Parks Caretaker-Turf and Irrigation

Overview

CITY OF KALISPELL

JOB DESCRIPTION

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Class

Title:

Parks Caretaker – Turf & Irrigation

Department:
Parks Department

Union: AFSCME

Salary: $23.71 per hour

Benefits: 100% paid health insurance for employee & reduced rates for dependents. State retirement plan, 3-weeks’ vacation, paid sick leave, 10 State and Federal holidays.

This position may be participating in a
* VEBA program.

FLSA:
Non-Exempt

Date:
December 9, 2025

Performs a variety of semi-skilled and technical tasks in the maintenance and operation of parks, grounds, open spaces, irrigation, urban forestry and recreation systems, with an emphasis on turf, irrigation, and arboriculture practices. Currently the position serves at the Kalispell Youth Athletic Complex for approximately nine months of the year while three months of the year are spent in urban forestry.

• General
  • a. Work assignments are made both orally and in writing. Work is performed with considerable independence in judgment and decision making within established policies, procedures, rules, regulations and guidelines. Work is reviewed through observation, conferences, periodic reports and by the results obtained.
  • b. The following duties are typical for this classification. These are not to be construed as all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
• Turf Management & Irrigation (70%)
  • a. Mows and maintain parks, open space areas, sports fields, mows weeds, cleans and maintains athletic facilities and equipment, and assists in the installation, maintenance and repair of irrigation systems.
  • b. Carries out leveling, seeding, fertilizing, top dressing, soil conditioning, watering, and pest and weed control of parks, open spaces and athletic fields.
  • c. Performs routine maintenance on lawn and power equipment, including but not limited to, tractors, trucks, trailers, and pruning equipment.
  • d. Maintains and adjusts specialized turf care equipment and tools, including electric motors, pumps, sprinklers, tractors, mowers, and irrigation systems.
  • e. Performs semi-skilled interior building maintenance such as painting, plumbing, carpentry, and other unskilled and semi‑skilled work.
  • f. Inspects, washes, and performs routine maintenance of park drinking fountains and restrooms.
  • g. Sweeps, washes, paints, and repairs or replaces park tables, slabs, picnic shelters and pavilions.
  • h. Operates tractors, mowers, jackhammers, welders, trucks, steam cleaners, buffers, washers, and other listed equipment as needed.
  • i. Maintains current skills and knowledge in the proper and safe techniques of building and grounds maintenance functions.
  • j. Collects and disposes of solid waste from buildings and grounds; picks up litter from premises.
  • k. Opens and closes, locks and unlocks facilities as needed.
  • l. Assists in setting up and taking down equipment for various park and recreation programs, prepares facilities for park and recreation program use.
  • m. Installs and maintains goal posts and nets for sports facilities, including soccer, volleyball, baseball, softball, tennis and basketball.
  • n. Assists in the construction of new parks facilities, including clearing, grading, drainage, and foundation work.
  • o. Keeps records of work completed.
• Urban Forestry (20%)
  • a. Assist with the care, maintenance, and removal of trees and other vegetation on city property in accordance with International Society of Arboricultural standards & arboricultural Best Management Practices.
  • b. Conducts forestry activities from tree planting, tree pruning to tree care. Has a general knowledge of plant materials, tree species, planting, pruning and removal techniques.
  • c. Operate a variety of equipment and tools including aerial lift truck, chipper, stump grinder, chainsaw, backhoe, tree spade, and hand tools.
  • d. Properly setup work zone safety control along streets, sidewalks and work zones.
  • e. Utilize GIS and GPS in record keeping.
• Peripheral Duties (10%)
  • a. Assists in the training and/or supervision of lower level employees or community service workers.
  • b. Serves as a member of various employee committees, as assigned.
  • c. Clears snow around city…