Parks Grounds Specialist

Purpose:

The purpose of the Parks Grounds Specialist position is to provide customer service daily with patron interaction. Conduct routine park servicing and maintenance in order to provide the Austin community with clean, safe, and well-maintained City of Austin park grounds.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

 

• Knowledge of general grounds keeping processes, policies and procedures within the Parks and Recreation Department.
• Knowledge of assigned areas, i.e., hike and bike trail surfaces, athletic fields, equipment, etc.
• Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of assigned equipment and vehicles.
• Knowledge of city practice, policy and procedures.
• Knowledge of safety practices and procedures.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in planning and organizing.
• Ability to operate power tools.
• Ability to lifting and carry equipment or materials applicable to the work being performed
• Ability to train and lead others.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other city employees and the public.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

 

1. Performs skilled and semi-skilled grounds maintenance tasks.
2. Performs minor and major repairs
3. Performs general concrete work.
4. Operates department equipment
5. Operates hand tools.
6. Performs safety inspections and addresses deficits.
7. Drives service vehicles
8. Removes graffiti or paint
9. Assists the public with questions/concerns

Responsibilities – Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

• May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others

Preferred Qualifications:

Preferred Experience:

• Experience providing custodial and/or janitorial services in a park like setting.
• Experience frequent detailed inspection/assessment and reporting of park or work area such as damages to grounds, trees, playground equipment and/or restrooms.
• Experience with park ground custodial equipment as it relates to the position such as litter sticks, power washers, backpack blower, and chemical dispensers, etc.
• Experience providing customer service in a park or park-like setting.
• Experience reading, interpreting, and completing work orders.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with computer/tablet use to include utilizing MS Outlook, Word, Excel and Teams.

Other:

• Ability to travel to more than one work location.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and/or Equivalent Experience:

• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent plus two (2) years experience related to grounds keeping or general labor services, at least one (1) year of which is in the assigned area of specialization.
• Experience may substitute for education up to four (4) years.

Licenses or Certifications:

• If assigned to operate vehicles, must possess the appropriate Texas Driver’s License for those vehicles.