Parks Operator I

OPENING DATE:  June 16, 2025

CLOSING DATE:  Continuous until filled with interviews for the first cut-off of applications being June 30, 2025

REPORTS TO:   PARKS SUPERVISOR, ASSISTANT PARKS SUPERVISOR

DIRECT REPORTS: None

POSITION SUMMARY: Under the general supervision of the Parks supervisor, perform manual labor, semi-skilled and skilled work often involving the operation of light-to-heavy-duty construction and maintenance equipment.  Employee must show fundamental knowledge horticultural, tree and turf care.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Create and maintain landscaping in order to beautify parks and trails as directed.


• Assist and participate in the maintenance, repair, and renovation of park facilities, trails and equipment.


• Assist and participate in spraying for weeds and mosquitos in accordance with applicable state and local ordinances.


• Operate safely the maintenance and construction equipment, which may include, but is not limited to, dump trucks, tractors, loaders, skid steer, mowers, saws, welders, drill press, chainsaws, and other equipment as needed.


• Operate snow removal equipment, plows, sanders, snow blowers, and may manually remove snow using a shovel as needed.


• Load and unloads heavy objects, materials and supplies as needed.


• Perform routine maintenance and repairs of equipment.


• Attend training as directed by Parks Supervisor.

PERIODIC JOB DUTIES:

• Serve as the lead person for small crews as directed by the Supervisor.


• May be reassigned to assist in other areas within the City of Altoona.


• Other duties as assigned.

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education – High School Diploma or equivalent GED


• Experience – one (1) to two (2) years of work and knowledge in horticultural, tree and turf care experience is preferred.

SKILLS:

• Ability to take initiative.


• Ability to work independently with intermittent direct supervision.


• Effective oral and written communication skills.


• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.


• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the general public.


• Ability to make minor mechanical repairs and adjustments to equipment.


• Problem-solving ability appropriate to the work activities.


• Ability to perform routine mathematical computations accurately.


• Ability to perform manual labor for extended periods of time often in inclement weather, confined spaces, and/or heights.


• Perform job functions adhering to safety guidelines and policies set for by the administration and/or supervisor.

KNOWLEDGE:

• Knowledge of traffic laws and regulations involved in equipment operations.


• Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions associated with the operation of tools and equipment.


• General knowledge of tools and equipment, including hand/power tools, and electronic equipment.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Frequent requirement to lift, carry, push and pull greater than fifty (50) pounds.


• Occasionally lifts, carries or otherwise moves and positions objects weighing up to seventy-five (75) pounds.


• Typically bends, stoops and crouches on a regular basis to perform duties in all weather conditions.


• Occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials.


• Possible contact with potentially dangerous animals.

REQUIRED SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Valid Iowa Driver’s license


• Valid Commercial Driver’s Grade B License or the ability to obtain one within 90 days of employment.


• Ability to obtain an Iowa Pesticides License within 90 days of employment.


• Establish residency within an area which takes forty-five (45) minutes or less to drive to the department maintenance facility within the first three (3) months of employment with the city.


• Generally available for off-hour emergencies, snow duty and/or work assignments.

The City of Altoona retains the authority to change the job duties included in this job description at any time.  The list of duties, responsibilities, knowledge, and skills is not exhaustive and various requirements are subject to possible modification as a reasonable accommodation for a qualified individual.

The successful applicant will be required to complete a background check and pass a medical examination which includes a drug and alcohol screening prior to beginning work.

The City of Altoona is located in Polk County, Iowa, about 5 miles from Des Moines, Iowa, and is home to approximately 20,000 residents.  Altoona offers many large city amenities but with a small town quality and convenience.  Altoona hosts beautiful recreational trails and parks, offers an abundance of shopping and restaurant opportunities, and the entertainment is renowned.

The City of Altoona is an Equal Opportunity Employer.