Parks Specialist I,II,III

GENERAL PURPOSE

Performs a variety of working level skilled duties related to the construction, installation, maintenance, upkeep and repair of city buildings, parks, grounds and general environments; including cemetery operations.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general supervision of the Parks Supervisor or a Parks Maintenance Specialist III.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Provides close to general supervision to Parks Maintenance Specialist(s) I, temporary, seasonal and part-time or full-time laborers while in training or on a project-by-project basis.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Serves as a crew member performing general building maintenance; constructs and maintains bowerys, small buildings and storage facilities; assures proper operation of lighting fixtures, doors, windows and plumbing; may assist in framing, painting, roofing or other skilled construction and maintenance activities related to carpentry, plumbing, and electrical; performs concrete and masonry work; assures proper installation and maintenance of playground equipment.

Assists in the installation of sprinkler systems; selects line sizes, sprinkler spacing, type and control equipment; install, test, and maintain systems utilizing low voltage, hydraulic, or other operating features; assists with various winterization operations and projects.

Performing operations such as spraying for the prevention or eradication of pests, fungus, and insects harmful to park plants, trees, shrubs and other environs; selects appropriate chemicals and combinations to accomplish task; maintains records of spraying activities; assures chemicals are properly stored and used in conformity with city, state, or federal regulations; operates spraying equipment.

Operates various types of heavy equipment such as front end loader, back hoe, utility trailers, dump truck, etc.; transports materials and equipment; participates in various seasonal projects such as snow removal; operates and maintains trencher; operates a variety of types of small and light equipment such as mowers, sod cutters, chain saws, pruning equipment, aeration tractor, and various hand tools; performs routine and regular maintenance on equipment to assure efficiency and safety.

Operates complex lawn mowing equipment; mows and trims grass, bushes and shrubs; assists in pruning activities on trees, shrubs and plants; removes dead, diseased, or injured trees; stimulates health plant growth through proper and approved horticultural methods.

Performs general landscape and gardening duties; plants and transplants trees, shrubs, bushes, grass, flowers etc. as directed to develop attractive parks and grounds; performs various fertilization techniques using dry and liquid chemicals.

Trains employees in equipment usage such as backhoe, loader tractor, gang lawn mowers, and landscape equipment.

Locates and prepares burial sites by digging and securing graves; prepares burial sites, sets up lowering devices, covers, greens, chairs and other material used in burial services.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

A. Graduation from high school or equivalent;

AND

B. Two (2-4) years of progressively responsible experience in the maintenance, upkeep and beautification of turf, parks, facilities and related environments;

OR

C. An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Working knowledge of maintenance equipment such as backhoe, loader, dump truck, mowers, tractor, power aerators, thatcher's, trimmers, etc.; central control irrigation system installation and repair; landscape design. Working knowledge of hazards and related safety precautions associated with equipment operations, herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, and pesticides, and proper application of the same. Some knowledge of supervisory best practices.

Skill in the operation of various types of light and heavy equipment such as gang mower, front end loader, tractor, backhoe, chipper, forklift, plow truck, boom lift, and various power and hand tools.; basic mechanics, basic electrical and plumbing operations, basic carpentry and masonry; basic skill in the operation of personal or laptop computer and various applications.

Ability to install automatic sprinkler systems as designed; recognize and identify common weeds and pests; recognize and identify diseases common to turf and greenery; effectively apply chemicals for the abatement and eradication of noxious weeds and insects; communicate effectively, verbally and in writing; develop effective working relationships with supervisor, subordinates, and the public; effectively delegate assignments to seasonal, part-time and volunteer workers.

Special Qualifications:

Must possess a valid Utah driver’s license

Must be 18 years of age.

May be required to obtain a valid Commercial Driver’s License.

Work Environment:

Tasks require variety of physical activities, generally involving muscular strain, such as walking, standing, stooping, sitting, reaching, lifting, etc. Talking, hearing and seeing essential to the performance of the job.  Daily exposure to weather extremes and seasonal conditions. Occasional exposure to toxic chemicals and materials.  Common eye, hand, finger dexterity required.  Mental application utilizes memory for details, verbal instructions, discriminating thinking.  Frequent local travel required in normal course of job performance. Periodic exposure to hazards associated working in the public right-of-way. Occasional physical demands may occur requiring strength of back, arms and legs requiring extreme muscular exertion and strain.

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Disclaimer: The above statements describe the general nature, level, and type of work performed by the employee(s) assigned to this job.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, demands, and skills required of personnel so classified.  Job descriptions are not intended to and do not imply or create any employment, compensation, or contract rights to any person or persons.  Management reserves the right to add, delete, or modify any and/or all provisions of this description at any time as needed without notice.  This job description supersedes earlier versions.