Parks Groundskeeper

Department: Park Services                                                         Part-time Limited hourly/ Non-exempt

Position Description

The Parks Groundskeeper – Park Attendant, Seasonal performs duties under the direct supervision of the Parks Supervisor and Parks Specialist II or III. General responsibilities include, but are not limited to performing litter and trash removal, cleaning and landscape work, such as weeding, planting, sod laying, trimming, watering, digging, raking, mulching and mowing. This is an at-will position.

Essential Responsibilities

• Litter and trash removal
• Provides proper upkeep of sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, fountains, planters and other grounds features.
• Applies mulch appropriately for type of material.
• Performs daily inspections and nominal care on vehicles and equipment; to include checking fluids and washing equipment and vehicles.
• Plants flowers and other plantings.
• Prunes and trims trees, shrubs and edges using hand tools such as shovels, rakes, pruning saws, hedge/brush trimmers, axes, shears, pruners or chain saws.
• Complies with all safety and loss prevention policies.
  • Inform supervisor of any unsafe conditions or hazardous work procedures.
  • Correct any unsafe conditions, if possible, and instruct co-workers on safety procedures.
• Completes all additional duties as prescribed by management.
• Assists other Park District employees when needed.
• Operates large commercial mowers and 60-72” Zero turn mowers.
• Prepares for daily assignments procuring,  required equipment , including but not limited to:
  • Gas cans
  • Mowers
  • Clippers, cutters etc.
  • Chain-saws
  • Other vehicles as needed
• Operates hand, gas and electric powered equipment such as mowers, tractors, vehicles, snow blowers, chainsaws, electric clippers, sod cutters and pruning saws.
• Mulching, aerating, weeding, removing thatch, trimming, edging around flower beds, walks and walls. Care also includes:
  • Mowing
  • Line trimming and edging
  • Sweeping and blowing leaves and clippings
  • Pruning and removing debris
  • Pulling weeds

Communication & Customer Service

• Develops and maintains positive and effective working relationships with coworkers.
• Provides excellent customer service to both internal and external customers.
• Ensures that matters of importance are shared to supervisor in a timely manner.
• Solicits feedback and actively listens to subordinates, peers and patrons. 
• Makes recommendations for improvements and efficiencies.
• Attends meetings and participates on teams as required.
• Represents the Dundee Township Park District in a professional manner.

Safety & Risk Management

• Maintains a working knowledge of all general and departmental-specific safety rules.
• Immediately reports all accidents and unsafe conditions to the supervisor.
• Cooperates and assists in the investigation of accidents.
• Attends all required safety program and in-service education meetings.
• Treats public complaints and concerns with the utmost attention. Is courteous in all cases.
• Pays strict attention to housekeeping of work area(s) and general facility.
• Must be able to use personal protective equipment based on job specific tasks, which may include, but is not limited to, the following: Safety goggles/glasses, earplugs, ear covers, appropriate work boots, protective gloves, helmets/hard hats, masks.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED preferred.
• Minimum one year experience, training or combination of experience training in a grounds keeping, preferred.
• Experience with large commercial mowers and 60-72” Zero turn mowers as well as tractors, string trimmers and other landscaping equipment preferred.
• Ability to read, understand operations manuals.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of park maintenance, grounds maintenance, turf management, vehicle and equipment maintenance and repair.
• Excellent customer service skills; verbal communication skills and listening skills. Bilingual a plus.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Good physical condition, sufficient strength, and mobility required.
• Mechanical aptitude required, including the use of tools, equipment.
• Reading, writing, speaking and understanding English language.
• Possess troubleshooting skills.
• Capacity to act rationally and calmly in high stress and/or emergencies.
• Ability to pay attention to detail.  
• Ability to execute the essential functions of the position without reasonable accommodation.

Hours Standards

This is a seasonal non-exempt position, days and times may be flexible depending on candidate’s availability. Season beginning approximately mid-March through the end of November. Work hours determined at hire. A set schedule may be available.