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Park Worker - Park / Grounds Maintenance

City of Bellingham
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Nature of Work

Do you have hands-on experience in grounds maintenance and a passion for keeping our outdoor parks beautiful? Join our dedicated Parks and Recreation team and play a vital role in maintaining, enhancing, and expanding our community parks for generations to enjoy!

This is an entry-level parks/cemetery/athletic fields maintenance position whose specific duties depend upon program area assigned. Primary work programs include grounds maintenance activities such as construction and maintenance of trails and trail structures, equipment operation, mowing, trimming, edging and irrigation of turf areas and pruning, planting, fertilizing, spraying and irrigation of trees and shrubs. Additional activities centered in the cemetery include assistance with all burial services, burial setups, marker installation and maintenance as well as maintenance and repair of sunken graves. Activities centered in the athletic fields include maintenance of athletic fields and facilities, athletic field preparation and general maintenance of Civic Field complex. Activities centered in park facilities include facility and grounds maintenance, as well as customer contact and assisting with the preparation for events and activities. Secondary work programs include sanitation, water systems, mechanical systems, structures and surfaces.

 

This position will start at Step 1 ($25.75/hour). Employees receive step increases annually in accordance with the Guild of Pacific Northwest Employees, Local 1937 Collective Bargaining Agreement and City policy. The full hourly range for this position is $25.75 - $31.47. For internal candidates, placement within the range is based on City Pay Placement Procedures. 

At the City of Bellingham, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that helps you thrive in both your career and personal life. Join our team and enjoy the peace of mind knowing that you and your loved ones are well cared for. Here’s a closer look at the outstanding benefits that come with being part of our team. You can find more details on our employment benefits page and labor agreements page.

  • 10 hours of vacation leave per month, with increased accrual over time
  • 12 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday per year
  • 8 hours sick leave accrued monthly
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families
  • Life insurance and long-term disability coverage
  • Flexible spending accounts and medical insurance opt-out program
  • Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Washington State Retirement plan (DRS) for retirement security
  • Optional 457 deferred compensation (Retirement Savings Plan) with employer match

 Leave accruals are based on 1.0 FTE, accruals are pro-rated if part-time and require employees to be in paid status at least 120 hours/month.

Closing Date/Time: Mon. 04/28/2025 at 4:30 PM Pacific Time

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Employees in this classification typically perform work in the following areas depending upon seasonal and ongoing work needs. Specific duties and program assignments may change from day-to-day depending upon Department needs. The work activities are not all inclusive and other work may be assigned as necessary.

A.    Park / Grounds Maintenance:

  1. Performs as lead position of assigned seasonal staff. Provides training for each work activity area, and provides feedback to Park Specialist regarding performance of assigned seasonal staff.
  2. Operates a variety of turf maintenance equipment including riding mowers, blowers, and trailer vacuum. Operates a variety of power hand equipment such as hand mowers, line trimmers, edgers and chainsaws. Does regular cleaning and minor maintenance of tools and equipment.
  3. Operates automotive equipment such as pickup trucks with trailer attachments, up to and including 5 yard dump trucks to haul dirt, gravel, etc., and as needed, small (under 30 HP) tractors with 3-point attachments (Category 1 & 2) and small backhoes.
  4. Assists in the construction of trails and trail structures to include sub grades, surfacing, drainage, bridges, elevated walks, steps, retaining walls, signage and re-vegetation. Performs trail repairs and installs, cleans, and maintains drainage systems and culverts for trails.
  5. Prunes or removes trees and shrubs using pruners, loppers, bow saws and power chain saws. Operates motor driven chipper equipment to shred woody debris.
  6. Performs turf repairs, renovations and installations. Plants, fertilizes and irrigates turf, trees and shrubs as directed. Maintains shrub bed areas through edging, hand weeding and application of mulch and maintains plants and flower displays. Rakes and blows leaves and debris. Operates small dump trucks and other automotive equipment to remove material.
  7. Completes required reports for tree work, pesticide application and accidents and hazards.
  8. Upon receipt of a Washington State Pesticide Application License, apply herbicides as part of grounds care duties.


B.   Cemetery Maintenance:

  1. Performs all essential functions under Grounds Maintenance.
  2. Assists Cemetery Technician in grave opening and closing duties including occasional use of back hoe, installation of liner and lowering device.
  3. Sets up tents, chairs and greens for funeral services.
  4. Assists in installation and repair of markers and memorials. Repairs sunken graves as necessary.
  5. Assists funeral home directors and families as necessary.


C.   Athletic Fields:

  1. Performs all essential functions under Grounds Maintenance.
  2. Performs daily field preparation for field activities.
  3. Sets up P.A. system and any other special requirements for events. May assist with heating and lighting systems. Performs attendant duties for events at the Civic Field Complex.
  4. Answers inquiries and informs the public of park regulations.


D.    Park Facilities Maintenance:

  1. Performs all essential functions under Grounds Maintenance.
  2. Cleans restrooms, empties trash containers, picks up litter, cleans park furniture such as picnic tables, benches, and grills, and cleans surfaces such as tennis courts, sidewalks, roads, parking areas, and shelter floors. Responds to and cleans up spills and sanitary hazards using appropriate infection control materials and techniques. Uses cleaning chemicals and solutions.
  3. Answers inquiries and informs the public of park regulations. Resolves low level concerns and safety issues, such as questions around reservations, toilets overflowing, trash removal, missing items, and graffiti. Reports higher level issues to appropriate staff. Acts immediately to address inappropriate behaviors by contacting appropriate staff, law enforcement or other emergency personnel as appropriate.
  4. Performs start-of-day and end-of-day security procedures in park system as assigned, such as unlocking and locking facilities, and turning on and off lights.
  5. Assists in preparing community park facilities for scheduled events and activities. Sets up signage, cordons off areas, and provides direction to appropriate parking. Cleans as needed during and after events, removing trash, monitoring restrooms, and stocking supplies.
  6. Inspects grounds, equipment, and buildings on a daily basis. Reports damage to the Park Specialist - Facilities using the maintenance management system. Uses standardized assessment form to report condition of playground equipment on a monthly basis to the Park Specialist – Facilities.
  7. Operates a variety of facilities maintenance equipment including trucks, pressure washers, floor cleaning equipment, blowers, and trailers. Operates a variety of power hand equipment such as drills, reciprocating saws, and cleaning equipment. Performs regular cleaning and minor maintenance of equipment.
  8. Assists with repair, alteration and installation work to park buildings, structures and equipment involving carpentry, painting, masonry and other manual building trade skills.


ADDITIONAL WORK PERFORMED:

  1. Operates and maintains manual irrigation systems as required. Maintains drainage systems.
  2. Performs related duties as assigned, within the scope of the classification.


WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed outdoors in all weather conditions, some of the time in remote work sites. The work involves a moderate risk work environment which requires employees to follow established safety procedures in operating equipment and vehicles, handling irritant materials, performing repetitive activities, etc. Employees are required to wear personal protective equipment.

Physical abilities to perform assigned work:

  • Ability to perform heavy physical labor including operating mechanical equipment for extended periods of time, climbing and working from ladders and setting up tents.
  • Ability to perform tasks requiring repetitive hand and arm movements.
  • Adequate hearing, correctable vision, and manual dexterity to operate power equipment safely in a noisy work environment.
  • Ability to work overhead for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to regularly lift moderately heavy objects up to 50 lbs., including small equipment, fertilizer and related materials. Ability to occasionally lift up to 60 lbs. Equipment and materials in excess of this weight are lifted utilizing proper body mechanics and assistance.

 

Experience and Training

 

  • Minimum one year paid grounds maintenance experience required.
  • Experience in facility maintenance preferred.
  • Previous training and education in horticulture and native plants preferred.
  • Knowledge of horticulture equipment operation preferred.
  • Skills and experience in the digging operation of a small backhoe preferred.
  • Experience working with the public preferred.
  • At least 18 years old by time of hire.

 

Necessary Special Requirements

 

  • Employment contingent upon passing a criminal convictions check, child and adult abuse records check and local background check (see Fair Hiring Practices).
  • Valid Washington State Driver’s License by time of hire and proof of a good driving record. A three-year driving abstract must be submitted prior to hire.
  • Verification of ability to work in the United States by date of hire.
  • Some positions within this classification require the ability to secure and maintain a Washington State pesticide license within twelve months of hire.
  • Ability to secure and maintain valid First Aid and CPR certifications within twelve months of hire.
  • Some positions within this classification require the ability to secure flagging and traffic control card within twelve months of hire.
  • Some positions within this classification require the ability to secure a Commercial Driver's License within six months of hire and to maintain a valid CDL during length of employment.

 

Selection Process

 

**You are encouraged to print a copy of this job announcement for your reference as the process moves along**
 
Please ensure your application is complete and all required information has been provided. Standard completeness means all application fields (contact information, personal information, education, work experience, references, and supplemental questions). Application materials should comprehensively document your experience and skills related to the position responsibilities and experience/training requirements. As part of the City’s commitment to reducing bias in the hiring process, Human Resources redacts personally identifiable information for reviewers. Only the documents listed as required will be reviewed.


Application Review Process:

  1. Minimum Qualifications: Applicants must provide specific, detailed information so an initial determination can be made regarding your level of qualifications for this position. Applicant status will be updated on or around April 29, 2025.
  2. If there are eleven (11) or more qualified candidates;
    • Experience and Training Rating: Applicants that meet minimum qualifications will go through an Experience and Training Rating Applicant status will be updated on or around May 7, 2025.
    • The top ten (10) scoring applicants from the Experience and Training Rating will be invited to participate in an Oral Board Interview, tentatively scheduled for the week of May 19, 2025.
    • If ten (10) or less candidates meet the minimum qualifications, all will be invited to the Oral Board Interviews, tentatively scheduled for the week of May 12, 2025. 
    • Applicants will be notified via email of Final Scores & Ranks. The final ranking of the register will be based on total scores for the following:
    • If ten (10) or less candidates meet the minimum qualifications, the Oral Board Interview will be 100% of overall score. Candidates scoring a 60% or higher on the Oral Board Interview will be placed on the eligibility list.
    • If there are eleven (11) or more applicants that meet minimum qualifications, the Experience and Training Rating will be 40% of overall score and Oral Board Interview will be 60% of overall score. Candidates scoring a 60% or higher on the Oral Board Interview will be placed on the eligibility list.

Final candidates will be referred to the department for additional examination, assessment, or test.

This recruitment process will create a Civil Service eligibility register that will be used to fill current and future vacancies as they become available. There are currently 2 full-time vacancies in Parks - Grounds. This position is represented by a union.  

If you wish to claim Veterans’ Preference Points, please complete the Veterans Scoring Criteria Declaration Form (Download PDF reader) and upload it to your application with your DD214. 


Please Note: Candidates will receive updates regarding application status via email. Please be sure to check your email frequently, including your spam folders for messages filtered by your email providers.


Equal Opportunity: Our environment is characterized by respect for cultural backgrounds, belief systems, and ethnic diversity. The City of Bellingham is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its work force. We do not make decisions on the basis of an individual's race, religion, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, age (40+), disability, retaliation, sexual orientation or gender identity, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. All are encouraged to apply for employment.

Fair Hiring Practices

  • The City provides individuals who have been arrested or convicted of a criminal offense an equal and fair opportunity to obtain employment.
  • The City will not inquire about an applicant's criminal history until after a conditional job offer has been made.
  • The City will disregard the prior arrest and conviction record of an otherwise qualified individual unless the offense is directly related to the job position for which the individual has applied.
  • The City will notify an otherwise qualified applicant about a potentially disqualifying conviction and give the applicant an opportunity to submit information regarding the accuracy of the criminal records as well as evidence of mitigation or rehabilitation, as appropriate.