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, and turf. Responsible for the inspection, maintenance and repair of playground equipment, shelters, irrigation systems, and other outdoor structures. Troubleshoots and repairs electrical and plumbing systems and fixtures. Assists with special events. Assists in emergency operations, including snow removal and storm clean up, as required.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Performs minor repairs and assists with inspections of park facilities and property including but not limited to: playgrounds, shelters, tables, cookers, etc. Installs, maintains, troubleshoots and repairs electrical and plumbing systems and fixtures.

Prepares, maintains, and winterizes all water systems at park facilities. Connects/disconnects meters, opens/closes appropriate valving, blows lines out with air pressure, reattaches fittings, and checks for leaks.

Tests and repairs irrigation systems, display fountains and spray parks. Performs routine maintenance on display fountains, spray park and electric pumps. Checks fill valves to ensure they are working correctly. Routinely backwashes filter system.

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 follow SDS information and product labeling.

Performs park maintenance including: Picking up and disposing of trash in and around parks, cleans and stocks restrooms, cleans and organizes park furniture/amenities.

Operates backhoes, skid loaders, front-end loaders, trenchers, dump trucks, cranes, and snow removal equipment as needed.

May supervise the work of full-time and part-time park maintenance workers as required.

Assists supervisor with contacting and selecting contractors. Assists with supervision of contract work.

Assists in emergency operations, including snow removal.

Assist with special events.

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.

Must obtain Playground Safety Inspection Certification within 2 years from date of hire.

EXPERIENCE:

One to two years experience in landscape/horticulture or turf maintenance or an equivalent level of experience to include operation of power tools, utility vehicles, sprayers and hand tools.

One to two years experience in parks repair and maintenance to include electrical and plumbing.

SKILLS:

Basic math skills.

Mechanical aptitude.

Good organizational skills.

Ability to work independently.

Good written and oral communication 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 situations 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.

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.