Turf and Grounds Operations Technician

Description

Job Summary:  The Turf and Grounds Operations Technician is responsible for year-round, day-to-day lawn, landscape, and walking trail care. This includes weed whacking, blowing, trash pickup, gravel trail maintenance, and general park upkeep. The Technician will work interactively with the Operations Turf and Grounds Supervisor and Coordinators to contribute to a professional level of care for high-use and high-visibility turfgrass areas. 

Base Schedule: Monday–Friday, 6:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m.; schedule may adjust based on seasons.  

Responsibilities and Duties Include:

•  Upkeep and maintenance of lawn areas, landscapes, and trails. 
• Physically perform general landscape maintenance, including blowing, edging, raking, mulching, string trimming, watering, fertilizing, spraying, pruning, and other tasks as needed. 
• Operate small and large equipment, including utility vehicles, trucks, backpack blowers, string trimmers, edgers, and others as needed. 
• Assist with pesticide and fertilizer applications as needed. 
• Assist with irrigation monitoring and repair. 
• Communicate issues regarding infrastructure, furnishings, safety hazards, and quality of the visitor experience. 
• Demonstrate ownership of assigned work by upholding maintenance standards to the highest degree. 
• Work alongside volunteers and lead volunteer groups at the discretion of the coordinator. This includes occasional weekends. 
• Comply with all MPC rules, safety policies, procedures, and appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE). 
• Interact with park users in a courteous and professional manner. 
• Assist with the cleanliness of office, breakroom, and storage spaces. 
• Assist with trash and debris removal, sweeping, and blowing areas as needed. 
• Assist with other Park Operations teams as needed. 
• Assist Irrigation Coordinator with basic tasks such as digging, replacing sprinkler heads, and supporting minor system repairs. 

Requirements

Qualifications: The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications: 

• One or more years of experience in professional landscaping and lawn care. 
• Experience in the safe operation of industry tools and equipment, including string trimmers, edgers, and blowers. 
• Demonstrated success working in a team-oriented environment, working effectively with others, and the ability to work independently. 
• Strong written and oral communication skills; organized and highly motivated. 
• Experience with PC-based email software such as Outlook. 
• Willingness to assist with irrigation maintenance tasks, including digging and minor repairs. 
• Basic familiarity with irrigation system components (e.g., heads, valves) is a plus. 
• Must possess a valid driver’s license; must obtain a Texas driver’s license within 60 days of hire. 
• Ability to communicate in English and Spanish is a plus. 

Abilities Required: 

• Ability to perform heavy, physical labor daily in all weather conditions. 
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. repeatedly throughout a given workday. 
• Ability to operate power equipment throughout the workday. 
• Must be able to bend, crouch, kneel, stand, walk, and perform various types of manual labor for extended periods. 

Safety Requirements: Establishing and maintaining a safe work environment is the shared responsibility of this organization and employees at every level. The Conservancy will make every effort to assure a safe environment and remain in compliance with federal, state, and local safety regulations. Employees are expected to obey safety rules and exercise caution in all work activities. 

Accordingly, employees should be aware of any hazards that could cause an injury or accident (e.g., spills, obstacles in walkways). If an employee discovers a potentially dangerous condition, they should alert others and notify their supervisor immediately. 

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Personnel may be required to perform duties outside their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed. 

Compensation: This is an hourly, non-exempt position with a starting pay rate of $16–$19 per hour. Benefits include fully paid medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, short-term and long-term disability, and a 401(k) retirement plan.