Parks Grounds Maintenance Technician

Overview

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES Provides diverse year round leisure opportunities through the preservation of open space, park settings, recreational facilities and programs for the citizens of Guilford County. The majority of work is performed in the Parks and Recreation Department at various locations as needed.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS An employee in this class performs manual labor and customer service functions at County Parks and Open Space. Schedules use of park shelters, wedding chapel, rental building, campground and other areas within the parks. Registers visitors and collects funds for facilities and completes necessary daily reports to verify fund collections. The employee enforces all County laws, park and Open Space rules and regulations.

Work includes cutting away dead or excess branches from trees or shrubs to maintain trails, sidewalks, or to improve appearance, health, and value of tree. Work typically requires the use of riding mowers, tractors, light duty trucks, light duty backhoe operations, mini excavator light duty front end loader and a variety of hand tools such as rakes, shovels, axes, sprayers, and tools for maintenance of equipment.

Questions and technical issues are referred to the lead worker. Complexity of work is noted with performing mechanic work on equipment. Work is performed under close supervision and is checked through observation and review of work orders.

Essential Duties & Tasks

• Performs maintenance of county parks and Open Space and grounds including weeding, mowing, and fertilizing lawns; plant, water, trim, and prune landscaped areas consisting of bushes, trees, flowers, shrubs, and lawns; rake leaves and clear debris from streets, walks and other areas; apply herbicides, fungicides and pesticides to landscaped areas.
• Operate various landscape and construction equipment including power and hand tools, mowers, loaders, blowers; maintain tools and equipment; adhere to safe work practices.
• Perform general clerical functions; receiving and inventory of park supplies and materials. Collect and secure all money from all facility operations. Complete daily reports.
• Install and repair park equipment. Inspect facilities for repair needs; review maintenance needs with assigned supervisor.
• Clean park facilities and buildings; maintain inventory of cleaning supplies, clean restrooms, remove trash, sweep and mop floors.
• Provide customer service to park patrons, assist with customer needs, respond to emergencies.
• Explain and enforce park and Open Space rules; report suspicious activity to supervisor or law enforcement personnel. Assist with parking and crowd control for concerts and special events.
• Maintains sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, pool, planters, and other grounds features.
• Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of basic electrical, plumbing, automotive and carpentry skills.
• Knowledge of equipment and materials used to construct and maintain landscaped areas and other facilities.
• Knowledge of methods and techniques used in planting and caring for trees, shrubs, perennials, tropicals, annuals, and grasses.
• Knowledge of methods and application procedures for controlling or eradicating plant pests and diseases.
• Knowledge of pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes and regulations.
• Ability to adapt to a work environment that may include exposure to outdoor climate, dust and dirt, exposure to the hazards of working in and near traffic, exposure to various chemicals including fertilizers and pesticides, and exposure to domestic and wild animals.
• Ability to answer questions and provide information to the public.
• Ability to speak, understand and communicate information and ideas so others may understand.

Physical Demands: Employee is subject to hazards, including mechanical equipment and atmospheric conditions due to exposure to fumes, odors, and dusts. At least half of each week requires exposure to sensory extremes. Several times weekly, exposure to chance of injury or loss of life, which can be substantially controlled by use of significant safety precautions. The work is required to have visual acuity to perform mechanical or skilled trades tasks of a non-repetitive nature such as carpenters, technicians, service people, plumbers, painters, mechanics, etc.

Minimum Qualifications
High school graduation or G.E.D with six months grounds maintenance experience OR demonstrated ability to perform assigned tasks. Valid drivers' license required

Preferred Qualifications
NC Pesticides Applicators License

Work is performed inside and out in varying conditions including loud noise. Hazards may include occasional exposure to health risk of infection when cleaning up body fluids.

Driving is Essential
Driving is an essential requirement of this position whether driving a County owned or personal vehicle to conduct county business. Motor Vehicle Reports may be…