and adhering to all traffic laws and regulations.
May assist in the cleaning, maintenance and/or painting of swimming pools. May assist with maintenance of wading pools and spray toys. May assist with the installation, maintenance and/or repair of playgrounds and other park equipment.
May mow and sweep using large gang, multi-deck rotary and reel mowers, trim mowers, sweepers and hand mowers as needed.
May assist with a variety of gravesite preparation activities for funeral services, including but not limited to: digging trenches; opening and closing graves; setting up awnings or chairs for service; and assisting with setting temporary or permanent monuments.
May assist with set-up of other special events as necessary.
Provides continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality customer service.
Requires regular, reliable and punctual attendance.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Major Worker Characteristics
Knowledge of City of Yakima rules, regulations, policies and procedures, federal, state and local traffic laws, rules and regulations, with ability to drive safely and efficiently.
General knowledge of basic grounds keeping practices and the operation of grounds maintenance tools, vehicles and equipment. Knowledge of safe and appropriate use of hand and power tools and park maintenance vehicles and equipment. Ability to: apply fertilizers in accordance with personal and environmental safety precautions; understand mechanical applications and to learn operations requiring mechanical aptitude.
Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively, with employees and members of the public representing diverse education and background, utilizing well developed communication skills, both written and oral, with appropriate use of English, including but not limited to correct grammar and vocabulary. Ability to follow verbal and written instruction.
Ability to drive and operate vehicles and attachments; equipment and tools with precision, speed, and safety. Ability to possess a valid WA State driver’s license and perform strenuous physical work. Ability to consistently work safely and in compliance with the federal, state and local regulations, laws, policies and standards. Ability to recognize traffic hazards and other potential safety concerns and to make sound decisions and actions while operating vehicles, tools and machinery.
Must be dependable; able to work independently and as a team player; be self-directed, highly motivated, organized and skilled at meeting deadlines; have a sense of urgency to complete tasks in a timely manner. Must possess ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities and demands.
Ability to establish, facilitate, and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public; to consistently and continually demonstrate tact, diplomacy, and respect to individuals, groups and organizations representing a wide diversity of ethnicities, cultures, opinions, and beliefs; Ability to positively receive feedback and take direction is essential.
Physical Demands
Work will require driving and/or traveling to a variety of locations and is primarily done outside with exposure to all weather extremes, be exposed to insects, animals, stings/bites, pollen, dust, noxious odors, mud, water, needles, drug paraphernalia and/or toxic chemicals. Capacity for sustained attention to functioning machinery and equipment. Physical strength and ability sufficient to perform heavy manual labor for extended periods under wet, cold, and generally unpleasant conditions. Frequent climbing and balancing while on stairs, ladders and other inclines. Frequent bending/twisting at knees/waist/neck while performing mechanical repairs, maintenance items and other tasks as assigned. Occasional kneeling/crouching/crawling while making repairs in confined spaces and awkward positions. Continuous use of both hands and arms in reaching/handling/grasping/ fingering while performing duties. Frequent heavy work includes lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds and operation of a variety of vehicles, equipment, hand tools and machinery. On rare occasions may be required to lift heavier weight with the assistance of others or mechanical devices. Continuous use of all senses including feeling/talking/hearing/seeing while driving, performing duties and while communicating with co-workers, general public and completing all tasks as assigned. Must be able to distinguish color and maintain long-term and short-term memory. Will be required to wear safety protective gear when necessary. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
Unusual Working Conditions
Must be able to work weekends, rotating shifts, split shifts, evenings, weekends and/or holidays. May come in contact with angry, upset or emotionally disturbed individuals. Requires routinely driving and/or traveling to a variety of locations.
The City of Yakima is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Temporary employees are not covered by collective bargaining benefits listed below.
The City Of Yakima Is a Premier Employer In The Yakima Valley With Extensive Opportunities For Training And Growth. The City Offers a Competitive Benefit Package Including
City of Yakima employees are paid and accrue benefits on a monthly basis.
This position is covered by the AFSCME Municipal collective bargaining unit. Click here to view the union contract and benefits.
01
Do you acknowledge that, if successful, you will be required to pass a background investigation regarding aptitude, character, and judgment; credit, driving record and criminal history prior to employment?
Did you clearly document your work history in the Work Experience section of your application including dates, titles and duties for each position/classification held?
What is your highest level of education?
Are you at least 16 years old?
How much experience do you possess with professional lawn, grounds maintenance, and/or custodial work?
If you have the experience above, enter here the name(s) of the employer(s) and your job title(s). (Be sure application clearly outlines your job duties and lists both the months and years of experience in each position.)
07
Do you have previous experience with cemetery grounds maintenance?
Please describe particular skills, experience or training which you believe BEST qualifies you for this position.
Required Question
Employer City of Yakima
Address 129 N. 2nd Street
Yakima, Washington, 98901
Phone (509) 575-6090
Website http://www.yakimawa.gov
$2,969.20 - $3,539.47 Monthly
Location
Yakima, WA
Job Type
Full-time
Department
Public Works
Division
Cemetery
Opening Date
05/28/2026
Closing Date
6/11/2026 4:00 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit
AFSCME
- Description
- Benefits
- Questions
Overview And Minimum Class Requirements
Tahoma Cemetery needs a grounds maintenance caretaker who takes pride in detailed outdoor work and understands the importance of creating a peaceful environment for families visiting their loved ones. This is a permanent position scheduled to work Monday - Friday, 6:00 AM - 2:30 PM, for the months of April through October. Work may be required on a Saturday, and all cemetery staff works Memorial Day weekend.
Minimum Requirements
Must be at least 16 and have reliable transportation. Must have 6 months experience with lawn, grounds maintenance, and/or custodial work. Must pass background investigation regarding applicant’s aptitude, character, judgement, credit, driving record and criminal history.
Licenses, Registrations And/Or Certificates
Must possess and maintain a valid Washington State Driver’s License.
Job Summary
Under the general supervision, and the direction of the Parks Operations Supervisor, performs and/or assists with a variety of unskilled and semi-skilled tasks in the care, operation, maintenance, repair and beautification of various city parks and facilities, including but not limited to the Harman Center, Fisher Golf Course and Tahoma Cemetery. May perform tasks and assignments independently or as part of a maintenance crew in park and facility maintenance operations. Work is seasonal, and requires physical strength and dexterity to utilize a variety of hand and power tools.
Essential Functions
Performs and/or assists with general grounds maintenance activities including but not limited to: litter control; leaf and debris removal; graffiti removal; cleaning and sanitizing restrooms and buildings; and trash removal in various parks and other City owned locations. Uses hand and power tools to perform a variety of maintenance duties which may include cleaning, painting, minor construction or repair. May provide basic assistance with plumbing or electrical issues to skilled workers.
Operates a variety of power and hand mowing equipment, edgers, weed eaters and trim mowers to maintain turf in public parks, cemetery, sports fields and golf courses. May apply fertilizers with the use of power and hand-operated equipment. Performs activities such as mowing, weeding, planting, excavating trenches, and assists with pruning trees, annuals, perennials and shrubs.
May operates and drive park vehicles and equipment including front loader, aerator, rototiller, pick-up trucks, tandem axle trailers, tractors.
Safely drives and operates vehicle, trucks and other motorized equipment to perform required duties in a variety of locations, within a timely and efficient manner and adhering to all traffic laws and regulations.
May assist in the cleaning, maintenance and/or painting of swimming pools. May assist with maintenance of wading pools and spray toys. May assist with the installation, maintenance and/or repair of playgrounds and other park equipment.
May mow and sweep using large gang, multi-deck rotary and reel mowers, trim mowers, sweepers and hand mowers as needed.
May assist with a variety of gravesite preparation activities for funeral services, including but not limited to: digging trenches; opening and closing graves; setting up awnings or chairs for service; and assisting with setting temporary or permanent monuments.
May assist with set-up of other special events as necessary.
Provides continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality customer service.
Requires regular, reliable and punctual attendance.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Major Worker Characteristics
Knowledge of City of Yakima rules, regulations, policies and procedures, federal, state and local traffic laws, rules and regulations, with ability to drive safely and efficiently.
General knowledge of basic grounds keeping practices and the operation of grounds maintenance tools, vehicles and equipment. Knowledge of safe and appropriate use of hand and power tools and park maintenance vehicles and equipment. Ability to: apply fertilizers in accordance with personal and environmental safety precautions; understand mechanical applications and to learn operations requiring mechanical aptitude.
Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively, with employees and members of the public representing diverse education and background, utilizing well developed communication skills, both written and oral, with appropriate use of English, including but not limited to correct grammar and vocabulary. Ability to follow verbal and written instruction.
Ability to drive and operate vehicles and attachments; equipment and tools with precision, speed, and safety. Ability to possess a valid WA State driver’s license and perform strenuous physical work. Ability to consistently work safely and in compliance with the federal, state and local regulations, laws, policies and standards. Ability to recognize traffic hazards and other potential safety concerns and to make sound decisions and actions while operating vehicles, tools and machinery.
Must be dependable; able to work independently and as a team player; be self-directed, highly motivated, organized and skilled at meeting deadlines; have a sense of urgency to complete tasks in a timely manner. Must possess ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities and demands.
Ability to establish, facilitate, and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public; to consistently and continually demonstrate tact, diplomacy, and respect to individuals, groups and organizations representing a wide diversity of ethnicities, cultures, opinions, and beliefs; Ability to positively receive feedback and take direction is essential.
Physical Demands
Work will require driving and/or traveling to a variety of locations and is primarily done outside with exposure to all weather extremes, be exposed to insects, animals, stings/bites, pollen, dust, noxious odors, mud, water, needles, drug paraphernalia and/or toxic chemicals. Capacity for sustained attention to functioning machinery and equipment. Physical strength and ability sufficient to perform heavy manual labor for extended periods under wet, cold, and generally unpleasant conditions. Frequent climbing and balancing while on stairs, ladders and other inclines. Frequent bending/twisting at knees/waist/neck while performing mechanical repairs, maintenance items and other tasks as assigned. Occasional kneeling/crouching/crawling while making repairs in confined spaces and awkward positions. Continuous use of both hands and arms in reaching/handling/grasping/ fingering while performing duties. Frequent heavy work includes lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds and operation of a variety of vehicles, equipment, hand tools and machinery. On rare occasions may be required to lift heavier weight with the assistance of others or mechanical devices. Continuous use of all senses including feeling/talking/hearing/seeing while driving, performing duties and while communicating with co-workers, general public and completing all tasks as assigned. Must be able to distinguish color and maintain long-term and short-term memory. Will be required to wear safety protective gear when necessary. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
Unusual Working Conditions
Must be able to work weekends, rotating shifts, split shifts, evenings, weekends and/or holidays. May come in contact with angry, upset or emotionally disturbed individuals. Requires routinely driving and/or traveling to a variety of locations.
The City of Yakima is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Temporary employees are not covered by collective bargaining benefits listed below.
The City Of Yakima Is a Premier Employer In The Yakima Valley With Extensive Opportunities For Training And Growth. The City Offers a Competitive Benefit Package Including
- Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage
- FREE healthcare clinic!
- WA State PERS pension plan
- 2% contribution to a 457 deferred compensation plan
- Leave accruals:
- Vacation – Starting at 7.67 hours/month
- Sick – 8 hours/month
- Personal holiday – 2 days
- Observed holiday – 11 holidays
- Up to 5% bilingual/biliterate English/Spanish special pay
- Life Insurance
- Much more!
City of Yakima employees are paid and accrue benefits on a monthly basis.
This position is covered by the AFSCME Municipal collective bargaining unit. Click here to view the union contract and benefits.
01
Do you acknowledge that, if successful, you will be required to pass a background investigation regarding aptitude, character, and judgment; credit, driving record and criminal history prior to employment?
- Yes
- No
Did you clearly document your work history in the Work Experience section of your application including dates, titles and duties for each position/classification held?
- Yes
- No
What is your highest level of education?
- High School Diploma/GED
- Some College
- Associates Degree
- Bachelors Degree
- Masters Degree
- Technical/Trade Certification
- None of the above
Are you at least 16 years old?
- Yes
- No
How much experience do you possess with professional lawn, grounds maintenance, and/or custodial work?
- None
- Less than 6 months
- At least 6 months
If you have the experience above, enter here the name(s) of the employer(s) and your job title(s). (Be sure application clearly outlines your job duties and lists both the months and years of experience in each position.)
07
Do you have previous experience with cemetery grounds maintenance?
- Yes
- No
Please describe particular skills, experience or training which you believe BEST qualifies you for this position.
Required Question
Employer City of Yakima
Address 129 N. 2nd Street
Yakima, Washington, 98901
Phone (509) 575-6090
Website http://www.yakimawa.gov
Salary : $2,969 - $3,539