Parks and Trails Maintenance Technician

This position is tasked with overseeing both skilled and unskilled labor that is critical to the maintenance and operation of the County’s parks, trails, boat landings, recreation areas, and public lands. The work is conducted year-round under the supervision of the Parks and Trails Supervisor.These duties represent the typical duties and responsibilities assigned to this position but may not be inclusive of all tasks performed.

• Performs landscape maintenance including mowing, trimming, mulching, and weeding.
• Cleans and maintains recreation facilities, restrooms, and pavilions.
• Prepares facililities and grounds for pavilion rentals and special events.
• Picks up trash and empties trash receptacles.
• Inspects parks, trails, campground, and recreation facilities for safety and maintenance needs.
• Performs general maintenance and minor repairs to park buildings and facilities.
• Installs, maintains, and inspects playground equipment, benches, grills, signs, docks, and other amenities.
• Performs tasks which require competency in facility management including carpentry, plumbing, electrical, painting, welding, and concrete work.
• Performs routine maintenance, cleaning, and minor repairs to equipment.
• Operates trucks with snow plows, chain saws, string trimmers, lawn mowers, tractors, loaders, skid steers, Bobcat Toolcats, utility vehicles, brush chippers, stump grinders, trailers, and other powered and non-powered equipment.
• Performs minor landscape construction including retaining walls, planting beds, and lawn installation. 
• Applies pesticides and fertilizers to turf and landscape areas, rights of way, and natural areas.
• Plants trees, shrubs, flowers, and seed mixes.
• Performs tree and plant care techniques including pruning, staking, mulching, and watering.
• Removes dead, dying, diseased, or hazardous trees.
• Provides snow removal for County parks and properties.
• Participates in seminars, meetings, and trainings as requested by supervisor.
• May act as team leader, providing direction, training and oversight, especially for seasonal employees.
• Works closely with the Parks and Trails Supervisor in planning and managing works tasks and creating self-directed work tasks and responsibilities.
• Assists with inventory management and identifying supply needs in advance of work.
• Assists with developing standard operating procedures for various tasks.

Required Education, Experience, and Training

• High School Diploma or GED.
• A valid driver's license, satisfactory driver's record and current automobile insurance.
• Valid Class A CDL and Wisconsin Pesticide Certification Categories 3.0 and 6.0 required; both obtainable within 6 months of start date.
• Three or more years of experience in parks or facilities maintenance, landscape or construction work, or closely related field.
• Three or more years of experience in relevant equipment operation.
• Some formal education or training in the field is desired.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Parks and recreation facility maintenance, repair, and operations. 
• Proper handling and application of pesticides and fertilizers. 
• Horticulture, landscaping, and grounds maintenance techniques. 
• Basic knowledge of arboricultural techniques.
• Occupational hazards and safe work practices. 

• Operate and maintain equipment and tools in a safe and efficient manner. 
• Work with limited supervision. 
• Follow oral and written instructions. 
• Follow safety procedures. 
• Communicate effectively and respectfully with other employees, supervisors, and the public.
• Speak and write clearly and effectively.
• Perform basic arithmetic skills such as measurement, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division in order to do basic calculations 
• Effectively operate a computer, tablet PCs and Arc GIS Online software. 

Physical Requirements
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to:

• Perform regular physical movement including: bend, stretch, stoop, stand, sit, balance, climb stairs and ladders.
• Walk around buildings and grounds (in all weather conditions) as needed to perform inspections, daily safety checks, and assist with emergencies and operations as needed.
• Lift, carry, and push/pull a minimum of 50 lbs. independently and up to 100 lbs. with assistance.
• Reach/stretch with hands and arms and use hands and fingers to handle, feel or operate tools, objects or controls; substantial movement of wrists, hands and fingers. 
• Hear and speak in order to use telephone and communicate with people inside and outside the property. 
• Read, write, and communicate effectively in English. 
• Apply manual dexterity and visual acuity for computer keyboarding and office equipment use and performing/training on maintenance tasks.
• Visual ability to read documents, manuals, and detailed reports. 
• Visual ability to review detailed reports and information. 

Work Environment
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to the following work conditions:

• Regular exposure to outdoor weather conditions with varying temperatures during all seasons. 
• Uneven terrain such as construction sites, turf, and natural earth trails.
• Frequent noise levels of moderate to loud depending on equipment used.
• May work in a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, working on ladders, scaffolding and high places, exposure to high heat, or exposure to chemicals and airborne particles.

EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

ADA Statement (Reasonable Accommodations)
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need assistance or accommodation during the application process, please contact humanresources@polkcoutywi.gov.