Field Technician

Introduction

The City of New Haven is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Field Technician to join our team. This position involves advanced supervisory work in the maintenance and care of athletic fields and related park infrastructure. The Field Technician will be responsible for ensuring that athletic fields are maintained to the highest standards, prepared for practices and games, and kept in optimal playing condition. Duties will include managing a team, operating specialized equipment, and performing both routine and complex maintenance tasks. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the upkeep of our community's sports facilities while working closely with a dedicated team to maintain safety, quality, and performance standards.

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS

This is advanced skilled supervisory work in the care and maintenance of athletic fields and related park infrastructure. Work involves responsibility for the maintenance and care of athletic fields and related park facilities. This includes preparing fields for practices and games, ensuring they are safe and in optimal playing condition, and performing routine maintenance tasks. The Field Technician will work closely with the Superintendent of Fields and other staff to ensure that all facilities meet safety and quality standards. Position reports to Foreperson Fields, Assistant Superintendent of Fields, or appropriate designee; and supervises assigned staff, seasonal employees, or volunteers. 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.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervises and operates tractors, rotary, and other grass-cutting equipment; trucks materials to and from jobs. Maintains and repairs athletic fields including mowing, aerating, and watering. Maintains Synthetic Turf Fields including grooming, cleaning, and in-fill practices. Marks and lines fields for various sports according to regulations. Maintains irrigation systems under the oversight of the City's plumber. Inspects fields regularly for hazards and repairs as necessary. Supervises and participates in cutting grass; picking up paper, rubbish, and debris; raking and picking up leaves; trimming shrubbery; cutting brush; tarring, digging holes and ditches; shoveling and plowing snow. Assists in planning and implementing annual upgrades, irrigation, seeding including aeration and fertilization activities under supervision of the Assistant Superintendent of Fields, and boxing. Follows all safety guidelines and regulations. Performs related work as required.

EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Graduation from high school and 5 to 7 years' experience in the use of hand tools, power tools, light equipment, and groundskeeping and field maintenance; including 3 to 5 years as a Caretaker for the City of New Haven or industry equivalent.

KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Knowledge of maintenance and groundskeeping trades including proficiency in turf management, field maintenance, and athletic field regulations. Ability to drive vehicle, trucks, and to operate light equipment. Ability to perform skilled and unskilled labor tasks without direct supervision, both independently and leading a team. Ability to understand and follow both oral and written instructions. Ability to issue both oral and written instructions. Knowledge of safety precautions which are necessary when using equipment. Considerable knowledge of methods and procedures used in grounds and athletic field maintenance. Ability to plan, assign, and supervise the work of others. Ability to quickly assess and address maintenance issues, troubleshoot equipment problems, and propose effective solutions. Ability to keep simple records and make reports. Knowledge of safety precautions which are necessary when using chemicals and equipment. Working knowledge in the use of park maintenance and safety equipment. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and the public. Capability to lead by example, motivate team members, and foster a sense of camaraderie among crew members without formal supervisory authority. Capacity to mediate minor conflicts or issues among crew members. 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

Must have worked a minimum of 3 years as a Caretaker for the City of New Haven or industry equivalent.

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 touch, 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 to be exerted? Vibration X How much and how often? Amount of Time Other: Drives to various facilities to perform assignments X None Under 1/3 1/3 to 2/3 Over 2/3 Other: Outdoor terrain, including uneven and/or untended ground X Up to 10 pounds X Other: May encounter outdoor flora & fauna hazards (i.e., poison ivy, insects, wildlife) X Up to 25 pounds X Up to 50 pounds X Up to 75 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.