Parks Grounds Assistant

The purpose of the Parks Grounds Assistant position is to provide playground maintenance at all Parks and Recreation Department’s Cityside service.

Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Perform park grounds maintenance tasks such as litter abatement, trimming and blowing of loose debris.
Perform minor repairs and maintenance on playground and fitness equipment.
Perform tree trimming and pruning.
Perform stump grinding and ground leveling.
Operate department maintenance equipment and hand tools.
Perform safety inspections and addresses deficits.
Drives City of Austin service vehicles.
Assist the general public with questions and concerns.

Job Description:

Purpose:

Under close supervision, this position performs minor maintenance, minor construction, and/or grounds keeping tasks in and around City parks grounds and recreational facilities.

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.

• Picks up litter and services restrooms.
• Performs grounds keeping and grounds maintenance tasks.
• Operates hand tools
• Operates power tools
• Assembles and dismantles portable stages and seating arrangements.
• Performs routine cleaning of facilities.
• Operates vehicles
• Assists the public with questions and/or concerns.
• Assists with graffiti or paint removal.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

None.

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 equipment used in grounds keeping or other related work

Knowledge of minor construction.

Knowledge of city practice, policy and procedures.

Knowledge of safety practices and procedures.

Skill in oral and written communication.

Skill in planning and organizing.

Ability to operate power tools.

Ability to lift and carry equipment or materials applicable to the assigned work.

Ability to read and follow floor plan sketches and diagrams.

Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.

Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.

Minimum Qualifications:

One (1) year experience related to grounds keeping or general labor services.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

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

Preferred Qualifications:

Preferred Experience:

Experience providing Custodial and/or janitorial services in a park like setting. 

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 assessing and reporting condition of park or work area for items such as cleanliness, damages, and/or safety issues. 

Experience with responsibilities for the operation of fleet vehicles such as pre-trip inspection, gas card use, and/or reporting damages. 

Experience working with volunteer groups. 

Experience mowing in a commercial capacity. 

Preferred Skills:

Basic computer skills (e.g., checking and replying to emails, completing work orders, timesheets). 

Other:

Ability to travel to more than one work location.