Grounds Laborer-Full Time

Love working outdoors? Enjoy hands-on work that makes a visible impact in your community?
If you take pride in well-kept parks, fresh landscapes, and safe public spaces, we want YOU on our Grounds team!

As a Grounds Laborer, you’ll help keep our parks beautiful, safe, and welcoming year-round—from lush summer fields to winter ice rinks. No two days are the same, and your work will be seen and enjoyed by the entire community.

Schedule:  M-F, 8am-4:30pm, some weekends and holidays

You’ll play a key role in maintaining and enhancing park grounds and facilities by:

• 🌱 Mowing, trimming, edging, and weeding park grounds.


• 🌼 Assisting with landscape installation, planting, and mulching.


• 🧹 Performing general park clean-up (leaves, debris, trash removal).


• ⚽ Maintaining turf areas, sports fields, and irrigation systems.


• 🛠️ Completing minor repairs and painting of park structures.


• ❄️ Setting up and maintaining ice rinks, including snow removal and resurfacing.


• 🚜 Operating and maintaining landscaping equipment (mowers, tractors, power tools).


• 🧪 Safely using fertilizers, herbicides, and other materials.


• 👀 Identifying and reporting safety hazards and helping correct them.


• 🎉 Assisting with special events and community programs.


• 😊 Responding to public questions and concerns in a friendly, professional manner.


• 🌎 Supporting sustainability and environmental initiatives.

What We’re Looking For

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required


• Two (2) years of landscaping or grounds maintenance experience preferred

Certifications

• Illinois Pesticide Operator’s License (or ability to obtain within one year)


• CPR/AED certification preferred

Skills & Strengths

• Knowledge of grounds maintenance, turf care, landscaping, and irrigation


• Ability to safely operate and maintain maintenance equipment


• Strong commitment to safety and quality work


• Good communication and teamwork skills


• Problem-solver who can work independently or with a crew


• Availability to work weekends and holidays as needed

Other Requirements

• Valid driver’s license and current vehicle insurance

Physical & Working Conditions

This is an active, hands-on role that includes:

• Lifting up to 50 lbs unassisted.


• Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and reaching.


• Working outdoors in all seasons and weather conditions.


• Exposure to loud equipment, chemicals, and varying temperatures.

The Crystal Lake Park District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Please click here for a listing of our benefits.