Parks Maintenance Grounds Keeper I

City of Fife•Fife, WA

About The Position

Under the general direction of the Assistant Parks, Recreation and Aquatics Director, this position performs manual work in grounds maintenance, horticulture, equipment operation, small-engine repair, and equipment and facility repair. Work is initially reviewed for adherence to instructions, work quality, and demonstrated skill. Employees work cooperatively as crew members and are expected to operate hand, power, and automotive equipment safely to protect themselves, coworkers, the public, and City property. The role also requires respectful and professional interaction with the public and participation in City programs as assigned. The position reports directly to the Parks Maintenance Coordinator II. Work takes place indoors and outdoors, primarily outdoors in varying weather conditions, depending on the assignment and season. The position requires physical strength and agility, eye-hand coordination, normal vision, and depth perception. Duties include routine park, trail, open-space, landscape, athletic-field, building, and equipment maintenance, as well as support for department programs and events. Alternative workdays and shifts may be required based on seasonal and program-related demands.

Requirements

High school graduation or equivalent, plus one year of paid grounds-maintenance experience; or an equivalent combination of experience, education, and training providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Valid Washington driver's license and a good driving record.
Must be at least 18 years old.
Obtain and maintain a pesticide applicator's license within twelve months of employment.
Obtain First Aid/CPR/AED and forklift certificates within six months of employment.
Knowledge of professional grounds-maintenance practices and park operations and maintenance procedures.
Knowledge of safe use and operation of landscape-maintenance tools and equipment, and requirements for keeping tools and equipment safe, clean, and orderly.
Knowledge of basic horticulture, landscaping, building maintenance, athletic-field maintenance, and equipment operation.
Knowledge of health and safety precautions for grounds maintenance, including hazardous chemicals, personal protective equipment, and biohazard cleanup.
Knowledge of basic record-keeping techniques and legal and defensive driving practices.
Ability to perform athletic-field maintenance and operate equipment safely and effectively.
Ability to work effectively and cooperatively as a crew member and establish positive working relationships with supervisors, coworkers, and other City personnel.
Ability to interact courteously with the public and effectively with diverse individuals to accomplish common goals.
Ability to drive a vehicle towing a loaded equipment trailer.
Ability to demonstrate the physical strength and agility, normal vision, depth perception, and eye-hand coordination required to perform the work safely.
Ability to operate handheld data-recording devices and computers to update records and record work production.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing in English, and to read, write, and speak English.

Nice To Haves

Experience performing a broad range of horticultural, landscaping, and building-maintenance work is preferred.

Responsibilities

Maintain parks, trails, and open-space areas.
Safely operate hand, power, and automotive equipment, including riding and walk-behind mowers, to mow and edge turf while taking precautions around obstacles and people.
Inspect parks and remove debris and obstructions, including potential biohazards, using appropriate personal protective equipment and manual or mechanical methods.
Collect litter and empty trash cans.
Weed and prune landscaped areas; prepare and fertilize soil; and plant turf, trees, shrubs, hedges, and flowers.
Assist with planting, chemical application, maintenance, pruning, and removal of trees, vegetation, landscaping, and turf in parks, trails, pathways, and natural areas.
Abate graffiti and repair vandalism.
Clean restrooms, perform janitorial duties in buildings, and conduct 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 fields.
Apply fertilizers and pesticides in accordance with state laws and industry standards.
Assist with installation and maintenance of irrigation systems, including operating, testing, troubleshooting, and repairing automated systems.
Inspect play equipment and perform routine maintenance.
Assist with traffic control and flagging as assigned, working safely under heavy traffic conditions.
Help prepare facilities and set up and take down equipment for department programs and events.
Maintain tools and equipment in a safe, clean, and orderly condition.
Drive a vehicle with a loaded equipment trailer in tow and follow legal and defensive driving practices.
Use handheld data-recording devices and computers to update records and record work production.
Provide work direction and guidance to part-time seasonal and volunteer crews as assigned.
Perform other related work as assigned.