Parks Technician

The City of Buda is hiring for a Parks Technician position. Placement within the Parks Technician career progression (I, II, or III) and starting pay will be based on the selected candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and certifications. Starting Pay Range: $22.89-$26.01 per hour Minimum qualifications for placement include:

• Parks Technician I: High school diploma or GED and six (6) months of related work experience.
• Parks Technician II: High school diploma or GED and either three (3) years of related work experience and at least two approved certifications/licenses or five (5) years of related work experience.
• Parks Technician III: High school diploma or GED and either seven (7) years of related work experience and at least three approved certifications/licenses or ten (10) years of related work experience.

Employees are encouraged to obtain approved certifications that support Parks operations. Approved certifications may qualify employees for specialized assignments, advancement within the Parks Technician career progression, pay adjustments within the established pay range, and certification incentive pay as approved by the City.

Under general supervision of the Parks Superintendent, the Parks Technician performs skilled maintenance, repair, operational, and customer service work in support of City parks, athletic fields, trails, landscaped areas, recreational facilities, sport complexes, and public spaces. Responsibilities include grounds and landscape maintenance, athletic field preparation and upkeep, irrigation system maintenance and repair, playground and facility inspections, custodial services, splash pad operations, equipment operation, minor construction and repair activities, and support of City events and recreational programs. The position ensures parks and recreational facilities are safe, clean, functional, and ready for public use through routine maintenance, beautification efforts, and operational support. Employees may be assigned advanced technical duties, project coordination responsibilities, oversight of park improvement projects, and direction of seasonal employees based on qualifications, certifications, experience, and operational needs.The following duties are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or logically assigned to the position.

• Maintains parks, athletic fields, landscaped areas, trails, rights-of-way, and recreational facilities through mowing, edging, trimming, pruning, fertilization, weed control, irrigation, and debris removal.
• Performs athletic field preparation and maintenance including field lining, dragging, watering, grooming, and setup activities.
• Inspects, diagnoses, and repairs irrigation systems, including controllers, valves, sprinkler heads, lateral lines, and associated components.
• Performs routine inspections and minor repairs of playground equipment, park furnishings, fences, signs, pavilions, trails, and recreational amenities.
• Performs minor carpentry, painting, plumbing, masonry, concrete, and facility maintenance repairs.
• Assists with splash pad operations, water quality monitoring, recordkeeping, and maintenance activities.
• Applies herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers in accordance with applicable regulations and department procedures and maintains required application records.
• Operates and maintains trucks, trailers, tractors, utility vehicles, mowers, skid steers, sprayers, chain saws, boom lifts, and other maintenance equipment.
• Conducts routine inspections of parks and facilities to identify maintenance needs, safety hazards, and operational concerns.
• Assists with setup, support, and breakdown of City events, tournaments, festivals, programs, and recreational activities.
• Provides guidance and assistance to Parks Technician I employees on assigned projects and daily work activities.
• Maintains work orders, maintenance records, inspection reports, herbicide application records, and other required documentation.
• Responds to after-hours calls, emergencies, weather events, and weekend assignments as required.
• Provides professional and courteous customer service to park visitors and the public.
• Performs other related duties and special projects as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Special Qualifications:

• Must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to obtain a valid Texas driver’s license within 90 days of employment. Must maintain an acceptable driving record and be insurable under the City’s vehicle insurance policy. 
• CPR/First Aid certification required within twelve (12) months of hire or next available class. 

Knowledge of:

• Parks maintenance, landscaping, and athletic field maintenance practices.
• Irrigation system operation, troubleshooting, and repair techniques.
• Playground inspection and maintenance principles.
• Safe operation of maintenance equipment, tools, and vehicles.
• Herbicide, pesticide, and fertilizer application practices.
• Basic facility maintenance, plumbing, carpentry, painting, and repair methods.
• Workplace safety procedures and safe work practices.

Skill in:

• Diagnosing and repairing irrigation system components.
• Operating maintenance equipment and vehicles safely and effectively.
• Performing athletic field maintenance and preparation activities.
• Performing skilled maintenance and repair work.
• Maintaining accurate records and documentation.
• Communicating effectively with coworkers and the public.

Ability to:

• Perform skilled maintenance and repair activities with minimal supervision.
• Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve maintenance issues.
• Read and follow work orders, maintenance schedules, and technical instructions.
• Prioritize assignments and complete work within established deadlines.
• Provide guidance and assistance to less experienced employees.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, contractors, and the public.
• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions and adapt to changing operational needs.