Maintenance Technician I

This position with the Parks Department performs specialized and intricate work activities in park and public landscapes and grounds maintenance and installation. Duties include, but not limited to; irrigation systems maintenance, chemical and fertilizer applications, mowing, trimming, snow removal, aeration, seeding, weeding, planting, graffiti removal, minor plumbing, carpentry work and playground equipment repair. Works for and reports to the Superintendent and Management team.

• Responsible for on the job training and management of seasonal employees.

• May act as a work leader at the discretion of the Superintendent.
• Interacts with the public on a regular basis, and places high value on public perception of the City employee work force, due to the highly visible nature of the job.
• Assists in construction and maintenance of special projects including, but not limited to; building fence, minor plumbing, painting, constructing signage and erecting playground equipment.
• Performs maintenance and project duties on all public grounds including, but not limited to; public buildings, bathrooms, parks, playgrounds, walking/bike paths, medians, islands, utility sites and parking lots.
• Assists in building, inspection and maintenance of playground equipment for children’s safety and compliance with National Parks and Recreation Association playground safety standards.
• Assists Arborist and Horticulturalist by planting, watering, pruning, cutting and removing of trees and shrubs in Central Business District, City Administration Center grounds and all other public grounds.
• Assist Irrigation Specialist in the inspection, reporting and repair of irrigation systems used throughout the parks system and public grounds.  
• Assists Turf Specialist in grounds maintenance by applying pesticides and fertilizers, riding and push mowing, trimming, irrigating, ground preparation and aeration, seeding, planting and weed removal.
• Responsible for preparing and maintaining parks and park reservation shelters seven days a week as per public request and community events.
• Performs snow removal duties.
• Operates Skid Loader as necessary for project and maintenance related duties.
• Monitors common hand and power tools for maintenance program.  
• Monitors and cleans trash and rubbish from parks, playgrounds, all other public grounds and City Highway entrances.
• Maintains all personal equipment in good condition and performs preventive maintenance and service on motorized equipment.
• Maintains records involving vehicle maintenance and daily activities.
• Responds to emergencies, including but not limited to wind and snow storms.
• Follows Federal and State safety rules and procedures at all times.
• Performs any other duties as assigned as long as it is non-certified.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with all City and contracted employees.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of methods and procedures used to maintain grounds.  Some knowledge of hazardous materials, their application and storage.  Knowledge of safety practices and equipment.  Skill in the operation of tools, equipment and vehicles.  Ability to perform physical work activities in extreme weather conditions.  Ability to communicate with City employees and the general public. 

Education, Certification and Experience: High school diploma or GED.  Experience in grounds, equipment and building maintenance.   Valid Kansas Driver's License required.

Environment: Work is performed in all types of weather.  Majority of work is performed outdoors, i.e. moderate to extreme cold and heat, snow, rain, hail, sleet, high and gusting winds, dust, and dry conditions. Surfaces:  Includes, but not limited to dirt, sand, gravel, concrete, asphalt, grass and wood.

Physical Characteristics: Includes, but not limited to, bend, kneel, push, pull, reach, hold, stand, walk, jump, sit, drive, and ability to lift up to 26-50 pounds and carrying up to 25 pounds.