TITLE: Parks & Maintenance Crew (Horticulture Emphasis)
CATEGORY: Full-time, Non-exempt
SALARY: Starting rate from $19.14-22.08 per hour
BENEFITS: Visit https://www.obtpd.org/employment for a full listing of benefits for this position
SUMMARY: The Parks & Maintenance Crew (Horticulture Emphasis) is responsible for the maintenance and care of the Park District's grounds, parks, and buildings, ensuring safe, clean, and high-quality facilities and outdoor spaces for the community. This position requires the safe operation of a variety of equipment, as well as skilled tasks to maintain and repair grounds and buildings. The weekly schedule is Monday through Friday, 6:30am-2:30pm. Limited evening and weekend hours required as necessary to produce exceptional results.
QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS REQUIRED: The Parks & Maintenance Crew (Horticulture Emphasis) requires a high school diploma, a valid Illinois driver’s license (CDL desired), and at least 3 years of experience in the field of park maintenance, landscaping, horticulture, and/or related field. The Parks & Maintenance Crew must have strong horticultural knowledge, as well as basic knowledge of hand tools, carpentry, painting, electrical, and plumbing. Must have a valid CPR/AED certification or become certified within 6 months of hire. Additional desirable certifications include Certified Playground Safety Inspector and Pesticide Applicators License.
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: The Park & Maintenance Crew (Horticulture Emphasis) is under the supervision of the Superintendent of Parks & Facilities.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
1. Perform all aspects of landscape maintenance, including mowing, trimming, edging, planting, mulching, watering, weeding, pruning, and general grounds care.
2. Safely operate, inspect, service, and maintain landscape equipment and vehicles, including mowers, tractors, string trimmers, and blowers. Good hearing, vision, and reaction time are required.
3. Install, maintain, and renovate turf, flower beds, shrubs, trees, and native plant areas.
4. Perform seasonal grounds maintenance activities, including leaf removal, snow plowing, ice management, and other weather-related tasks.
5. Assist with the design and installation of new planting beds and seasonal displays.
6. Assist with building and facility maintenance projects utilizing skills in carpentry, plumbing, HVAC, mechanical systems, painting, electrical work, and general repairs.
7. Perform seasonal custodial duties for District buildings, including cleaning, basic upkeep, and maintaining safe, sanitary, and welcoming facilities for staff and the public.
8. Ability to climb a 20’ extension ladder and return to ground safely.
9. Develop preventative maintenance plans with colleagues and supervisor.
10. Assist in ensuring all contractors have submitted required documentation, including certificates of insurance, professional licenses, and applicable training certifications, before work begins.
11. Maintain desired weekly, monthly, and annual reports and inspections as required.
12. Attend staff meetings as necessary.
13. Maintain a working knowledge of Park District policies, procedures, safety standards, and operational practices.
14. Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
MARGINAL FUNCTIONS:
1. Perform the job in compliance with Park District policies, procedures, work rules, and employee manuals.
2. Work cooperatively towards continually improving Park District facilities and programs.
3. Work around general population and park patrons in public areas.
4. Promote Park District facilities and programs.
5. Adhere to department dress code.
6. Maintain a positive public appearance.
7. Attend conferences, seminars, workshops, webinars, and trainings as they pertain to the position.
PSYCHOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS: The Parks & Maintenance Crew (Horticulture Emphasis) may feel added pressure from the volume of maintenance requests from Park District staff. The Parks & Maintenance Crew (Horticulture Emphasis) must remain calm and continually share schedules and updates with Park District staff and vendors. The Parks & Maintenance Crew (Horticulture Emphasis) must be good at problem solving and continually develop creative responses to problems.
PHYSIOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS: The Parks & Maintenance Crew (Horticulture Emphasis) must be able to perform manual labor tasks that require lifting 75 pounds unassisted and walking, bending, stooping, standing, sitting, kneeling, climbing, reaching, lifting, pulling and/or pushing, grasping, and carrying.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS: The Parks & Maintenance Crew (Horticulture Emphasis) may be exposed to elements when assisting with outdoor functions. This includes varying weather conditions from extreme cold to hot and humid temperatures. There is also considerable indoor work, which provides exposure to lighting.
COGNITIVE CONSIDERATIONS: The Parks & Maintenance Crew (Horticulture Emphasis) must have the ability to read, write, and organize materials; ability to follow directions from supervisor with safe follow-through; use good safety awareness and judgment; and ability to drive vehicles and equipment in all weather conditions while obeying all traffic laws and signage.
The Parks & Maintenance Crew (Horticulture Emphasis) must be in compliance with the loss prevention and safety policies of the Park District.
Interested applicants should submit a resume to Shannon Elsey, Executive Director: shannon@obtpd.org.