Park Specialist

Park Specialists perform skilled maintenance, operations, and service tasks throughout the City’s park system. This role is ideal for a motivated individual with hands-on experience in landscape, turf, facility, and irrigation maintenance who wants to contribute to a forward-thinking, community focused parks program. Park Specialists help ensure parks and facilities remain safe, functional, and visually appealing for all users. The position is represented by the Lake Oswego Municipal Employees’ Association.

The Department: Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation is dedicated to creating exceptional experiences that inspire community connection, healthy living, and enjoyment of the city’s natural beauty. The Parks Division manages more than 650 acres of City-owned land, including developed parks, playgrounds, natural areas, special-use facilities, athletic fields, and the municipal golf course. The team provides safe, welcoming, and well-maintained spaces with a strong commitment to sustainability and inclusive access for the entire community. Staff also support major community events such as the Farmers Market, summer concerts, Festival of the Arts, park dedications, and tree lighting activities. Working with Lake Oswego Parks means joining a collaborative, service-oriented team dedicated to stewardship, innovation, and enhancing the quality of life for all.

• Maintain landscapes, facilities, and turf areas to high standards.
• Clean and service park facilities, including trash removal, restroom upkeep, and repair or replacement of amenities such as benches, fencing, and fountains.
• Prepare City parks and natural areas for events.
• Perform assigned specialty projects and related tasks.
• Read and interpret maps, plans, drawings, and work orders.
• Follow all safety procedures, regulations, and training materials, including SDS documents.
• Operate and maintain equipment such as mowers, utility vehicles, chainsaws, blowers, and irrigation controls.
• Support natural areas, facilities, athletic fields, and Golf Course needs as assigned, including routine upkeep, light restoration, seasonal tasks, and event or weather-related assistance, while collaborating effectively with team members and maintaining clear, professional communication.
• Provide courteous, professional customer service to park users and community members.

Qualified candidates must be able to safely drive or operate vehicles, equipment, machines and tools. Establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with employees, contractors, other departments/agencies, City officials, and the general public. Candidates must have the ability to read, write and use a computer for basic functions and the ability to perform strenuous tasks including but not limited to pushing, lifting, digging and manipulating often while reaching or bending in limited space.

Desired Certificates and Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong customer service skills.

• Knowledge of sustainable practices and water conservation.

• Basic understanding of turfgrass and irrigation maintenance.

• General knowledge of athletic field, facility, natural area, and park upkeep.

• Familiarity with water feature maintenance.

Requirements:

• Candidates must possess a valid Oregon Driver's License and may be asked to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
• Positions in this classification will be required to obtain a Public Pesticide Applicators License.
• Additional licensing may be required.
• Must be able to perform work in inclement weather; work 'on call' and varying shifts; and work cooperatively with other employees. Hiring is contingent upon successful completion of a Physical Capacity Exam (PCE).
• This position is subject to mandatory participation in electronic funds transfer (EFT) for payment of net wages (i.e., Direct Deposit or Pay Card).

For a complete list of the essential duties, knowledge, skills and abilities required, and physical and mental demands please review the complete job description.

Application Process: You may visit our web site at www.ci.oswego.or.us to access the online application process. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed job application. The City application must be submitted by: 5:00 P.M., Sunday, August 9th, 2026