Parks Maintenance Worker
General Description
Make a difference by helping to keep our Madison Parks beautiful! As a Parks Maintenance Worker you will perform varied public works maintenance and construction activities in all areas within the Parks Division. Work includes the following:
Manual labor tasks
Equipment operation
Use of hand and power tools for grounds and building maintenance work
Routine maintenance of tools and equipment
Cleaning and maintenance of Parks facilities
At times the work will include assisting with training and guiding the work of a crew of seasonal staff as assigned. Work is done independently or as part of a team or crew, and is directed and reviewed by an operations leadworker or designated supervisor for conformance with established procedures and/or objectives.
Employees are scheduled to work 40 hours per week and work will generally be performed between the hours of 4:00 am and 6:00 pm. Scheduled work times and days of work may vary by season, based on agency needs.
The current recruitment is to fill one (1) vacant position.
This posting may be used to fill additional vacancies that occur in this classification in West, Central, or East Parks, Forest Hill Cemetery, or the State Street Mall Concourse that may arise over the next six (6) months.
Employees may be eligible for loan forgiveness through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
The City of Madison is an equal opportunity employer functioning under an affirmative action plan. We value diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Black, Indigenous, people of color, women, trans, nonbinary, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply!
Examples of Duties and Responsibilities
Park Maintenance Work
- Mow parks, greenways, and boulevards using mowers and string trimmers.
- Build and maintain skating rinks including installing and removing hockey boards and daily clearing and flooding.
- Remove snow and ice from paths, bus stops, sidewalks, parking lots, etc.
- Remove trash from parks, boulevards, and assigned routes, to include picking trash, emptying barrels and operating garbage packer truck as assigned.
- Prune trees and shrubs using chain saws and various hand tools.
- Perform regular maintenance of shrub, perennial and annual flower beds, including planting, weeding, watering, mulching, deadheading, pruning, and seasonal change-outs.
- Support the work in managed natural areas including cutting and removing brush, pulling invasive plants, mowing, and assisting with managed burns under supervision.
- Perform athletic field maintenance as required.
- Mulch leaves in the fall and spring.
- Repair turf damage as needed.
- Perform regular playground maintenance, to include removal of litter and graffiti, raking of surfacing, and performing visual safety inspections.
- Remove graffiti from park amenities as necessary.
- Perform cleaning of shelter facilities and restrooms.
- Routine maintenance, repair and painting of tables, benches and hockey boards.
- Set-up for special events within parks.
- Perform special maintenance projects.
Preventative Maintenance of Parks Equipment
- Perform preventative maintenance of equipment to include, blade sharpening, greasing and oil changes, power washing, etc.
- Clean vehicles as needed
- Transport equipment and vehicles for use, maintenance, storage, etc.
- Report damages and/or repairs to Supervisor or mechanic as appropriate.
- Direct the work of hourly personnel as assigned.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- One (1) year of directly related experience performing varied manual and semi-skilled work in landscaping, grounds maintenance, custodial, construction, or other related outdoor labor experience, similar to that performed by a Parks Worker.
-OR-
Two (2) years of experience using common hand tools, power tools, and equipment used in related public works maintenance and grounds work; AND
Familiarity with the following:
- Related plant/lawn care principles.
- Performing heavy manual and semi-skilled tasks incorporating strenuous physical activity for extended periods of time often under adverse weather conditions.
The City of Madison strives to provide exceptional customer service to all its residents and visitors. Therefore, successful candidates will have demonstrated ability to work effectively with multicultural communities.
For a complete list of the knowledge, skills and abilities, please view the class specification.
Special Requirements
- Possession of a valid Class A Commercial Driver's License with N (Tanker) endorsement within six (6) months of hire. The successful candidate must have passed the written portion of the relevant Department of Transportation testing process by the start date. A condition of continued employment is passage of the skills portion of the test and obtaining the required operator's license within six (6) months.
- Must maintain an acceptance rate of 50% or better on all snow and ice overtime offered and 50% on all turf maintenance overtime offered.
- Must maintain adequate attendance.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to lift/carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds frequently (bags of seed or trash barrels) and must be capable of lifting 100 pounds maximum weight.
- Ability to perform a high percentage of work outdoors in all types of weather while walking and standing.
- Ability to frequently bend, twist, squat, and reach for extended periods of time.
- Work may involve walking over uneven surfaces, reaching, climbing, kneeling, and stooping.