Parks Specialist II
About The Position
The Parks Specialist II is a full-time, non-exempt position responsible for crew leadership in landscaping, athletic field maintenance, and general facility maintenance tasks under the direction of the Parks Manager. This role involves completing routine grounds maintenance such as landscaping, garbage removal, construction, and snow removal. The position also assists with the horticultural plan for parks, including turf management, pruning, weed control, design, and installations. Responsibilities include mowing, line trimming, turf maintenance, and care of trees, athletic fields, shrubs, and flower beds. The specialist will operate heavy equipment, conduct inspections of park grounds, playgrounds, and athletic fields, and assist with equipment maintenance and facility custodial duties. This role requires on-call availability for nights and weekends, assistance with special events, and snow removal. Administrative duties include standing in for the Parks Manager, assisting with maintenance programs and special events, maintaining knowledge of park district policies, and preparing schedules and reports. The position also emphasizes fostering a safe working environment and participating in the agency's risk management program.
Requirements
- High school graduate or GED equivalent
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- 2-4 years of supervisory landscaping experience including mowing.
- Possession of a valid Illinois driver’s license.
- Must be able to pass a criminal background check.
- Must be able to supervise full time, part time, or seasonal employees to perform projects and tasks.
- Must possess efficient time management skills and the ability to coordinate and prioritize numerous job functions at one time, with a work assignment system that is easily followed and tracked.
Nice To Haves
- Excellent (oral and written) communication and organization skills.
- Heavy equipment operation.
- Snow removal operations.
- Tree work including the operation of chainsaws and woodchippers.
- Must obtain and maintain a valid Illinois Pesticide Public Operator’s License within 1 year of hiring.
Responsibilities
- Crew leader working in landscaping, athletic field maintenance and/or general facility maintenance tasks under direction of the Parks Manager.
- Complete routine grounds maintenance such as landscaping, garbage removal, construction, and snow removal.
- Assist with the horticultural plan for parks to include turf management, pruning, weed control, design and installations.
- Mowing, line trimming, and turf maintenance.
- Care of trees, athletic fields, turf, shrubs and flower beds.
- Perform maintenance of the grounds at schools and parks within the River Trails Park District boundaries.
- Operate heavy equipment including skid steers, tractors, mowers, and woodchippers.
- Garbage cleanup throughout district grounds.
- Conduct inspections of park grounds, playgrounds, and athletic fields/courts.
- Assist Mechanic with maintaining equipment and vehicle preventative maintenance.
- Assist with facility maintenance and custodial as needed.
- Help maintain a clean and organized maintenance shop.
- On call nights and weekends, as needed.
- Assist with set up, break down, and day of special events.
- Perform snow removal with shovels, snow blowers, plows, and tractors.
- Perform other duties and functions as requested.
- Stand in for the Parks Manager in their absence.
- Responsible for assisting in the development and organization of a variety of maintenance programs, including Special Events.
- Maintain a thorough understanding of the Park District’s policies and operations.
- Assist with enforcing and interpreting those policies as needed.
- Continue education by attending classes, seminars, or conferences related to the position.
- Attend River Trails Park District and parks department meetings as needed.
- Prepare schedules, routines, and special reports as directed.
- Foster a working environment that promotes safe work habits and active participation in the agency’s risk management program.
- Use good safety awareness, judgment, and follow policies.
- Maintain a working knowledge of all general agency and department-specific safety rules.
- Attend required safety program and in-service education meetings.
- Correct unsafe conditions and/or report them to the Parks Manager.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
High school or GED
