Apprentice Facilities Worker - Parks and Recreation

City of Fort Lauderdale; Town of Florida (NY); On-site; USD 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Fort Lauderdale is seeking entry-level facility and/or grounds maintenance workers to perform duties ranging from basic landscaping to minor repairs. The job involves strenuous outdoor work under various conditions and requires physical endurance.

Work may include weed control, mowing, litter removal, graffiti removal, and light maintenance of equipment and park facilities. Applicants must meet minimum qualifications and may be considered for internal or external posting.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED or equivalent.
• Some knowledge of manual maintenance work methods, procedures, tools, equipment and tasks.
• Valid Florida Class E driver's license with acceptable driving record.

Responsibilities

• Hand weeds, fertilizes, and waters ornamental plant beds; may assist in the installation and maintenance of annual plant beds.
• Operates gas-operated trimming/edging equipment to trim/edge around trees, signs, landscaped beds, etc.; waters and fertilizes lawn areas.
• Operates smaller gas-operated riding lawn mowers and large push mowers to cut grass in parks, medians, and other City-maintained areas and facilities.
• Picks up litter and debris by use of pick sticks, blowers or vacuums; empties trash receptacles.
• Trims and prunes trees, shrubs and bushes from ground level by use of hand tools such as hand clippers and pole saws; loads trucks with trimmings and other debris.
• Paints over graffiti using either roller or brush; and/or removes graffiti via use of proper cleaning materials (including chemicals/solvents).
• Maintains and cleans areas using rakes, hoes, shovels, blowers, and related tools and equipment.
• Performs minor maintenance and repair to park furniture and related equipment.
• Operates light trucks and other automotive equipment as needed.
• Performs a variety of other manual tasks including digging/shoveling sand and dirt; lifts, loads and properly stores tools and equipment; performs basic maintenance to tools and equipment; mulches landscaped areas.
• Performs basic maintenance of tools and equipment.
• Performs related work as required or directed by crew leader or supervisor

Skills

Manual maintenance basics

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Florida Class E driver's license

Job description

May perform entry-level facility and or grounds maintenance duties, which may include minor repairs, cleaning restrooms, landscape, trash pick-up, etc. Work requires strenuous physical outdoor work, often under unfavorable conditions.

In accordance with Article 24 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City of Fort Lauderdale and Teamsters Local Union 769, for posting purposes this open-competitive job posting shall be considered as a simultaneous internal and external posting (it is open to both internal City employees and external applicants). Essential functions are the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation. The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. The omission of a function does not preclude management from assigning essential duties not listed herein if such duties relate to the position.

• Hand weeds, fertilizes, and waters ornamental plant beds; may assist in the installation and maintenance of annual plant beds
• Operates gas-operated trimming/edging equipment to trim/edge around trees, signs, landscaped beds, etc.; waters and fertilizes lawn areas
• Operates smaller gas-operated riding lawn mowers and large push mowers to cut grass in parks, medians, and other City-maintained areas and facilities
• Picks up litter and debris by use of pick sticks, blowers or vacuums; empties trash receptacles
• Trims and prunes trees, shrubs and bushes from ground level by use of hand tools such as hand clippers and pole saws; loads trucks with trimmings and other debris
• Paints over graffiti using either roller or brush; and/or removes graffiti via use of proper cleaning materials (including chemicals/solvents)
• Maintains and cleans areas using rakes, hoes, shovels, blowers, and related tools and equipment
• Performs minor maintenance and repair to park furniture and related equipment
• Operates light trucks and other automotive equipment as needed
• Performs a variety of other manual tasks including digging/shoveling sand and dirt; lifts, loads and properly stores tools and equipment; performs basic maintenance to tools and equipment; mulches landscaped areas
• Performs basic maintenance of tools and equipment
• Performs related work as required or directed by crew leader or supervisor

1. High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalency
2. Some knowledge of manual maintenance work methods, procedures, tools, equipment and tasks
3. Possess a current and valid State of Florida Class "E" driver's license with an acceptable driving record
4. To claim Veterans’ Preference, candidates must attach to the application a copy of military separation papers (DD214) and service-connected disability documentation (if applicable) to meet eligibility requirements as stipulated by Florida Statues. For additional information, please refer to the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs. (link: https://floridavets.org/benefits-services/veterans-preference/)

As public servants, employees may be required to work immediately before, during, and/or after an emergency. All employees must be available and able to work assigned shifts as determined by their Department Heads.

PHYSICAL STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

The position involves heavy physical demands, such as exerting up to 100 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 lbs. of force frequently, and/or up to 20 lbs. of force constantly to move objects. Must be able to
bend and stoop repeatedly and/or continuously over time in order to weed plants, pick up trash, and to perform other maintenance tasks.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The City of Fort Lauderdale receives a high volume of applications, so not every applicant who meets the minimum qualifications will be guaranteed an interview. Candidates are selected for interviews based on how closely their education and work experience match the specific requirements of the position.

Applicants will be subject to an extensive selection and screening process, which may include, but not be limited to evaluation of training and experience; written; oral
and performance-based testing; skills assessment; interview; employment check, background investigation; medical examination; and drug screen. For Public Safety
positions, the process additionally includes polygraph examinations and psychological evaluations. The expected duration of the selection process varies by
position.

All applicants, including current City of Fort Lauderdale employees, need to fully detail their work experience on the employment application. Applicants must ensure
that all required documents submitted are in a format that is acceptable, clear, and legible. It is the applicant’s responsibility to update their online profile with accurate
personal information, work history, education, and certifications each time they submit a new application. Incomplete applications may result in disqualification.

The City of Fort Lauderdale is an Equal Opportunity, Veteran’s Preference Employer and Drug Free Workplace.