Temporary - Parks Maintenance Laborer

About the Department

MINIMUM CLASS REQUIREMENTS

Must be at least 16 years old and have reliable transportation. Experience with lawn, grounds maintenance, and/or custodial work is preferred. Must pass background investigation regarding applicant’s aptitude, character, judgement, credit, driving record and criminal history. 

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES

Must possess and maintain a valid Washington State driver’s license. 

Position Duties

Minimum Qualifications

Performs and/or assists with general grounds maintenance activities including but not limited to: litter control; leaf and debris removal; graffiti removal; cleaning and sanitizing restrooms and buildings; and trash removal in various parks and other City owned locations. Uses hand and small power tools to perform a variety of maintenance duties which may include cleaning and painting.

Operates a variety of power and hand mowing equipment, edgers and weed eaters to maintain turf in public parks, cemetery, sports fields and golf courses. May apply fertilizers with the use of power and hand-operated equipment. Performs activities such as mowing, weeding and planting. Will drive and utilize City vehicles and/or pick-up trucks. 

May assist with set-up of other special events as necessary. 

Safely drives and operates vehicle, trucks and other motorized equipment to perform required duties in a variety of locations, within a timely and efficient manner and adhering to all traffic laws and regulations.  

Provides continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality customer service.

Requires regular, reliable and punctual attendance.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Other Qualifications

Knowledge of City of Yakima rules, regulations, policies and procedures, federal, state and local traffic laws, rules and regulations, with ability to drive safely and efficiently.  

General knowledge of basic grounds keeping practices and the operation of grounds maintenance tools, vehicles and equipment. Knowledge of safe and appropriate use of hand and small power tools and park maintenance vehicles and small equipment. Ability to: apply fertilizers in accordance with personal and environmental safety precautions; understand mechanical applications and to learn operations requiring mechanical aptitude.

Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively, with employees and members of the public representing diverse education and background, utilizing well developed communication skills, both written and oral, with appropriate use of English, including but not limited to correct grammar and vocabulary. Ability to follow verbal and written instruction. 

Must be dependable; able to work independently and as a team player; be self-directed, highly motivated, organized and skilled at meeting deadlines; have a sense of urgency to complete tasks in a timely manner. Must possess ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities and demands.

Ability to establish, facilitate, and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public; to consistently and continually demonstrate tact, diplomacy, and respect to individuals, groups and organizations representing a wide diversity of ethnicities, cultures, opinions, and beliefs; Ability to positively receive feedback and take direction is essential.

Ability to drive and operate vehicles and attachments; equipment and tools with precision, speed, and safety. Ability to possess a valid WA State driver’s license and perform strenuous physical work. Ability to consistently work safely and in compliance with the federal, state and local regulations, laws, policies and standards. Ability to recognize traffic hazards and other potential safety concerns and to make sound decisions and actions while operating vehicles, tools and machinery.  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work will require driving and/or traveling to a variety of locations and is primarily done outside with exposure to all weather extremes, be exposed to insects, animals, stings/bites, pollen, dust, noxious odors, mud, water, needles, drug paraphernalia, rough/uneven terrain and/or toxic chemicals.  Capacity for sustained attention to functioning machinery and equipment. Physical strength and ability sufficient to perform heavy manual labor for extended periods under wet, cold, and generally unpleasant conditions. Frequent climbing and balancing while on stairs, ladders and other inclines.  Frequent bending/twisting at knees/waist/neck while performing mechanical repairs, maintenance items and other tasks as assigned.  Occasional kneeling/crouching/crawling while making repairs in confined spaces and awkward positions.  Continuous use of both hands and arms in reaching/handling/grasping/ keyboarding and other fine motor skills manipulation while performing duties.  Frequent heavy work includes lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds and operation of a variety of vehicles, equipment, hand tools and machinery. On rare occasions may be required to lift heavier weight with the assistance of others or mechanical devices.  Continuous use of all senses including feeling/talking/hearing/seeing while driving, performing duties and while communicating with co-workers, general public and completing all tasks as assigned. Must be able to distinguish color and maintain long-term and short-term memory. Will be required to wear safety protective gear when necessary. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.  

UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS 

May work rotating shifts, split shifts evenings, weekends or holidays. May come in contact with angry, upset or emotionally distraught individuals. Requires routinely driving and/or traveling to a variety of locations.