Landscape Maintenance Technician

Description

Incorporated in 1955 and encompassing more than 454 acres, the Mt. Prospect Park District provides outstanding recreational programs, events, parks, facilities and services. With seven primary facilities and 27 neighborhood parks, the Park District is an integral part of a thriving multi-generational community. District open space includes two outdoor pools, biking and walking paths, a dog park and sizable space for outdoor athletic programming. The District covers over 11 square miles and serves a region of over a quarter million residents in Mount Prospect and surrounding communities.

We have an exciting opportunity for a full-time, Landscape Maintenance Technician 2, to join our Grounds Maintenance Team! Reporting to the Grounds Department Manager, the Landscape Maintenance Technician 2 is responsible for performing the planning, installation and routine maintenance of landscape amenities within all park properties. Candidates must hold and maintain a valid driver's license and be able to successfully pass a pre-employment physical with a drug screen, and a criminal background check. The targeted starting pay rate is $23 per hour. Plus, we offer a generous benefits package including Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance (or health insurance opt out payment), employer paid HRA benefits, employer paid premiums for Principal dental insurance, IMRF pension benefits (Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund), employer paid premiums for Principal short-term disability, life insurance and AD&D, VSP-vision discount program, Principal 457 deferred compensation savings plan, paid time off, employee training, and park district facility discounts and usage benefits.

Requirements

Essential duties:

Perform all jobs assigned by the Grounds Department Manager, including but not limited to the following areas:

• landscaping work
• tree work (trimming, removal, and stump grinding)
• general park maintenance and cleanup
• construction work
• building and grounds maintenance
• athletic field maintenance
• duties pertaining to the physical operation of the park district
• small and large equipment operation
• general labor work
• Participate in the District’s safety training programs. Be familiar with and abide by District policies and procedures.
• Purchase materials as needed with the approval of the Grounds Department Manager.
• Participate in the winter snow removal and ice making operations.
• Respond in person for emergency night and weekend jobs when contacted.
  
  

Secondary Duties

Work on special job assignments for all divisions within the District.

May be required to occasionally work special events at night and on weekends.

Maintain a neat and organized work environment.

Additional Functions As Assigned Which May Be Considered Essential.

All other duties as assigned by the Grounds Department Manager, Director of Parks and Planning, and/or the Executive Director. However, in an emergency, perform all other duties as required.

Qualifications

Must be at least 18 years of age.

Must be a high school graduate or possess a GED equivalent or combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Must possess a valid Illinois Pesticide Applicator License or obtain a valid Illinois Pesticide Applicator License within six months of start date.

Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license. The ability to operate and drive a District vehicle is an essential job function of the Landscape Maintenance Technician 2 position. Must possess or have the ability to obtain a valid Illinois Class C Driver's License within six (6) months of employment and maintain throughout employment with the District.

Must have the ability to obtain a valid Illinois Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class “A”, if requested.

Must have thorough knowledge in the use of common hand tools and power tools. Must be able to operate tractors, trucks and other power equipment.

Must have previous experience in plant identification and cultural requirements.

Must have previous grounds and landscape maintenance experience.

Must have some ability to interpret scaled landscape plans and drawings.

Must be able to evaluate and determine needed services to maintain facilities to the standards established by the Grounds Department Manager.

Must be able to perform minor repairs to outdoor amenities.

Must be able to communicate effectively in regards to questions from the public about products used on Mt. Prospect Park District property. Must be able to communicate effectively with others to allow for the coordination of work, safety and in emergency situations if needed.

Must be able to work independently and with limited supervision.

Physical Job Qualifications: Must be able to stand and walk for long periods of time. Must be physically able to frequently ascend/descend more than a 25% grade, lift 50+ pounds from a squat position. Additionally, must be able to push/pull, reach, occasionally balance, bend at waist (touch the floor with fingertips), climb, crawl, crouch, kneel for long periods of time, sit, stoop and constantly handle objects.

The Landscape Maintenance Technician 2 will work primarily outdoors. May be exposed to hazardous situations, conditions, and equipment that could result in cuts, bruises, or minor burns. May be exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting and uncomfortable. May be exposed to outdoor conditions including rain, sun, high humidity, snow, ice, and excessive heat and cold.

Due to the needs of the Park District, evening. holiday and weekend hours may be required. Your work schedule may vary and your workweek may exceed 40 hours at times. Regular and reliable attendance is an essential function of the Landscape Maintenance Technician 2 position.

Nothing contained herein shall preclude or limit the Park District from changing this written job description through addition, deletion or modification of essential job duties.

The Mt. Prospect Park District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.