Parks Laborer

Category: Parks/Laborer
Date Posted: 04/13/2026
Location: Nelson Park Maintenance Building

Job Title: Park Laborer – Full-time
Department: Parks Department
Reports To: Park Superintendent
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Revised Date: 4/13/2026

POSITION FOCUS
Responsible for performing a variety of daily, cyclical and routine grounds and facility maintenance functions

SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIPS
Reports to the Park Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent and may supervise a crew, as directed.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

• Mows, fertilizes, aerates, grades, seeds, sods, waters, rakes and polices grounds and sports fields
• Operates trucks, mowers, sod cutters, chain saws, hand and power tools and all other maintenance and mechanical equipment
• Prepares beds, plants, trims, prunes, mulches, waters, weeds, stakes, fertilizes, rakes, shovels, digs, back fills and levels soil to complete and maintain grounds and horticultural projects
• Follows written planting and site construction plans
• Assists in the installation, inspection and repair or playground equipment
• Maintains playground areas and equipment
• Constructs and maintains ball diamonds
• Lays out, grades, install bases, installs drainage, sods, waters, top dresses, fertilizes, aerates, installs goals and performs routine maintenance on athletic fields
• Assists with construction projects, including timber and border installation, excavation, drainage installation, structure installation, site furniture assembly and installation, brick paver installation, pavement repair, and concrete pouring and finishing
• Polices grounds and picks up and removes trash and debris
• Assists in the installation of benches, tables, signs, playgrounds, fencing, pavement, bleachers, lockers, backboards and other site amenities
• Operates tractors, loaders, truck trailer trucks, mowing equipment and small engine powered equipment
• Drives all Park District vehicles
• Loads, unloads and delivers equipment and supplies, as needed
• Plows, shovels, snow blows, broom and salts to remove ice and snow
• Paints buildings, picnic tables, trash cans, bleachers, poles, grounds and equipment
• Cleans floors, windows, walls, carpets and other areas of Park District buildings
• Performs grounds set ups and clean ups and removes refuse from buildings and sites
• Cleans, adjusts and maintains tools and equipment
• Cleans work site when projects are completed
• Attends work on a regular basis
• Performs the job safely and in compliance with District policies, procedures, work and safety rules, and the employee handbook
• Maintains a clean and organized work environment
• Additional functions may be essential
• Potential for advancement.

MARGINAL JOB DUTIES

• Sets up and removes displays and transports equipment to various special events sites
• Repairs and adjusts equipment, mounts seasonal accessories and mixes 2-cycle fuel
• Purchases supplies, as needed
• Assists tradesmen on projects, as needed
• Submits reports to the Park Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent as directed
• Performs other duties as assigned

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

• Good knowledge of a variety of semi-skilled maintenance and manual tasks involved in the general upkeep and development of parks grounds and facilities
• Good knowledge and skills in the use and maintenance of hand tools and grounds equipment
• Capacity to safely operate a variety of maintenance equipment and machinery
• Ability to clean, make adjustments and perform routine maintenance on equipment
• Capacity to safely dispose of various chemicals
• Ability to work from blueprints, sketches and drawings
• Good knowledge of pertinent safety precautions
• Ability to maintain positive and effective working relationships with supervisors and coworkers
• Ability to work harmoniously with coworkers
• Ability to work around the general public and park patrons in public areas
• Capacity to utilize effective time management skills to complete assigned work
• Ability to work in a team atmosphere, promoting positive work relationships with both internal and external customers
• Ability to follow through on projects from beginning to end without immediate supervision
• Capacity to lead crews, solve problems and make project-related decisions
• Ability to communicate effectively with fellow staff and the public both orally and in writing
• Ability to maintain self-control and composure in difficult situations
• Ability to follow directions and communicate in English verbally and in writing and to read and understand materials printed in English
• Capacity to perform basic mathematical computations including measuring, calculating and estimating
• Ability to measure with and read rulers and other measuring devices
• Ability to pass the Park District’s Defensive Driving training, in order to drive to various Park District locations

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

• High school graduate or G.E.D.
• Minimum of three (3) to four (4) years experience in grounds maintenance, general construction or applicable trade
• Or, any equivalent combination of education, experience and training
• Valid CDL or the ability to obtain one within 6 months of hire date
• Valid Illinois Pesticide Public Operator License or valid Illinois Applicator License in turf or right of way or the ability to obtain one within 6 months of hire date
• CPR and First Aid Certification preferred

HOURS

• Sunday through Saturday, 40 hours a week, with work hours designated by the Park Superintendent/Park Supervisor
• Overtime, as required
• Night, weekend and holiday scheduling may be required

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS

Sitting – occasionally

Walking – frequently

Strength – heavy (50-100 lbs.)

Climbing – occasionally

Balancing – occasionally

Stooping – occasionally

Kneeling – occasionally

Crouching – occasionally

Crawling – occasionally

Reaching – frequently

Handling – frequently

Fingering – occasionally

Feeling - occasionally

• General work area is outdoors
• Frequent exposure to natural and potentially extreme weather conditions while performing job duties
• Exposure to chemicals such as fertilizers, pesticides, cleaning solutions, solvents, petroleum products, etc.
• Exposure to mud, dirt, dust and decaying organic material
• Exposure to chronic infectious disease while performing routine first aid or emergency procedures
• Protective clothing and equipment is required as it pertains to the particular job duty:
• Ear plugs or ear covers
• Safety goggles, glasses or face shield
• Sturdy leather work boots with steel or composite toe (No sneakers/tennis shoes or sandals)
• Long work pants or jeans
• No tank tops
• Protective gloves
• Rubber boots
• Hard hat
• Painting and spraying respirator
• Back brace
• Knee pads
• Protective suit or outerwear
• Chain saw chaps
• Microshield
• Latex gloves

FULL TIME EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

https://decatur-parks.org/blog/2025/08/21/decatur-park-district-benefits/

Decatur Park District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $22.33 per hour

Expected hours: No less than 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• AD&D insurance
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Opportunities for advancement
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance
• Wellness program

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person

Salary : $22