Parks Maintenance Worker I

To perform a wide variety of routine manual work in the care and maintenance of park and recreational facilities; to operate and maintain related tools and equipment; and to perform related work as assigned. This is the entry level class in the Park Maintenance Worker series. Positions in this class typically have little or no directly related work experience and work under immediate supervision while learning job tasks. The Park Maintenance Worker  I class is distinguished from the II level by the performance of less than the full range of duties assigned to the II level.  Incumbent works under immediate supervision while learning job tasks, progressing to general supervision as procedures and processes of assigned area of responsibility are learned.

Functions may include, but are not limited to, the following: perform a wide variety of routine manual work in the care and maintenance of park and recreational facilities; operate and maintain a variety of hand and power landscaping tools and equipment, including hand and power mowers, gang mowers, small tractors, spreaders, rototillers, loaders, sprayers, edgers, blowers, hedge trimmer, weed eaters, chainsaws, rakes, shovels, hoes, pruners, brooms and other tools; mow, trim, edge, fertilize, aerate and water lawns, medians, parks and other assigned areas. Clean and maintain park grounds and other assigned areas, including athletic fields, tennis courts, paved areas, paths, walkways, playgrounds, and stairways; inspect assigned areas and correct or report safety hazards; clean, maintain and restock restrooms and other park buildings; pick up organic debris, trash and litter; weed, prune, mulch and prepare soil for planting; seed and re-sod lawn areas; plant trees, seedlings and shrubs as directed; perform basic painting, plumbing and carpentry work incidental to park maintenance activities; assist in planning landscaping and irrigation systems; install, repair and maintain irrigation systems; trap rodents as necessary; operate City trucks, trailers and tractors with attachments skillfully and safely; observe safe work methods and use safety equipment; secure worksites from traffic hazards as necessary; keep work related records using a computer; assist in the instruction and training of less experienced staff; build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees and the public using principles of good customer services; perform other related duties as assigned.

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be some experience in gardening or landscape work and formal or informal education or training which ensures the ability to read and write at a level necessary for successful job performance.  

Ability to: learn and follow proper work methods and landscape maintenance techniques; learn practices and procedures of traffic control and flagging; learn to use, maintain, and operate landscaping tools and equipment; learn to recognize common plants, plant diseases and insect pests; drive City vehicles observing legal and defensive driving practices; learn pertinent rules, laws and policies relative to area of assignment; understand and carry out oral and written instructions; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.

On a continuous basis walk, stand, bend, crouch or stoop, sit in jolting cab for varying periods of time; use hands and fingers to grasp tools; make repetitive hand and body motions; twist and reach below and above shoulder, climb ladders and perform physical activities on a continual basis; communicate in person, use a two-way radio, and use the telephone; lift or carry 50 pounds or less. See in the normal vision range with or without correction; hear in the normal range with or without correction.  Work is performed outdoors with exposure to a variety of weather conditions, traffic, noise, physical barriers, and around heavy equipment; work with exposure to fumes and odors of fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, and pesticides.