Natural Resource Grounds Technician III

About the role

This position is part of the Natural Resource Maintenance section within the GG_Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs department. It involves semi-skilled and skilled craft work, primarily focused on managing natural areas, trails, and facilities in City parks.

Responsibilities

• Install and care for city trees, shrubs, and bedding plants.
• Maintain and repair athletic fields, including verticutting, aerating, and installing clay in-fill materials.
• Perform skilled upkeep and maintenance on recreation equipment.
• Assist or perform skilled electrical, carpentry, plumbing, painting, concrete, and other trade work.
• Operate and maintain various types of motorized and hand tools, including mowers, tractors, and power hand tools.
• Inspect and perform preventative maintenance on assigned equipment.
• Support City special events and programs by assisting with setup, cleanup, and maintenance of displays and exhibits.
• Ensure park facilities are secure after hours and respond to emergencies and disasters.
• Participate in prescribed burn and exotic pest plant control teams.
• Prepare and enter work orders.

Requirements

To be considered for this position, candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent, along with at least two years of experience in laboring work, including the use of hand and power tools and motorized equipment. Public chemical spraying experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• Valid Driver License with Class A or B CDL (may be required).
• CPR and First Aid certifications (may be required).
• S:190/S-130, I-100 and Standards of Survival, and other specialized prescribed fire courses (may be required).
• Restricted Use Pesticide License (specializing in Ornamental and Turf categories) and Florida Green Industries Best Management Training Certificate (within six months of hire) (may be required).
• Sawyer Certification, Natural Areas Weed Management Certification, or other training required for natural resource management maintenance (may be required).
• State of Florida Dept. of Corrections Inmate Training certification with 6 months (may be required).

Skills

The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of horticultural practices, maintenance and construction methods related to parks and recreation, and the ability to work independently with little supervision.

Benefits

The City of Gainesville offers a competitive benefits package, including traditional benefits such as health insurance, life insurance, paid leave, and a pension plan. Additional perks include on-site fitness centers, tuition reimbursement, on-site medical staff, and a wellness program.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $17.89 to $27.91 per hour.

Schedule

Work may require performance of tasks outdoors under varying climatic conditions and may involve exposure to hazardous conditions and prolonged noise levels.