Parks Maintenance Grounds Keeper I

This position is under the general direction of the Assistant Parks, Recreation and Aquatics Director. Work is initially reviewed for adherence to instructions, quality of work, and skill demonstrated.

About the role

Positions in this classification are responsible for performing manual tasks in a variety of occupational areas including horticulture, grounds maintenance, equipment operation, small engine repair, and equipment/facility repair. Employees function as part of a crew and interact with the public respectfully and professionally. Work is performed outdoors in various weather conditions or indoors depending on the assignment and season.

Responsibilities

• Perform maintenance of parks, trails, and open space areas.
• Operate hand, power, and automotive equipment to mow turf while exercising safety precautions.
• Inspect parks and remove debris and obstructions, including biohazards, using proper PPE.
• Collect litter and empty trash cans.
• Mow and edge turf using riding and walk-behind mowers.
• Weed and prune landscaped areas; prepare and fertilize soil; plant turf, trees, shrubs, hedges, and flowers.
• Assist with planting, applying chemicals, maintaining, pruning, and removing trees, vegetation, landscaping, and turf in parks, trails, and natural areas.
• Abate graffiti and repair vandalism.
• Clean restrooms, perform janitorial duties, and light building maintenance.
• Fertilize, aerate, top dress, and thatch park areas.
• Perform light repair and maintenance on small engines.
• Paint and repair park equipment.
• Drag, rake, chalk, and set bases for ball field areas.
• Apply fertilizers and pesticides per state laws and industry standards.
• Assist in the installation, maintenance, testing, troubleshooting, and repair of automated irrigation systems.
• Inspect play equipment and perform routine maintenance.
• Assist in traffic control and flagging duties under heavy traffic conditions.
• Assist in preparing facilities and setting up/taking down equipment for department programs and events.
• Perform other related work as assigned.

Requirements

• Professional grounds maintenance practices.
• Park operations and maintenance procedures.
• Safe usage and operation of landscape maintenance tools and equipment.
• Requirements for maintaining tools and equipment in a safe, clean, and orderly condition.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.
• Basic methods of horticulture, landscaping, building maintenance, athletic field maintenance, and equipment operation.
• Appropriate health and safety precautions, including use of hazardous chemicals and PPE.
• Basic record-keeping techniques.
• Legal and defensive driving practices.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or equivalent, and one year of paid work experience performing grounds maintenance activities, or any combination of experience, education, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Experience performing a broad range of horticultural, landscaping, and building maintenance preferred.
• Valid Washington driver's license.
• Must be 18 years of age or older with a good driving record.
• Ability to obtain and maintain the following certificates within specified timeframes:
  • First Aid/CPR/AED certificate (within 6 months).
  • Forklift certificate (within 6 months).
  • Pesticide applicator license (within 12 months).
• Ability to:
  • Perform athletic field maintenance and equipment operation.
  • Drive a vehicle with a loaded equipment trailer in tow.
  • Operate effectively and cooperatively as a crew member.
  • Operate equipment safely and effectively.
  • Interact with the public in a pleasant and courteous manner.
  • Demonstrate physical strength, agility, normal vision, depth perception, and eye/hand coordination.
  • Establish and maintain positive working relationships with supervisors, co-workers, and other city personnel.
  • Provide work direction and guidance to part-time, seasonal, and volunteer crews.
  • Observe legal and defensive driving practices.
  • Operate handheld data recording devices and computers to update records.
  • Communicate effectively both orally and in writing in English.

Working Conditions

Work is performed mainly outdoors in various weather conditions or indoors depending on the assignment and season. The position may require working alternative days and shifts based on seasonal and program-related demands.

Physical Demands

• Physical strength, agility, eye/hand coordination, normal vision, and depth perception.
• Frequently lift 10 to 25 pounds; repetitive hand motion associated with hand and power tools.
• Periodically kneel, crouch, bend, stoop, or crawl.
• Exert force and/or lift or carry objects weighing up to 60 pounds occasionally; lift up to 100 pounds with assistance.
• Occasionally remain seated for extended periods (e.g., on a mower).
• Potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens and/or hazardous materials.
• Frequently exposed to high noise levels.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.