Parks Maintenance Operator II

The City of Idaho Falls is accepting applications for the position of Parks Maintenance Operator II. This position performs a range of semi-skilled and skilled duties at the working level, focused on the supervision and hands-on execution of maintenance, construction, and beautification efforts for City parks, facilities, and landscaped areas. This role involves physical outdoor work and may require availability for nights and weekends, including rotating shifts.

Receives direction and oversight from a Maintenance Operator III, Lead Maintenance Operator, or the Parks Manager, depending on assignment and scope of duties.

May provide day-to-day supervision and guidance to Maintenance Operator I positions as well as seasonal, part-time, or temporary Maintenance Helpers and Laborers.

May perform one or more of the following essential duties depending on assignment:

• Performs daily maintenance of park grounds, recreation facilities, trails, and undeveloped areas managed by the Parks and Recreation Department. Follows established procedures and schedules; maintains and submits work records and inventory data; offers input for improving maintenance effectiveness.
• Operates a variety of light and heavy equipment and hand tools, including but not limited to tractors, loaders, dump trucks, garbage trucks, mowers, handheld power tools, ice resurfaces, snow blowers, ATVs, UTVs, and floor scrubbers. Conducts routine maintenance and minor repairs on equipment to ensure proper functionality.
• Mows, trims, and maintains turf and vegetation in landscaped and undeveloped areas; prunes or removes trees and shrubs; removes litter, weeds, and debris to maintain clean, safe grounds.
• Installs and cares for grass, trees, shrubs, and flowers; grades soil and applies landscape materials according to project specs; follows best practices in planting and care; applies fertilizers and pesticides as needed; keeps detailed pesticide application records.
• Prepares and maintains sports facilities such as fields, tennis courts, and pickleball courts. Grades and levels playing surfaces; applies chalk and paint for field markings.
• Installs, maintains, and repairs park amenities including playground equipment, surfacing, fencing, signage, benches, picnic tables, restrooms, and shelters. Clears and treats walking paths and parking areas during inclement weather; shovels snow and applies deicing materials for safe use.
• Maintains and installs irrigation systems; adjusts heads and valves for efficient coverage; repairs damaged lines or components; operates irrigation controller systems and monitors water schedules.
• Supports events and holiday installations at parks and City facilities. Assists with facility setup, including arranging furniture, equipment, and supplies. Coordinates with event organizers and vendors; prepares grounds and temporary infrastructure; monitors activities and engages with attendees to ensure quality experience; performs post-event cleanup and waste removal.
• Cleans, sanitizes, and stocks public restrooms; performs routine janitorial tasks such as sweeping, mopping, window washing, and garbage disposal. Prepares shelters for use and adjusts facility conditions as needed.
• May direct and oversee seasonal or part-time maintenance crews; ensures work quality, safety compliance, and effective execution of assignments. Provides training and supervision to temporary staff and volunteers.
• Supervises and leads assigned work teams; provides on-the-job coaching; monitors staff adherence to safety protocols and operational standards.

The minimum qualifications for this position include:

1. Education and Experience:

A. Sufficient education or training background to demonstrate an ability or aptitude to perform above and related duties

AND

B. Two (2) year experience performing the above or directly related duties.

OR

C. An equivalent combination of education and experience.

2. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Considerable knowledge of parks and grounds maintenance, facility upkeep, and related operational procedures. Working knowledge of ground preparation methods, park construction, and the care of turf, trees, and shrubs. Familiarity with the safe and effective operation of light to heavy equipment. Knowledge of pesticide application and safety guidelines. Understanding of workplace hazards and associated safety practices. Knowledge of interpersonal communication techniques in a team or public setting.

Skill in: Operation of a variety of light to heavy equipment including lawn mowers, tractors, front-end loaders, backhoes, and dump trucks. Proficient use of a range of hand tools for grounds and facility maintenance.

Ability to: Follow detailed instructions and carry out assigned tasks accurately. Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing. Perform sustained manual labor and physically demanding tasks. Work outdoors year-round under varying weather conditions. Maintain computerized records related to production and inventory. Train, supervise, and evaluate staff and volunteers. Identify common weeds, pests, and turf-related plant diseases. Interpret maps, site plans, and construction drawings. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, peers, and the public.

3. Special Qualifications:

Must possess a valid driver's license or depending on assignment may be required to possess a valid Idaho Class B Commercial Driver's License with Air Brake and Tanker Endorsements.

May be required to work on twenty-four (24) hour stand-by or "on call".

Depending on assignment, it may be required to obtain one or more of the following licenses or certifications:

• Backflow Assembly Tester
• State of Idaho-Certified Applicator License
• PHTA Certified Pool & Spa Operator (CPO)

Tasks require a variety of physical activities generally involving muscular strain. Physical demands may occur in activities related to walking, standing, stooping, sitting, reaching, lifting (50 lbs.), etc. Talking, hearing and seeing required in the daily performance of job duties. Common eye, hand, and finger dexterity exist. Mental application utilizes memory for details, verbal instructions, emotional stability, discriminating thinking and creative problem solving. Exposure to weather, environmental hazards and dangers resulting from working around equipment. Workers are frequently exposed to moving mechanical equipment, toxic or caustic chemicals and risk of electric shock. Frequent local travel required in normal course of job performance.