Parks Grounds Specialist (Austin Parks and Recreation)

City of Austin

4d•$22 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, this position performs specialized maintenance, construction, and/or grounds keeping tasks in and around park grounds and recreational facilities. The purpose of the Parks Grounds Specialist position is to maintain and provide improvements to citywide hike and bike trail infrastructures and along with the crew (or independently) act as first responders to address public safety concerns. Services will be processed utilizing standard construction techniques, methods, and practices.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent plus two (2) years' experience related to grounds keeping or general labor services, at least one (1) year of which is in the assigned area of specialization.
Experience may substitute for education up to four (4) years.
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
Knowledge of general grounds keeping processes, policies and procedures within the Parks and Recreation Department (PARD).
Knowledge of assigned areas (E.g., hike and bike trail surfaces, athletic fields, equipment, etc.).
Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of assigned equipment and vehicles.
Knowledge of City practice, policy, and procedures.
Knowledge of safety practices and procedures.
Skill in oral and written communication.
Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
Skill in planning and organizing.
Ability to operate power tools.
Ability to lifting and carry equipment or materials applicable to the work being performed.
Ability to train and lead others.
Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
If assigned to operate vehicles, must possess the appropriate Texas Driver License for those vehicles.
Tasks may involve bending, lifting, walking, carrying, or using a force equal to lifting up to thirty-five (35) pounds.
Work environment includes inside, and outside environmental conditions, extreme temperatures, and hazards associated with equipment operation including fumes, oils, gases and mists.
Must be physically and mentally able to communicate, respond and work with participant’s needs and safety issues.
This position requires a Texas Class C Operator’s License or ability to obtain one by date of hire.
External New Hires must meet the City of Austin’s Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite.
To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months.

Nice To Haves

Work experience using commercial wide-area mowers & tractors (Toro 5900, 4700, Tractor with rotary cutter or Tri-max attachment).
Work experience using commercial grounds-zero turn mower.
Work experience driving a truck and trailer combination.
Work experience using grounds maintenance equipment such as blower, trimmer, chain saw, stump grinder, and wood-chipper.
Work experience performing preventative and mechanical maintenance on mowing equipment.
Basic to intermediate competency with Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel.

Responsibilities

Performs skilled and semi-skilled grounds maintenance tasks.
Performs minor and major repairs.
Performs general concrete work.
Operates department equipment.
Operates hand tools.
Performs safety inspections and addresses deficits.
Drives service vehicles.
Removes graffiti or paint.
Assists the public with questions and concerns.
May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.