Parks Maintenance Caretaker - Seasonal

The Parks and Recreation Division is seeking a seasonal parks caretaker to join a team dedicated to providing beautiful places and quality recreation opportunities that enrich the well-being of our community.  

This is a full-time seasonal position scheduled to work March through October, 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM (summer 6:00 AM - 2:30 PM).  This position may be required to work weekends and will begin work on March 1st.

MINIMUM REQUIRMENTS

Must be at least 16 and have reliable transportation. Must have 6 months experience with lawn, grounds maintenance, and/or custodial work.

Must pass background investigation regarding applicant's aptitude, character, judgement, credit, driving record and criminal history.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES

Must possess and maintain a valid Washington State Driver's License.

Under the general supervision, and the direction of the Parks Operations Supervisor, performs and/or assists with a variety of unskilled and semi-skilled tasks in the care, operation, maintenance, repair and beautification of city parks and facilities, including but not limited to the Harman Center, Fisher Golf Course and Tahoma Cemetery. May perform tasks and assignments independently or as part of a maintenance crew in park and facility maintenance operations.  Work is seasonal and requires physical strength and dexterity to utilize a variety of hand and power tools.

Performs and/or assists with general grounds maintenance activities including but not limited to: litter control; leaf and debris removal; graffiti removal; cleaning and sanitizing restrooms and buildings; and trash removal.  Uses hand and power tools to perform a variety of maintenance duties which may include cleaning, painting, minor construction or repair.  May provide basic assistance with plumbing or electrical issues to skilled workers.

Operates a variety of power and hand mowing equipment, edgers, weed eaters and trim mowers to maintain turf in public parks, cemetery, sports fields and golf courses.  May apply fertilizers with the use of power and hand-operated equipment.

Performs activities such as mowing, weeding, planting, excavating trenches, and assists with pruning trees, annuals, perennials and shrubs.

May operates park equipment including front loader, aerator, rototiller, pick-up trucks, tandem axle trailers, tractors.

May assist in the cleaning, maintenance and/or painting of swimming pools.  May assist with maintenance of wading pools and spray toys.  May assist with the installation, maintenance and/or repair of playgrounds and other park equipment.

May mow and sweep using large gang, multi-deck rotary and reel mowers, trim mowers, sweepers and hand mowers as needed.

May assist with a variety of gravesite preparation activities for funeral services, including but not limited to: digging trenches; opening and closing graves; setting up awnings or chairs for service; and assisting with setting temporary or permanent monuments.

May assist with set-up of other special events as necessary.

Provides continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality customer service.

Requires regular and reliable attendance.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

General knowledge of basic grounds keeping practices and the operation of grounds maintenance tools, vehicles and equipment. Knowledge of safe and appropriate use of hand and power tools and park maintenance vehicles and equipment. Ability to: apply fertilizers in accordance with personal and environmental safety precautions; understand mechanical applications and to learn operations requiring mechanical aptitude;

Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively, with employees and members of the public representing diverse education and background, utilizing well developed communication skills, both written and oral, with appropriate use of English, including but not limited to correct grammar and vocabulary. Ability to follow verbal and written instruction.

Must be dependable; able to work independently and as a team player; be self-directed, highly motivated, organized and skilled at meeting deadlines; have a sense of urgency to complete tasks in a timely manner.  Must possess ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities and demands.

Ability to establish, facilitate, and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public; to consistently and continually demonstrate tact, diplomacy, and respect to individuals, groups and organizations representing a wide diversity of ethnicities, cultures, opinions, and beliefs; Ability to positively receive feedback and take direction is essential..

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work will require travel to a variety of locations and is primarily done outside with exposure to all weather extremes, be exposed to insects, animals, stings/bites, pollen, dust, noxious odors, mud, water, needles, drug paraphernalia and/or toxic chemicals.  Capacity for sustained attention to functioning machinery and equipment.

Physical strength and ability sufficient to perform heavy manual labor for extended periods under wet, cold, and generally unpleasant conditions. Frequent climbing and balancing while on stairs, ladders and other inclines.  Frequent bending/twisting at knees/waist/neck while performing mechanical repairs, maintenance items and other tasks as assigned.

  Occasional kneeling/crouching/crawling while making repairs in confined spaces and awkward positions.  Continuous use of both hands and arms in reaching/handling/grasping/ fingering while performing duties.  Frequent heavy work includes lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds and operation of a variety of vehicles, equipment, hand tools and machinery.

On rare occasions may be required to lift heavier weight with the assistance of others or mechanical devices.  Continuous use of all senses including feeling/talking/hearing/seeing while performing duties and while communicating with co-workers, general public and completing all tasks as assigned. Must be able to distinguish color and maintain long-term and short-term memory.

Will be required to wear safety protective gear when necessary. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS

Must be able to work weekends, rotating shifts, split shifts, evenings, weekends and/or holidays. May come in contact with angry, upset or emotionally disturbed individuals.