Grounds Maintenance Worker

About the Role

Under the direction of the Parks Supervisor or Superintendent, this position performs duties necessary to support the Parks Division to ensure the proper maintenance of City parks, grounds, green spaces, athletic complexes and fields, and common areas for City-owned property and facilities, providing a safe and aesthetically pleasing environment.

Responsibilities

• Care and replacement of plants and trees, including raking, pruning, mulching, clearing, planting, minor irrigation installation and repair, mowing, weeding, edging, and painting.
• Safely use and maintain tools and equipment necessary for projects, including:
  • Zero turn and walk-behind mowers
  • Stick edgers (12 lbs.) and walk-behind edgers (wheels with hand grips)
  • String trimmers (14 lbs.)
  • Blowers – backpack (21 lbs.) and handheld (6 lbs.)
  • Pressure washers – wand (4 lbs.) and floor scrubbers (walk-behind with handle grips)
  • Pruning/Trimming tools – hedgers (13 lbs.), chainsaws (4-7 lbs.), pole saws (16 lbs.), and loppers (3.5 lbs.)
  • Axe (3 lbs.)
• Upkeep of ball fields, recreation centers, and athletic complexes through debris and trash removal, painting, and striping.
• Care, maintenance, and repair of artificial turf, including vacuuming, disinfecting, and removal/replacement of cushioning pads.
• Daily tasks may include:
  • Debris removal (limbs, leaves, landscaping debris)
  • Trash removal from all city properties and roadways
  • Custodial work (city parks, buildings, restrooms, athletic fields)
  • Landscaping (removal and installation)
  • Painting (roller and brush)
  • Minor irrigation repairs (glue/primer)
  • Minor equipment repairs using hand/air tools and woodworking tools
  • Vehicle operations (Gators/Polaris, trucks/trailers, tractor/loader)
  • Safe and proper use of ladders
  • Communication via handheld/truck radios, office/cell phone
• Preparing for events by constructing/deconstructing fencing, barricades, chairs, and stages, including set-up and tear-down tasks.
• Cleaning public restrooms.
• Performing additional duties as assigned.

Work Environment

Duties are performed primarily outdoors. Possible exposure to electrical and chemical hazards, vibration, loud noise, inclement weather, dust, allergens, and mold.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED preferred, but not required.
• One (1) year of work-related experience is required.
• Ability to understand and guard against job site hazards by observing proper safety precautions.
• Some knowledge of simple hand tools used in ground maintenance operations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and the public.
• Attention to detail, accuracy, and safety.
• Professional communication and presentation.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical equations for fertilizer application and chemical cleaner use.
• Ability to work under high demands, short time constraints, and pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work weekends, nighttime events, and extended hours.
• Skilled in operating landscaping equipment and handheld/power tools.
• Valid Florida Class E driver’s license.
• Must pass pre-employment testing, background, and credit checks.

Special Requirements

This position may be required to report for work when a declaration of emergency has been declared in Polk County.