Athletic Field Maintenance Specialist – CDL (10612, Grade HL5)

This position is a re-advertisement; previous applicants need not reapply.

About the role

The Prince George's County Department of Parks and Recreation Southern Region Parks Division seeks an experienced Athletic Field Specialist-CDL to work within the Athletic Field Program at the Bock Road Maintenance Facility in Fort Washington, Maryland. This expert-level role performs athletic field maintenance and renovation tasks across southern Prince George’s County parks, supporting community recreation and healthy lifestyles. The position involves considerable responsibility, complexity, and variety in managing athletic fields.

Responsibilities

• Operate trucks, truck and trailer combinations, front-end loaders, backhoes, dump trucks with plows, bucket trucks, trash trucks, tank trucks, spreaders, and sprayers.
• Perform routine safety inspections and maintenance of vehicles and equipment.
• Provide general direction and instructions on proper procedures and safety to a small work group; report job progress and completion to supervisors.
• Collect and/or enter data into daily reports and work order completion systems.
• Assist with training seasonal staff.
• Perform complex athletic field maintenance, including mowing, lining, pest scouting and control, infield grooming, aeration, seeding, and nutrient management using large equipment such as tractors, skid loaders, mowers, infield groomers, aerators, spreaders, and sprayers.
• Cut and lay sod; perform landscaping duties, including operating a tree spade to plant trees, shrubs, and plants.
• Trim and prune trees and shrubs; operate large equipment for athletic field renovation, including grading, soil modifications, sod installation, watering, nutrient management, and pest control for both cool and warm season turfgrass.
• Inspect athletic fields for playground safety hazards, surface safety, and surrounding areas; develop work orders for improvements and approve project completion involving sensitive measurements and field layout per industry standards.
• Perform tree maintenance duties, including operating bucket trucks, setting outriggers, trimming and felling trees, operating chain saws, and assisting tree climbers with ropes.
• Operate chipping machines and stump grinders.
• Perform pest identification for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for organic and conventional pesticide applications and maintain records.
• Conduct park inspections for safety and submit detailed reports to supervisors for maintenance prioritization and resource allocation; make recommendations for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) access improvements.
• Report unsafe or hazardous conditions of park facilities and amenities.
• Assist in setting up, monitoring, and taking down Commission programs and rental events; inform visitors of rules and regulations.
• Open and close Commission facilities.
• Interact with visitors daily in a courteous and effective manner.
• Perform snow removal and other weather-related duties.

Requirements

• High school diploma or Certificate of General Educational Development (GED).
• Four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in groundskeeping, building maintenance, or park maintenance. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.
• Valid driver’s license in accordance with both State and Commission rules and regulations; must be unencumbered by restrictions, revocations, suspensions, or points that could limit driving Commission vehicles.
• Pass Commission medical examination.
• Depending on assignment, obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with appropriate endorsements within 12 months of hire, along with required certifications.

Skills

• Considerable knowledge of work procedures, tasks, and techniques for groundskeeping, landscaping, building maintenance, safety techniques, cleaning agents, pesticide and fertilizer applications, equipment maintenance, and basic skilled trades support (e.g., HVACR, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, masonry, painting, welding).
• Skill and ability to operate automotive and heavy power equipment, including trucks, tractors, skid loaders, bucket trucks, backhoes, and specialized attachments (e.g., plows, graders, aerators, spreaders, sprayers).
• Ability to apply pesticides and fertilizers (certification required).
• Proficiency in operating hand and power tools, including chainsaws, woodchippers, mowers, and pressure washers.
• Ability to apply basic skilled trade practices safely and effectively.
• Proficiency in using computerized software programs (e.g., Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Ability to perform First Aid, CPR, and use an automated external defibrillator (AED).
• Problem-solving skills to measure dimensions, repair structures, and select appropriate equipment attachments.
• Communication skills to understand and convey verbal and written information, including reading blueprints, plans, and diagrams.
• Interpersonal skills to work effectively as part of a team and establish working relationships.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two years of experience in athletic field or grounds maintenance, including turf and infield maintenance, safety inspection, and renovation.
• Knowledge of technology for performing inspections and entering data into portable electronic equipment.
• Experience with hand tools for athletic field maintenance, such as compact drills, wrenches, impact drills, heat tools, and pressure washers.

Work Environment

• Primarily works outside but may work inside occasionally or as assigned.
• May work weekends, evenings, and holidays.
• Occasionally exposed to inclement weather, dirt, waste, odors, caustic chemicals, pesticides, wildlife, and potentially harmful insects (e.g., bees, hornets, wasps) and plants (e.g., poison ivy).
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 100 pounds and regularly up to 50 pounds.
• May be subject to medical, drug, and alcohol testing.

Schedule

Tuesday–Saturday, 6:00 AM – 2:45 PM. Schedule may change based on program needs.

Pay

The budgeted salary range is $42,135 - $58,379. The above range represents earning potential.