Parks Specialist 1 presso City of Oak Harbor, WA

About the Department

Perform the regular and recurring maintenance, installation and/or repair work in a highly visible environment with responsibility for rounds, mowing, weeding, day-to-day custodial, maintenance and improvement of parks, trails, grounds, landscaping, and recreation facilities. Assist with construction and remodeling projects and equipment operations, as well as assisting on special events and other functions as assigned. 

Position Duties

Work activities involve multiple skills and may include, but are not limited to, any or all the following depending on area of assignment, operational necessity, emergency services, special projects, and seasonal factors:
 

1. Attend morning meetings and other startup activities. Help safety check equipment, tools, and vehicles.
2. Plant and maintain grass turf areas, trees and shrubs as directed. Pull weeds, prune shrubs, mow grass and edge sidewalks.
3. Provide general care of trees, shrubs, flowers and turf consisting of planting, pruning, watering, fertilizing, and weed control in parks and other designated areas according to schedule.
4. Rake and maintain park fields as assigned. Maintain and repair ball fields including fencing, play equipment and restroom facilities.
5. Assist in application of pre-mixed fertilizers, insecticides and other chemicals to turf areas, trees, and shrubs as directed and authorized. Assist in mixing applications.
6. Assist in building and inspecting park facilities and equipment. Make authorized repairs as necessary.
7. Assist in installing, repairing, and maintaining sprinkler systems, perform cleaning and line testing.
8. Assist in constructing new parks and landscaped areas.
9. Assist in performing project work involving painting, pouring concrete, replacing windows and signs, installing fences, plumbing and basic electrical repairs.
10. Maintains playground equipment for public safety.
11. Monitors irrigation systems performance and makes repairs.  
12. Performs trash removal, janitorial duties, and other related duties.
13. Help plan, setup and clean parks facilities and playgrounds for special events.
14. Perform snow removal tasks utilizing various machinery and hand tools.
15. Perform parks rounds duties such as cleaning and maintaining kitchen and restroom facilities, litter control and garbage pick-up, light replacements, inspections and keeping supervisors informed of work needs.
16. Operate a wide variety of equipment including hand tools, power tools and specialized equipment to gain proficiency or perform job duties.
17. Respond to questions from the public in a courteous manner within your scope of knowledge or refer to appropriate parties.
18. Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers, other departments and the general public using good judgment to resolve customer complaints in a positive and timely manner using tact and courtesy.

• Attend various workshops, continuing education, meetings, seminars, conferences, on-the-job training sessions, and vendor workshops.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
  

• Knowledge of park and landscape maintenance, plant care, irrigation, herbicide application, athletic field preparation, janitorial, construction, irrigation, electricity, and plumbing.
• Skills in spelling, grammar, vocabulary, punctuation, and mathematics.
• Ability to learn and retain information pertaining to numerous parks locations and facilities.
• Ability to follow oral instructions and read and interpret written instructions.
• Ability to communicate verbally or in writing.
• Ability to perform basic computer data entry and retrieval functions.
• Ability to perform work independently in accordance with sound safety practices.
• Ability to cooperate with other division employees to foster a positive team atmosphere.
• Ability to maintain daily log and write reports.
• Ability to utilize a variety of hand and small power operated tools, vehicles, and equipment.
• Ability to learn to proficiently operate specialized equipment such as sprayers, sprinklers, chain saws, portable asphalt/concrete saws, gas powered compactor, tractor mowers, boom mowers, single and tandem axle dump trucks, trailers, tractors, front end loaders and backhoes.

Minimum Qualifications

An equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential job functions may be considered.

• High school graduation or GED equivalent.
• One (1) year of general labor or building experience, with customer service duties and problem solving.
• Must pass comprehensive background check prior to hire.
• Valid driver’s license and must provide a driver’s abstract with a good driving record to be maintained during employment.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Continued education, certification or training in horticulture, turf care, arboriculture, electrical, irrigation, parks & recreation, or other environmental studies.

Orientation and Onboarding:
Within six (6) months of hire must obtain and maintain the following requirements:
•  CPR/AED and First Aid certification
•   Flagging, traffic control and safety certification

Other Qualifications

The physical demands and characteristics of the work environment described here are representative of those occurring in the performance of the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

Work is typically performed outdoors in all types of weather conditions. Work requires manual dexterity, hearing and visual acuity, and the ability and stamina to perform heavy manual labor during a work shift. Work requires crawling, climbing, bending, twisting, stooping, kneeling, operating equipment and moving items in excess of 50 pounds. Work may involve exposure to hazardous chemicals or bloodborne pathogens and requires appropriate safety precautions. Weekend coverage and after-hours response to situations and emergencies will be required as well as special event coverage as necessary.

Safety Statement:
We expect employees to ensure compliance with all applicable safety practices and policies, including those established by OSHA/DOSH regulations and the City’s Accident Prevention Program (APP). This includes, but is not limited to, actively identifying, and correcting potential hazards that may affect employee and public safety, including those identified by co-workers. Leading by example to promote a positive culture of workplace safety through everyday action, emphasizing safe completion of work throughout all aspects of developing and carrying out work plans.