Parks & Rec Maintenance Worker

Primary Reason Why Classification Exists

To perform general unskilled to semi-skilled manual labor in the maintenance and repair of buildings, grounds, and municipal cemeteries 

Distinguishing Features of the Class

An employee in this class is responsible for performing general unskilled to semi-skilled manual labor in the maintenance and repair of buildings, grounds, and municipal cemeteries. Emphasis of the work is on the application of manual labor and operation of motorized equipment to maintain buildings and grounds including, but not limited to, cemeteries, sports fields, playgrounds, and trails. Work also includes janitorial duties such as emptying trash and cleaning and restocking restrooms. An employee in this class is expected to work special events and to assist with snow removal. Work is supervised by a crew leader and/or superintendent, and performance is evaluated on the basis of attaining individual and team performance objectives, quantity and quality of work, compliance with safety regulations, and responsiveness to requests or complaints.

• Performs general building and grounds maintenance and general housekeeping 
• Maintains park and playground equipment and buildings; work may require painting and minor plumbing, masonry, carpentry, HVAC, door, window, wall and electrical repairs
• Performs general landscaping duties including planting, fertilizing and sowing grass, and planting, watering, cutting, and pruning trees, bushes, hedges, and shrubs and mulching; 
• Uses equipment and attachments to mow grass and collect and remove leaves; operates weed eaters and blowers, rakes leaves, cuts back ditch banks, and performs other similar tasks
• Operates trucks, tractors, dump trucks, and other grounds maintenance equipment; pulls trailers carrying equipment
• Operates a variety of hand tools
• Picks up and disposes of trash and garbage; empties trash containers at Parks & Recreation facilities
• Cleans, maintains, and provides general housekeeping for park restrooms and administrative and recreational buildings; replenishes supplies
• Locates grave sites and records data for burials
• Removes old flowers from grave sites refills sunken graves
• Prepares and maintains athletic fields; lines ball fields for sporting events; inspects facilities for safety hazards; makes repairs or refers to skilled trade service providers
• Helps set up and tear down for programs and special events; assists with the installation, repair, removal, and storage of holiday decorations
• Maintains and repairs equipment and hand tools
• Applies pesticides under license of a Supervisor
• Performs related tasks as required

• General knowledge of the tools, materials, practices, and equipment used in grounds, including turf and cemetery, maintenance and landscaping work and in standard building trades
• Knowledge of sports sufficient to prepare ball fields and facilities accordingly
• Knowledge of safety precautions applicable to the duties of the class
• Ability to understand and follow both oral and written instructions; 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with coworkers and the general public and to exhibit tact and sound judgment during interactions
• Ability to operate and maintain handheld and motorized equipment and small hand tools; ability to operate tractors and dump trucks
• Ability to perform manual labor and engage in strenuous physical activity for extended periods of time
• Ability to work outdoors in various conditions and to walk and/or stand for long periods of time
• Ability to work overtime and weekends if necessary
• Ability to identify and report maintenance needs or safety concerns to a supervisor
• Ability to read, write, and use a computer and related software; ability to prepare written reports

Physical Requirements

Work in this class is characterized as heavy work requiring the exertion of 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Work requires climbing, balancing, stooping, knelling, crouching, reaching, standing, working, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, and repetitive motions. Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels. Visual acuity is required for depth perception, color perception, preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, use of measuring devices, assembly or fabrication of parts at or within arms’ length, operation of machines and motor vehicles or equipment, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities.

Working Conditions

An employee in this class is subject to both inside and outside environmental conditions, extreme cold (below 32 deg F) and heat (above 100 deg F), noise from motorized maintenance equipment (mowers, cutting devices, etc.), vibrations, atmospheric conditions, and oils, greases, fumes, dirt, broken pavement, sharps from metal and glass, and biting or stinging insects and possibly reptiles. Employee must wear hearing/visual protection while performing most field work and may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens requiring specialized personal protective equipment.

Education and Experience

Graduation from high school or GED equivalency and some prior experience in buildings and grounds maintenance

FLSA Status: Nonexempt (eligible for overtime or equivalent compensatory time at 1½ times the employee’s regular hourly rate for all hours worked in excess of 40 hours in the City’s official work week and not the employee’s work schedule)

Special Requirements

• Valid North Carolina driver’s license 
• First Aid, CPR, and AED certifications preferred
• North Carolina Pesticide Applicator’s license preferred