Maintenance Technician III – Landscaping

About the Role

To support the Rockford Park District's mission by planning and executing the maintenance of clean, safe, and well-maintained landscapes, grounds, and natural areas for the citizens of the District.

The Rockford Park District is committed to helping people enjoy life by providing a quality park and recreation system, aligning resources to achieve its vision, mission, and priorities. The District values accountability, integrity, passion, agility, relationship orientation, results-driven approaches, service orientation, respect, and innovation.

The Rockford Park District fosters a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, ensuring an inviting, equitable, and inclusive environment for all team members, partners, and community members.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute landscaping projects, ground care activities, and routine maintenance tasks in an organized manner, ensuring effective utilization of time and resources.
• Ensure all work is conducted safely and timely, adhering to cleanliness and equipment utilization standards.
• Operate Rockford Park District equipment, including trucks, towing trailers, tractors, mowers, chainsaws, skid loaders, wheel loaders, and end loaders.
• Operate pole saws, table saws, band saws, drills, string trimmers, landscape blowers, and other hand and power tools.
• Operate District snow removal vehicles and equipment; assist with snow removal routes, including seasonal snow removal of walks and bike paths.
• Maintain inventory of equipment and supplies according to regulations for proper maintenance.
• Assist in preparation and execution of the annual budget and operating plan.
• Assist in developing and annually updating the general maintenance procedural manual.
• Maintain a working knowledge of department safety procedures and attend required safety training programs.
• Maintain landscaped areas by mulching beds, trimming hedges, pruning shrubs, edging, and removing weeds.
• Plant annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs, and bulbs.
• Perform routine safety checks on gardens, buildings, grounds, and equipment; document and file safety and inspection reports.
• Conduct routine inspections of park grounds, natural areas, and landscape features; document inspection, repair, and renovation needs.
• Receive, assign, and complete daily work orders, establishing priorities based on urgency.
• Monitor and evaluate garden and landscape conditions; inspect for insect and disease infestation, damage, and appearance; take corrective action for plant diseases and pests.
• Apply pesticides and fertilizers per specified label rates; schedule and provide proper cultural practices including pruning, watering, and mulching.
• Maintain parks, gardens, and natural areas by trimming trees, clearing brush, and landscaping as required.
• Demonstrate basic and advanced pest and plant identification skills.
• Read and interpret landscape plans to perform work to specifications.
• Develop and perform preventative maintenance schedules on assigned tools and equipment.
• Demonstrate responsiveness to staff and facilitate team efforts to achieve success.
• Adjust work schedule to accommodate changing priorities and assist with volunteer and community projects.
• Support and assist other Rockford Park District-wide operations as required.
• Provide quality customer service to patrons, guests, and District employees.
• Ensure a superior customer experience through outstanding service, knowledge, flexibility, and thoroughness.
• Quickly and effectively solve customer problems to ensure total satisfaction.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED, plus 1 year of additional schooling in horticulture, landscaping, or a related field.
• 3 to 5 years of experience in landscaping, grounds, or natural areas maintenance.
• Valid driver's license and Illinois Public Pesticide Operator's License (or ability to obtain within a specified period of hire).

Skills

• Ability to independently plan, prioritize, and execute landscaping projects and daily work assignments.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Experience with hand and power tools, including pole saws, chainsaws, table saws, string trimmers, and landscape blowers.
• Ability to read and interpret landscape plans and perform work to specifications.
• General knowledge of insects, trees, and plants, including basic and advanced pest and plant identification.
• General knowledge of irrigation and fertilizer equipment and application.
• Ability to apply pesticides and fertilizers per label specifications.
• Ability to safely operate District snow removal vehicles and equipment.
• Proficiency with desktop computer, iPad, smartphone technology, Internet, Outlook, Word, Excel, and Computer Maintenance Management Systems.
• Good communication skills (oral, written, and interpersonal).
• Above average problem-solving skills.
• Good understanding of project management.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Heavy Work: Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally.
• Exerting up to 50 pounds of force frequently.
• Exerting up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

Significant environmental factors are applicable to this position.

Benefits

• Health & Wellness:
  • Health Insurance: Choose from three PPO Plans administered by BlueCross/BlueShield of Illinois, including a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with an option for a Health Savings Account (HSA).
  • Dental Insurance: Coverage through BlueCross/BlueShield, with a $2,000 individual annual maximum.
  • Vision Insurance: Provided by EyeMed, offering discounts on frames, lenses, and other vision services.
  • Wellness Program: Empower Health Services offers programs and resources to support employee well-being, including wellness challenges and health resources.
  • Employee Assistance Program: Confidential counseling and support for personal and work-related challenges through SupportLinc.
• Financial Security:
  • Retirement Plans: Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) pension with voluntary additional contributions & optional 457(b) deferred compensation.
  • Life Insurance: Employer-paid life & AD&D (2x salary, up to $300K) plus optional voluntary coverage.
  • Critical Illness & Accident Insurances: Provides financial support for covered critical illnesses and optional accident insurance.
  • Tax-Free Accounts: HSA (with HDHP) & FSA for medical and dependent care expenses.
  • Employee Crisis Fund: Financial assistance of up to $2,500 for unforeseen emergencies.
• Paid Time Off: Vacation, Sick Leave, Holidays, Personal Days, Bereavement, and various leave programs.
• Additional Benefits:
  • Employee Participation Program: Use for District programs or passes including Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, Golf Membership, or up to $400 on a card for Park District facilities.
  • Exclusive Discounts: Local partners, safety shoe reimbursement, and more.
  • Unique Benefits: Legal, identity theft, and pet insurance options.