Parks Maintenance Operator

The Parks Maintenance Operator (PMO) is a non-supervisory position working under the supervision of the Parks Supervisor. This role performs a variety of skilled and semi-skilled duties related to the maintenance, repair, and cleaning of equipment and facilities in parks and recreation areas throughout the city of Salem. Parks Maintenance Operators are often the first point of contact for park patrons and ensure safety, care for plants, and maintain facilities.

About us

Salem is the second-largest city in Oregon and the state capital, spanning 49 square miles across Marion and Polk counties. The city is home to nearly 180,000 residents and features well-established neighborhoods, historic buildings, and a family-friendly atmosphere. The City of Salem employs roughly 1,350 staff members across eight primary departments and collaborates with five labor unions.

Responsibilities

• Maintain facilities such as playground equipment, picnic shelters, and restrooms.
• Perform maintenance of park lands and recreation areas, including turf, trees, plants, shrubs, playgrounds, athletic areas, and restrooms.
• Operate large riding mowers and other gas-powered landscape equipment (e.g., backpack blowers, weed eaters, hedge trimmers, edgers).
• Perform minor repairs and maintenance of parks and recreation equipment, as well as building systems (e.g., playground equipment, park benches, picnic tables, irrigation repairs).
• Conduct manual labor, including raking leaves, trimming grass, fertilizing, pruning, landscaping, striping sports fields, graffiti removal, trash collection and disposal, snow removal, and irrigation repairs.
• Direct the work of volunteers, inmate labor, or community service workers.

Requirements

• Two years of experience in parks maintenance, repair, construction, landscaping, horticulture, turf, sports field maintenance, tree trimming, or acting as a ground hand.
• Must pass a pre-employment background check.
• Must possess an Oregon Driver’s license and a driving record that meets the City of Salem’s driving standards.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screen (including marijuana for CDL drivers).

Skills

• Good interpersonal skills for working with the public.
• Proficiency in written, oral, and telephonic communication.
• Knowledge of basic landscaping, lawn care procedures, and materials.
• Knowledge of basic trade maintenance procedures (carpentry, painting, plumbing).
• Ability to work independently without constant supervision.
• Ability to understand, remember, and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to lift heavy objects (50 lbs. and greater) and work under adverse weather conditions.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPR/AED Certification.
• Oregon Pesticide License.
• Forklift certification.
• Certified Pool/Spa Operator.
• Certified Playground Safety Inspector.
• Oregon Department of Agriculture Pesticide certification.
• Oregon Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
• Paid vacation and sick time in accordance with City policies.
• Competitive pay.
• Employer-paid PERS contribution of 6%.
• Opportunity for voluntary pre-tax contributions to a 457b account.
• Health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• Voluntary long-term care.
• Employee wellness program.
• Employee assistance program.
• Employee health clinic.

The City of Salem offers a comprehensive and equitable base salary within the listed range based on experience, skills, and education.