Caretaker - Park Maintenance

Introduction

Are you enthusiastic about preserving the allure of public parks and school playgrounds in the Elm City? We're excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for a Caretaker, and we welcome individuals of all experience levels to apply. This position involves supervising skilled seasonal crews engaged in maintaining outdoor spaces, operating equipment, and overseeing labor tasks. If you're a motivated individual without extensive experience but possess a high school diploma and a passion for enhancing community spaces, we encourage you to apply. This role not only allows you to contribute immediately but also provides a platform for growth and advancement within our organization, where you will have the chance to learn and develop valuable skills on the job. As a Caretaker, you'll be instrumental in creating inviting outdoor environments for the community. Join us in this exciting opportunity to kick-start your career. Apply now and become an integral part of our team dedicated to the care and enhancement of our numerous public parks and school playgrounds. Per Bargaining Agreement, hours of work are Sun-Sat, 40 hrs/week; 7am- 3:30 pm and 2pm- 10:30 pm., and may include rotating seasonal shifts. Learn more about our parks HERE and HERE.

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS

This is skilled supervisory work in the care and maintenance of public parks and joint school playgrounds. Work involves responsibility for supervising crews and participating in the work of park maintenance including the operation of light equipment and vehicles as well as the performance of various labor tasks. Work follows a broad seasonal routine with tasks assigned by a superior, but independence of judgment is exercised in assigning work to crew members and in making work decisions.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervises and operates tractors, rotary, and other grass-cutting equipment; operates jack-hammer, small roller; trucks materials to and from jobs. Supervises and installs playground equipment; maintains tennis courts; repairs fence posts; erects backstops; assists trades employees in building and repairing; assists in maintaining and repairing park benches and other park furniture. Supervises and participates in checking and maintaining park graffiti removal apparatus. Supervises and participates in cutting grass; picking up paper, rubbish, and debris; raking and picking up leaves; trimming shrubbery; cutting brush; tarring, sanding and patching roads; digging holes and ditches; prepping for games by maintaining and renovating ball fields; shoveling and plowing snow. Supervises and participates in the wearing of safety clothing and equipment. Performs related work as required

EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Graduation from high school and 3 to 5 years experience in the use of hand tools, power tools and light equipment; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the following knowledge, abilities, and skills:

KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Knowledge of one or more construction or maintenance trades. Ability to drive vehicle, trucks and to operate light equipment. Ability to perform skilled and unskilled labor tasks without close supervision. Ability to understand and follow both oral and written instructions. Knowledge of safety precautions which are necessary when using equipment. Working knowledge of methods and procedures used in grounds and athletic field maintenance. Ability to plan, assign and supervise the work of others. Ability to keep simple records and make reports. Working knowledge in the use of park maintenance equipment, and safety equipment. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and the public. Ability to perform manual tasks requiring physical strength and endurance, including ability to lift up to 100 lbs. Skill in the use and care of tools, machines and equipment used in park maintenance.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Possession of and ability to maintain a State of Connecticut Driver's License. Must obtain and maintain a Connecticut Commercial Driver's License (CDL) within 12 months of hire.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical Requirements Amount of Time Working Environment Amount of Time None Under 1/3 1/3 to 2/3 Over 2/3 None Under 1/3 1/3 to 2/3 Over 2/3 Stand X Wet or humid conditions (non-weather) X Walk X Work near moving mechanical parts X Sit X Work in high, precarious places X Use hands to finger, handle, or feel X Fumes or airborne particles X Reach with hands and arms X Toxic or caustic chemicals X Climb or balance X Outdoor weather conditions X Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl X Extreme cold (non-weather) X Talk or hear X Risk of electrical shock X Taste or smell X Work with explosives X Risk of radiation X Lifting or force be exerted? Vibration X How much and how often? Amount of Time None Under 1/3 1/3 to 2/3 Over 2/3 Up to 10 pounds X Up to 25 pounds X Up to 50 pounds X Up to 100 pounds X More than 100 pounds X

SALARY, BARGAINING UNIT & TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

This is a 'General Fund,' tested position. This position is included in a collective bargaining agreement with Local 424, Unit 128, UPSEU. Bargaining agreements available to review HERE. General Funded hires into this class shall not be covered by Social Security but rather the City pension, contributing 9% of salary. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of: (1) a pre-employment background check, (2) a pre-employment physical examination, including pre-employment drug screening accordance with the City's Drug Free Workplace Policy*, and (3) a 120-day probationary period. Instructions and information on this pre-employment process are included in Conditional Offer of Employment. Pursuant to the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, The City of New Haven has a adopted a Drug Free Workplace Policy. The City of New Haven requires a pre-employment drug test, which includes screening for marijuana.

Selection Plan

Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the minimum requirements as listed within the job description; failure to do so may result in disqualification. Applicants meeting minimum requirements may be invited to participate in a Civil Service exam process at a later date. It is critical that you complete the application thoroughly and submit information as outlined above, as the information you provide will be used to ascertain if you are eligible to move forward in the selection process. This information may be used to determine the eligibility list. As such, this job announcement should be considered the exam announcement, and submissions may be evaluated prior to the posted closing date. Information regarding the employment and selection process can be found HERE. Please note that the only method of communication with applicants for this position will be by email. You must provide a valid, working email address and you will need to monitor your email, including spam/junk folders, for correspondence from the New Haven Human Resources Department. We reserve the right to extend an application deadline or close a job posting early to ensure we can attract and identify the best candidate(s) for a position.

Conclusion

To apply for this opportunity: Complete your User Registration. You are encouraged to save your Applicant Profile for future use. You MUST click on the job posting you are interested in, and click Apply or Apply Online from within that posting. MAKE SURE the job you are applying for is named at the top of the page as you review your application! Review or modify your application for that position Click 'Ready to Send App' or the 'Send' tab; read page and click the attestation Click 'Send to City of New Haven' You will be redirected to 'CONFIRMATION OF EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION SUBMISSION' You will also receive an email and text, if a number was provided, confirming your submission If you do not receive this confirmation in the next 24 hours, your application has not been submitted - please contact us at NHJobs@newhavenct.gov Please Note, your Profile is NOT an application for an open position. After you create your Applicant Profile, you must still click on a Job Title and complete the application as instructed for each position.