Parks Grounds Specialist (Multiple Positions)(Austin Parks and Recreation)

City of Austin

1d • $22 - $25

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.

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.
• If assigned to operate vehicles, must possess the appropriate Texas Driver License for those vehicles.
• 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.
• This position requires a valid Texas Class “B” Commercial Driver License (CDL) with passenger endorsement or the ability to acquire one by your hire date.
• 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.
• Tasks may involve bending, lifting, walking, carrying or using a force equal to lifting up to thirty-five (35) pounds.
• Must be physically and mentally able to communicate, respond and work with participant’s needs and safety issues.

Nice To Haves

• Experience marking interments and monument settings at a Municipal Cemetery.
• Experience performing interment tasks.
• Experience related to grounds keeping or general labor services in a cemetery, park or other park-like setting.
• Experience performing minor plumbing and/or irrigation system repairs.
• Basic computer competency with Microsoft Outlook, Teams, Word and Excel.
• Reading, interpreting, and completing work orders.
• Using hand tools, power tools and other maintenance equipment including but not limited to, leaf blowers, string-line trimmers, walk-behind curb edgers, and large mowers (propane, gas and diesel, zero-turn mowers).
• Driving a truck and trailer combination.
• Performing preventative and mechanical maintenance on mowing equipment.
• Ability to travel to multiple work sites throughout the workday.

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.
• Perform park grounds/cemetery operations tasks such as marking grave sites and marking monument setting.
• Train/Lead staff in performing Burial and Monument markings.
• Train/Lead staff mowing Cemetery Grounds and properly weed eating around all monuments/structures (historic/standard).
• Train/Lead staff in performing interment tasks.
• Train/Lead staff in performing monument setting/resetting.
• Ensure all work orders are filled out properly and returned to Crew Leader and/or Supervisor in a timely manner.
• Performs safety inspections and addresses deficits on the City of Austin five (5) municipal cemeteries.
• Performs minor repairs/construction on assigned equipment.
• Perform minor janitorial services and properly secure properties during the evening shift.

Benefits

• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees