Parks Grounds Assistant
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 Experience:
- Experience related to grounds keeping or general labor services in a playground, athletic field, park, or other park-like setting.
- Experience performing playground maintenance tasks such as safety surface, install, repair and replace, routine and preventative maintenance, etc.
- Experience using commercial grade hand tools, power tools, and other maintenance equipment including but not limited to leaf blowers, string-line trimmers, smart levels, power washer, mud buggies, and dingo skid tracker.
- Experience performing minor concrete work such as installing footer for equipment and curbs around playgrounds.
- Experience operating and driving a truck and 18 ft. trailer combination.
Preferred Skills:
- Basic computer competency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Teams, and Excel using a computer, laptop, or iPad.
- Ability to read, create, interpret, and complete work orders.
Other:
- Ability to travel to more than one work location.
Notes to Candidate:
The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) provides, protects, and preserves a park system that promotes quality recreational, cultural and outdoor experiences for the Austin community. Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more! Click HERE for more information.
The purpose of the Parks Grounds Assistant position is to provide playground maintenance at all of the 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 playgrounds 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 address deficits.
- Drive City of Austin service vehicles.
- Assist the general public with questions and concerns.
Application Instructions/Job Requirements:
- Application: A detailed, complete application is required, and applicants must include on their Employment Record all experience (work and/or volunteer) related to this job posting – up to 10 years or more; this will be used to determine your base compensation. Employment Record dates must include month and year. Verification of employment history dates on resume should match online Employment Application. Statements such as “See Resume” will not be accepted and a resume alone will not be accepted in lieu of a complete online application.
- Skills Assessments: Skills assessment(s) may be required as part of the recruitment process.
- Virtual Interviews: PARD may conduct virtual interviews.
- Driving Requirement: This position requires a valid Texas Class C Driver’s License. External New Hires must meet the City of Austin’s Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite. To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months.
- Military/Veteran: An applicant claiming Military/Veteran status must provide a copy of his or her DD-214(s), or valid comparable document, at the time of interview.
- Physical Requirements: Tasks may involve bending, lifting, walking, carrying, or using a force equal to lifting up to lifting up to thirty-five (35) pounds. Work environment includes inside, and outside environmental conditions, extreme temperatures, and hazards associated with equipment operation including fumes, oils, gases, and mists. Must be physically and mentally able to communicate, respond, and work with participant’s needs and safety issues.
Other:
- Posting Guidelines: PARD reserves the right to close posted positions prior to the advertised close date, based on recruitment strategies and business needs. This posting may be used to fill other vacancies in other divisions/work locations within the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department. Decisions on assigned selection will be made at the time of hire based on the business needs of the department.
- Travel: If you are selected for this position, and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.
- Tobacco and Vape-Free Workplace: PARD work site locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any PARD work site – including construction sites, parking lots, garages or in any personal vehicles located on the premises.
Salary:
$22.05 - $24.26 per hour.
Work Location:
Central Maintenance Complex - 2525 S. Lakeshore Blvd.
Work Hours:
- Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- Hours vary depending upon Departmental needs.
- May be required to work during special events, evenings, weekends & occasional holidays.
- May be required to work during City emergencies such as extreme weather events.