Park Technician I

About the Department

Performs skilled and semi-skilled tasks assisting in the routine care, maintenance and repair of park facilities, grounds & equipment. 

This is a career progression series opportunity. Employees are eligible for progression through the classification series based on attaining the minimum qualifications for each level and meeting performance measures.  

Position Duties

The following duties are normal for this position.   However, they are not to be construed as exclusive or all–inclusive.  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily.  Other duties may also be required or assigned.

1. Inspect and perform general cleanup and maintenance of park grounds, golf course, facilities, and equipment, including weed and pest abatement and heavy manual labor.
2. Groom city parks and properties by mowing, trimming, and edging turf, as well as maintaining and caring for plants and landscaping through watering, weeding, fertilizing and trimming.
3. Maintain park water features i.e. fountains by cleaning, unclogging, doing water quality checks and adjusting with chemicals as necessary; maintain, repair and replace water feature pumps and filters as needed.
4. Care for Japanese garden with specialized practices and horticultural knowledge; identify and manage plant pests and diseases using sustainable methods.
5. Care for koi pond by monitoring water quality, filtration, and aeration; manage algae, feeding and address fish health concerns.
6. Inspect playground equipment and park facilities, performing skilled and semi-skilled tasks in maintenance, repair, and construction.
7. Maintain athletic fields, golf course, including mowing, trimming and landscaping.
8. Operate digital irrigation systems; install and repair irrigation controllers and electric valves that water vegetation.
9. Detect and repair water leaks in underground irrigation pipes.
10. Ensures correct type of sprinkler, nozzle and drip lines are utilized for vegetation needs and water conservation.
11. Clean and sanitize park restrooms, replenish supplies; remove trash and litter from parks; perform minor maintenance and repair.
12. Roll and mow golf greens; replace and move golf cups; rake sand bunkers; adjust sprinkler heads.
13. Identify and remove or report potential hazards to ensure public safety.
14. Keep clear and accurate records related to the care, maintenance, and repairs of parks, facilities, and equipment.
15. Depending on the assignment, operate various vehicles and equipment, including utility trucks, dump trucks, and backhoes.
16. Use flagging equipment to control traffic near work crews when necessary.
17. Operate a variety of power tools, including jackhammers, compressors, cutoff saws, pavement saws, weed eaters, and lawnmowers.
18. Assist Facilities and Recreation to support, set up and breakdown equipment for public events.
19. Utilize computerized devices and software for maintenance tracking and reporting.
20. Use, maintain, and properly care for specialized hand tools, vehicles, and equipment.
21. Deliver parts, materials, tools, and equipment, performing basic repairs as needed.
22. Conduct periodic and routine maintenance and safety checks on vehicles, maintenance equipment, and carts.
23. Adhere to safety requirements when operating power tools and heavy equipment.
24. Maintain work areas in a clean and orderly manner.
25. Participate in safety training programs and other related functions.
26. Report safety concerns and recommend improvements to reduce costs and enhance maintenance practices.
27. Assist and support team performance while working cooperatively with other team members.
28. Demonstrate professionalism, ethical behavior, and respect in all workplace interactions.
29. Support and engage in diversity, inclusion, and equity initiatives within the department.
30. Work effectively with other employees and the general public, ensuring high-quality customer service when interacting with the community.
31. Provide technical assistance and participate in the training of seasonal staff.
32. May serve as a lead worker for park maintenance workers and seasonal employees.
33. Use a cell phone and computer for routine communications and documentation.
34. Arrive on time for work, meetings, and other work-related functions, maintaining regular job attendance.
35. Ensure all activities are carried out in a safe manner; adhere to all City safety regulations; ensure all regulations pertaining to the safe use of equipment and materials are understood and followed.
36. Report all accidents to the appropriate authority.  Follow all policies for reporting.
37. Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent. One (1) year of experience in the operation, repair and maintenance of grounds, park facilities and equipment.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS (Dependent upon area of assignment)

• Possession of, or the ability to obtain and retain, an Oregon driver license by the time of appointment.
• Possession of, or the ability to obtain and retain, an Oregon CDL.
• Basic First Aid and CPR Certifications within six (6) months of appointment.
• Competent Person Certification within six (6) months of appointment.
• Flagging Certification within six (6) months of appointment.
• Forklift Certification within six (6) months of appointment.
• Pesticide License within six (6) months of appointment.
• Must be able to work weekends, holidays and evening hours.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate’s degree (or 60 college credits equivalent) from an accredited college or university.

SUBSTITUTION

Any satisfactory equivalent combination of education, training and experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the job proficiently may substitute for the above requirements.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

KNOWLEDGE:

• Principles, practices, and techniques of park and grounds maintenance, including turf care, irrigation, pruning, planting, and landscaping.
• Proper use, operation, and maintenance of hand tools, power tools, and heavy equipment used in park maintenance, such as mowers, trimmers, saws, and blowers.
• Safety procedures and regulations related to equipment operation, hazardous materials, and workplace safety.
• Basic plumbing, electrical, carpentry, and HVAC maintenance for minor facility repairs.
• Weed and pest control techniques, including safe handling of herbicides and pesticides.
• Proper traffic control procedures, including flagging techniques for work zone safety.
• Waste disposal and recycling procedures, including handling of hazardous materials.
• Playground equipment maintenance, inspection, and safety standards.
• Record-keeping principles and procedures related to maintenance, inventory, and safety compliance.
• City and department policies, procedures, and regulations related to parks and public works maintenance.
• Customer service principles and practices for interacting with the public and responding to inquiries.

SKILLS:

• Operating and maintaining a variety of hand tools, power tools, and heavy equipment for park and facility maintenance.
• Performing routine and preventative maintenance on vehicles, machinery, and equipment.
• Diagnosing and repairing minor plumbing, electrical, and structural issues.
• Applying and following proper safety protocols when handling tools, equipment, and hazardous materials.
• Conducting inspections of parks, facilities, playgrounds, and landscapes to identify maintenance needs and potential hazards.
• Following technical instructions, manuals, and work orders to complete tasks efficiently.
• Using computerized devices and software for record-keeping, data entry, and maintenance tracking.
• Communicating effectively, both verbally and in writing, with coworkers, supervisors, and the public.
• Providing training and guidance to seasonal or less experienced staff.
• Managing time effectively to prioritize and complete tasks within deadlines.

ABILITIES:

• Perform strenuous physical labor, including lifting, carrying, digging, and working in various weather conditions.
• Work independently or as part of a team to complete assigned tasks efficiently.
• Identify and report maintenance issues or safety hazards promptly.
• Read and interpret blueprints, maps, and maintenance manuals.
• Follow written and verbal instructions accurately.
• Maintain professionalism and provide courteous service when interacting with the public.
• Adapt to changing work conditions and respond to emergency maintenance situations.
• Maintain accurate records and complete reports related to maintenance activities.
• Work safely around moving traffic and in hazardous conditions.

Physical and Work Environment:

The physical and work environment characteristics described in this description are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions or as otherwise required by law.  Employees needing reasonable accommodation should discuss the request with the employee’s supervisor.  

• This work requires the frequent exertion of up to 50 pounds of lifting/moving or force and occasional lift, move or drag 75 pounds or more while performing essential functions of the job.
• Work regularly requires speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel and repetitive motions and occasionally requires walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling and reaching with hands and arms.
• Work may involve mobility over rough or difficult terrain.  Work may also be performed above or below ground, to include heights over 10 feet, as well as underground crawl spaces.
• Ability to observe details at close range.
• Communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas so others understand.
• Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels.
• Ability to recognize occupational hazards in work activities and take safety precautions. 
• Ability to read and write English and interpret documents such as safety rules, material safety data sheets, operation and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and so forth.
• Work is performed daily both in and outdoors under all weather conditions and may include exposure to inclement weather, chemicals, seasonal temperature extremes, bodily fluids, infectious diseases, hazardous waste, noise, equipment and vibrations, airborne materials, active construction sites, and traffic.  

Nothing in this job description limits management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.  The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.  The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Other Qualifications

Please apply ONLINE at www.ashland.or.us 
A completed City application must be filed online with the Personnel Office before the deadline shown above and may be supplemented with a resume of work experience. Resumes are NOT accepted in lieu of a completed City application. Resumes received without a completed City application will not receive a response from the Personnel Department.

Following a review of the applications, a limited number of the most highly qualified applicants may be invited via email to proceed further in the selection process. Those not selected for interview will be notified in email (no phone calls please). The applicant selected must provide, at the time of employment, appropriate documentation of citizenship, as required by the immigration and Naturalization Act of 1986.

A thorough background investigation will be completed on the candidate selected for hire.

The City of Ashland is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against an employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, national origin or mental or physical disability unless based on a bonafide occupational qualification.

The City of Ashland will make reasonable accommodations for the disabled. Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodation in the application or testing process MUST inform the Personnel Office of the City of Ashland, in writing, no later than the final filing date as stated on the job bulletin. Applicants needing such accommodations should document the request, including an explanation as to the type and extent of accommodations needed to participate in the selection process.

Managing municipal operations and public services for the community.