Playground Equipment Safety Specialist (14318, Grade 16)

The Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission•Hyattsville, MD

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Playground Equipment Safety Specialist works within the Northern Region Parks Division of the Department of Parks & Recreation in Prince George’s County. The role plans and conducts preventive maintenance and safety inspections of playground equipment, determines and completes needed repairs, and helps ensure equipment complies with U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission guidelines and manufacturer specifications. It also provides technical guidance, supports playground installation and renovation planning, coordinates staff work, and trains employees and other groups on playground equipment safety. The position works in the field and office, with considerable driving and exposure to varying weather, dirt, and welding torch fumes. Work hours are 5:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Two years of general trades experience and two years of playground equipment repair and installation experience; an equivalent combination of education and experience totaling four years may be substituted.
Obtain Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) certification within twelve months of hire.
Valid driver's license meeting State and Commission rules, without restrictions, revocations, suspensions, or points that could limit required driving.
Pass a Commission medical examination.

Responsibilities

Plan and conduct routine preventive maintenance programs for play equipment.
Inspect equipment for safety, identify structural problems and defects, determine needed repairs, and implement corrective action.
Make minor repairs and replacements, such as swings, S-hooks, and chains; disable or remove defective equipment as needed.
Recommend closure and removal of major equipment.
Prepare records of inspections and completed repairs.
Estimate materials and supplies, select and purchase repair and replacement parts, submit annual budget requests, receive shipments, and maintain stock inventory.
Advise park designers and inspectors on selecting, installing, and maintaining play structures and on compliance with applicable safety guidelines and manufacturer specifications.
Represent the region and provide input at pre- and post-construction meetings and during installation.
Provide information for scheduling play equipment renovation in the Capital Improvement Program.
Lead and coordinate staff involved in repairing, maintaining, installing, and altering the design of play equipment; ensure projects are completed correctly.
Conduct site inspections as required.
Inform manufacturers about problems, recommend design alterations, and arrange factory representative inspections of design flaws.
Use hand and power tools and perform routine welding, masonry, carpentry, and mechanical work.
Train Commission employees and other groups on safety considerations for selecting, installing, and maintaining play equipment.
Design, prepare, and present play equipment safety workshops as required.
Review specialized literature to stay current with design trends.
Attend on-site meetings with citizens to address concerns, discuss installations, and explain the safety program.