Parks Specialist I - Conservation Lands & Resources

Pima County • Tucson, AZ

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Pima County’s Conservation Lands & Resources (CLR) Department is seeking highly motivated and hard-working individuals to fill a position as Park Specialist I. The position will work within the Parks and Trails Division of CLR supporting Pima County’s commitment to conservation to support maintenance, construction, historic preservation, and habitat restoration projects within Historic Canoa Ranch and Canoa Hills Trails Park. This role is field-oriented, often in remote areas, with exposure to extreme summer and cold winter temperatures and requires the candidate to be in excellent physical condition. This is primarily a manual labor position requiring the ability to lift heavy loads; safely operate assigned vehicles and other powered equipment; work in extremes of heat, humidity, dust, and cold; safely wear required safety clothing and equipment; and ascend and descend ladders and stairs to reach and work upon elevated or below-grade work platforms and job sites. On assigned projects, the extended use of hand tools such as shovels, pickaxes, digging bars, and rakes is required. Invasive species work requires the candidate to mechanically remove or apply chemicals to combat invasive species and work where venomous animals may be encountered. As a Park Specialist I, you will perform various maintenance tasks such as landscaping, trash removal, facility upkeep, and assisting with park events. Incumbents interact with park visitors, providing friendly assistance and ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all. This position requires a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a passion for outdoor spaces. In this role, you will work under the supervision of park management to preserve and protect our natural resources while contributing to the overall quality of life in our community. You may also lead, two or fewer full-time employees in daily park maintenance activities.

Requirements

• Completion of an industry-recognized apprenticeship program in a Parks & Recreation specialization as determined by the department head at the time of recruitment. (Relevant five years of journey-level experience in the trade, craft or operational area of required expertise may substitute for recognized apprenticeship program). OR: One (1) year experience with Pima County as a Parks Technician II or closely-related classification as determined by the department head at the time of recruitment. (Relevant experience and/or education from an accredited college or university may be substituted.)
• Valid driver license is required at time of application.
• Valid AZ driver license is required at time of appointment.
• The successful applicant will be subject to a 39-month DOT Motor Vehicle Record review to determine applicant’s suitability to operate county vehicles in accordance with Pima County administrative procedures.
• Some positions require a valid Arizona CDL driver license at the time of application or appointment.
• The County requires pre-employment background checks.
• Successful candidates will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening to include verification of work history, education, and criminal conviction history.
• Some positions may require completion of a satisfactory personal background investigation by the court or law enforcement agencies, due to the need for access to County Attorney and Court facilities, records, and communication systems.
• This position will require post-job offer proof of immunization(s) or immunization(s) and/or a TB screening.
• This position will require a post-job offer physical and/or drug screen.

Nice To Haves

• Minimum one (1) year experience performing herbicide application in a commercial setting.
• Minimum one (1) year experience in a customer service setting responding to customer inquiries.
• Minimum six (6) months experience with the loading, securing, transport, and field use of equipment, UTVs/ATVs, and a variety of trailers.
• Minimum six (6) months experience working on habitat restoration.
• Minimum six (6) months experience working in historic preservation or on adobe structures.

Responsibilities

• Performs routine maintenance tasks such as mowing, weeding, planting, watering, and pruning to ensure the upkeep and aesthetics of park grounds
• Maintains and repairs park facilities, including playground equipment, picnic shelters, restrooms, and signage
• Collects and disposes of litter and debris from park grounds, ensuring a clean and safe environment for visitors
• Maintains trails, including clearing vegetation, repairing erosion, and installing signage
• Provides friendly and helpful customer service to park visitors, answering questions, providing information, and addressing concerns
• Assists with setup and breakdown of park events, including festivals, concerts, and recreational programs
• Conducts routine safety inspections of park facilities and equipment, reporting any hazards or maintenance needs to supervisors
• Assists in the preservation and protection of natural resources within the park, including native plantings, wildlife habitats, and water bodies
• May lead and oversee the daily park maintenance activities of two or fewer Park Technician I or II or Park Helper employees, which includes: assigning work tasks and ensuring maintenance activities are completed as delegated.

Benefits

• Pima County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce and will not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, kinship, political interest, or any other characteristic protected by law.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed