Park Specialist I (Internal Only)

PARK SPECIALIST I

Full-time, non-exempt, benefitted, AFSCME represented position

APPLICATION CLOSING DATE: 

Open to internal applicants only through 5PM on 5/2/2025

Anticipated start date 5/19/2025

JOB DESCRIPTION:  

General Statement of Duties: Performs and organizes maintenance duties and equipment operations for park grounds, garden areas, horticulture, natural areas, and/or related facilities maintenance; does related work as required.

Distinguishing Features of the Class: An employee in this classification performs park maintenance work in assigned park areas. Work is performed under the supervision of a Park Program Manager. Although supervision in not normally a responsibility of positions in this classification, a Park Specialist I may be assigned lead-worker responsibilities over volunteers and/or seasonal help at the work site.

Examples of Essential Duties Performed: (Illustrative only. Any single position of a class will not necessarily involve all of the duties listed, and many positions will involve duties that are not listed.)

• Performs general mechanical work to repair park equipment, which may include metal fabrication, calibrating equipment, and use of specialized tools and equipment.


• Performs routine building and grounds maintenance work, such as painting and carpentry, restroom cleaning, litter pickup and removal, lawn edging, leaf removal, unclogging drains, etc.


• Works with and assists contractors on projects as assigned by a program manager.


• Participates in the preparation, renovation and maintenance programs for sports fields, ornamental gardens, flower and shrub beds, wetlands and natural resource areas.


• Monitors the operation of irrigation systems in order to program controllers to ensure that watering schedules are suitable for varied turf grasses and plants, soil conditions, and current weather conditions.


• Assists with installation and repair of irrigation systems. Under direction of a licensed individual, performs low-voltage irrigation wiring associated with irrigation systems.


• Participates in the repair and installation of playground equipment.


• Operates computer workstation.


• Assists in the development of project budgets and works with vendors to purchase materials.


• Provides lead direction to seasonal and volunteer workers at a work site.


• Assures that work is performed according to established safety practices and procedures.


• Directs and performs set-up of traffic control devices and procedures at a job site to provide safe working conditions and public safety.


• Approaches individuals engaged in park rule violations; assesses situation; diffuses and encourages compliance. Reports repeat offenders and unlawful activities to appropriate law enforcement agency. 


• Recommends and coordinates exclusions and trespasses with appropriate law enforcement agency; assists courts with information as needed to exclude or prosecute violators.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge: Considerable knowledge of park maintenance principles, practices, and equipment involved in the area of assignment; methods and practices of skilled garden and landscape maintenance; basic principles and practices of horticulture; equipment, tools, materials, supplies, and practices involved in grounds, landscape, or building maintenance.

Skills: Safe and effective operating practices of light and heavy equipment used in area of assignment. Understanding and application of safety precautions and the ability to identify hazards. Communicate effectively and courteously with District employees and the public; establish effective working relationships. Use of a computer and applicable computer applications required to perform responsibilities.

Abilities: Perform skilled parks and/or natural resource maintenance work in area of assignment. Read and interpret equipment instructions, maps, and blueprints. Select, propagate, and care for ornamental plants. Perform garden, turf, and grounds maintenance. May instruct others in parks and open space maintenance practices and methods. Work efficiently and cooperatively with other staff and the public. Be available and respond to emergency callback as necessary. Perform strenuous physical work outdoors in varying weather conditions, and frequently in confined spaces and uncomfortable conditions. Provide and wear personal protective equipment as required. Operate, repair, and maintain complex hand and power tools, machinery, instruments, and construction equipment.

Physical Demands of The Position: While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to bend, twist, kneel, reach, and stoop, often in conjunction with reaching for or manipulating objects.  The position requires the employee carry and use a leaf blower for extended periods of time. The position requires mobility including the ability to move materials such as bags, small equipment, leaf blower, etc weighing up to 20 pounds often, up to 50 pounds occasionally, and seldomly up to 100 pounds with assistance. Manual dexterity and coordination, including but not limited to grasping, pulling, and squeezing, are required over 75% of the work period. The duties of the position involve standing for the vast majority of the work period. The duties of this position are most always performed outside, which means exposure to heat in summer and cold in winter is likely. Exposure to noise is moderate, and at times requires the use of ear protection while using noise-producing equipment. Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this class with reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis and depends, in part, on the specific requirements for the job, the limitations related to the disability and the ability of the hiring department to accommodate the limitation.

Personal Protective Equipment: Hard hat, landscaping gloves, ear protection (ear plugs or muffs), particle mask, safety glasses, chaps, boots, long pants.

Required Experience And Training: High school graduation or equivalency; a minimum of three years of increasingly responsible experience in specialized grounds keeping, garden maintenance, nursery trade, irrigations systems, park and wetland, tree maintenance, open waterway, and natural resource maintenance related to area of assignment; or any satisfactory combination of experience and training which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the above-described duties.

Preferred Experience and Training: A two-year degree in Horticulture or a related field and a minimum of five years of increasingly responsible experience in specialized grounds keeping, garden maintenance, nursery trade, irrigations systems, park and wetland, tree maintenance, open waterway, and natural resource maintenance is preferred.

Necessary Special Requirements: Requires possession of a valid Oregon driver's license; safe driving record; possession of or ability to obtain a current public pesticide Applicator License from the state of Oregon. Because this job is considered safety sensitive, a drug screen test will be required prior to employment. Must be at least 18 years of age.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Hours/Shift
7:30 AM - 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday. Some schedule flexibility. 

Drug Free Workplace

This job is considered safety sensitive, a drug screen test and ability to pass a criminal background check will be required prior to employment.

Oregon Pay Equity 

Willamalane Park and Recreation District determines starting pay based on the applicant's relevant education, experience and training within the wage and salary range for the position. This process is consistent with Oregon pay equity laws. 

Equal Opportunity Employer

BENEFITS:

• Paid vacation leave upon completion of probationary period. Vacation leave benefits will accrue for all hours worked based on years of service.
• Paid sick leave beginning with date of hire. Sick leave benefits will accrue based on hours worked.
• Paid holidays (District-recognized holidays).
• Medical and dental insurance, 1st of the month following employment date.
• Annual cost of living increase (as approved by the Board).
• 50-percent discount on selected child care programs (see Policy Manual for restrictions)
• 25-percent discount on certain recreation programs.
• Free use of pools for lap and play swims for employee and household members.
• Free use of the Fitness Center for employee and household members.
• Free wellness classes offered by Willamalane.
• Automatic payroll deduction for union membership dues.
• Payroll direct deposit is available.