CITY OF OVERLAND PARK - POSITION DESCRIPTION

JOB SUMMARY STATEMENT: Performs a wide variety of semi-skilled and skilled tasks related to the planting and maintenance of flowers, shrubs, trees and turf; or construction, maintenance, and repair of parks and recreation facilities and grounds. Assists with special events. Assists in emergency operations, including snow removal and storm clean up, as required.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

General

Maintains, inspects, repairs, lubricates and cleans equipment and tools per manufacturer specifications listed in equipment manuals. Follows proper storage, maintenance and use techniques according to City policies and procedures.

Assists in emergency operations, including snow removal and storm damage call outs as required.

Forestry/Horticulture

Assists with the planting, removal and maintenance of trees in right-of-way, city facilities and parks. Operates various equipment including bucket truck, chipper, chainsaws, loaders and one-ton pickup.

Assists with the planting and maintenance of landscape beds including shrubs, perennials and annual flowers. Works with hand tools, string trimmers, water tanks and pole saw.

Performs landscaping to include: mulching, weeding, watering, grading and fertilizing.

Applies pesticides utilizing appropriate sprayer or spreader to ornamental areas. Sprays in accordance with proper safety procedures and weather conditions. Read and follows MSDS information and product labeling.

Turf/ Grounds Maintenance

Performs various turf management tasks at parks, athletic fields, facilities, and traffic islands. Lays sod and operates various types of equipment, such as string line trimmers and mowers; including riding, walk behind and push mowers. Loads, unloads and transports mowers.

Picks up and disposes of trash in and around parks and traffic islands. Lifts trash barrels and dumps contents in truck.

Operates tractors for seeding, fertilizing and aerating turf areas. Seeds and fertilizes turf areas utilizing walk-behind and ride on spreaders. Calibrates equipment to apply correct amounts.

Applies pesticides utilizing appropriate sprayer or spreader to turf areas. Sprays in accordance with proper safety procedures and weather conditions. Read and follows MSDS information and product labeling.

Prepares ball fields for league play during the season; to include: dragging, chalking, and moving bases.

Performs other assigned duties as requested; to include: cleaning park and right-of-way of trash and debris, sweeping and cleaning shop area.

Assists with irrigation testing, minor adjustments, diagnosis and repairs.

Construction

Assists with or performs maintenance, repair and construction of park facilities to include: plumbing, electrical, patching asphalt and concrete, painting, welding, sign construction and repairing playground equipment.

Operates and assists operators of various machines and equipment, such as loaders, excavators, tractors and attachments dump trucks, trenchers and trailers.

Performs general construction duties to include grade staking; measuring, forming, placing and finishing concrete; grading, backfilling, roofing, carpentry, painting, and plumbing. Removes and replaces park shelters and playground borders. Removes and replaces bridge boards as needed.

Performs maintenance on the bike/hike trails including asphalt repair, flood debris removal, bridge maintenance, installation and repair. Removes mud and debris from trails after flooding caused by storms.

The employee must work the days and hours necessary to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks. Must be available (especially during regular business hours or shifts) to communicate with subordinates, supervisors, customers, vendors and any other persons or organization with whom interaction is required to accomplish work and employer goals.

The employee must be punctual and timely in meeting all requirements of performance, including, but not limited to, attendance standards and work deadlines; beginning and ending assignments on time; and scheduled work breaks, where applicable.

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION & SPECIAL LICENSE(S)/CERTIFICATIONS:

Basic education or additional equivalent experience.

Must have a valid driver's license and maintain an insurable driving record. Must obtain a valid class

A commercial driver's license with air brake and tanker endorsement within 6 months after employment.

A pesticide applicators license categories 3A and 3B is preferred if applying for a Turf/ Grounds Maintenance or Forestry/Horticulture position.

EXPERIENCE:

Forestry/Horticulture - six months to one year experience in landscape/horticulture maintenance, arboriculture or an equivalent level of experience to include operation of compact loaders, chainsaws, chippers and hand tools.

Turf/ Grounds Maintenance - six months to one year experience in turf maintenance or an equivalent level of experience to include operation of mowing equipment, power tools, utility vehicle, sprayers and hand tools.

Construction - six months to one year experience in general construction trades or facility maintenance or an equivalent level of experience to include operation of loaders, dump trucks, power tools and general construction tools and equipment.

SKILLS:

Good oral communications skills.

Manual dexterity.

Attention to details.

Project management skills, including organization, coordination of duties, and/or accomplishment of goals

Time management skills, including the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and meet deadlines.

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to work in a hectic environment with many interruptions.

Ability to prioritize multiple tasks.

Ability to read and comprehend basic landscape plans and/or technical manuals.

Ability to analyze safety situations.

Ability to carry out assignments through oral and written instructions.

Ability to work independently.

Ability to train and guide others.

Ability to assess situation and recommend possible solutions.

Alpha and numeric recognition.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to travel and tour City facilities and parks in adverse conditions.

Ability to traverse rough terrain.

Ability to operate power and hand tools.

Ability to operate City vehicles.

Ability to work in confined spaces.

Hand and eye coordination adequate to input computer.

Exposure to chemicals, fumes, dust, sprays, fogs, mists.

Exposure to heights, vibrations, high voltage and loud noises.

Ability to work in adverse and extreme weather and environmental conditions.

Ability to make and receive phone calls.

Ability to distinguish smells and colors.

SEE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS ATTACHED FOR ADDITIONAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY (Direct & Indirect):

Indirect - Temporary Laborers.

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.