Equipment Operator - Parks

Cityofmarion; Marion (IA); On-site; USD 51,577,000 - 74,501,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Marion seeks an Equipment Operator for Parks at Thomas Park to perform skilled equipment operation and maintenance for park grounds and facilities. The role may lead seasonal and full-time staff and requires ability to work overtime as needed.

Under limited supervision, you will operate trucks and turf equipment, follow blueprints, and perform routine maintenance. Candidates should meet the CDL requirement and be prepared for outdoor work in varied weather, including long hours and

Qualifications

• High school diploma is required.
• Experience operating heavy trucks, turf equipment, and related gear.
• Knowledge in carpentry and cement work; electrical and plumbing knowledge preferred.
• Experience planting trees, shrubs, and flowers.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain equipment safely and efficiently for park construction and maintenance.
• Lead or supervise seasonal and full-time staff as needed.
• Perform snow removal, mowing, landscaping, and irrigation tasks.
• Install and service park equipment per manufacturer specs and codes.
• Follow blueprints and grading plans; ensure site is compliant with city codes.

Skills

Traffic laws

Equipment operation

Blueprints

Oral & written communication

Public relations

Education

High school diploma

Job description

EQUIPMENT OPERATOR - PARKS

Open until filled. First review of Candidates is October 19, 2026.

Job Title: Equipment Operator

Civil Service: No

Department: Parks and Recreation

Bargaining Unit: AFSCME

Reports to Position: Parks Maintenance Manager

Location: Thomas Park

Overtime Status: Hourly

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

JOB SUMMARY

Under limited supervision, performs a variety of skilled and advanced skilled duties including the safe and efficient operation of assigned equipment in the construction and maintenance of park grounds and facilities. Direction and review is received by Parks Maintenance Manager. May lead, direct, and review work of assigned seasonal and full-time staff during supervisors’ absence. Overtime hours may be required by weather or workload.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES/WORK PERFORMED

• Performs snow removal activities including plowing, blowing, and hauling of snow; hand shoveling; applying chemicals and abrasives to streets, sidewalks, and steps.
• Performs routine equipment maintenance including lubrication, cleaning of filters, minor mechanical adjustments, and washing.
• Performs routine maintenance of park properties and facilities to include the cleaning, sanitation and removal of litter.
• Clears brush, foliage, and other obstructions; mows grass and trims trees; performs related tasks as required.
• Assists in the propagation, planting and transplanting of trees, shrubs, and flowers in the City, also the mowing and fertilizing of public lawns.
• Performs installation of park and recreation equipment and facilities in accordance with the manufacturer specifications within local, state and federal guidelines. Ability to understand and follow blueprints. Perform all construction projects in accordance with city building codes.
• Performs routine maintenance of all park and recreation facilities and property to include cemetery, swimming pool, community center as well as any other assigned public entities.
• Performs routine maintenance of recreational fields, (baseball, softball, football and soccer) to include proper mowing, grading, field lining, and watering to ensure a safe environment.
• Performs work of Utility I and Utility II as necessary.
• Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Knowledge of traffic laws and regulations governing automotive equipment operation.
• Ability to operate and perform routine maintenance of trucks up to a 50,000-pound G.V.W., Excavator, tractor, front end loaders ball diamond groomer, skid loader, self-propelled mowers, back blade, landscape rake, and related equipment.
• Knowledge of the component parts, operating principles, and maintenance needs of construction and maintenance equipment.
• Knowledge of forestry, landscaping and horticulture.
• Knowledge of landscape irrigation systems installation, operation, and repair.
• Knowledge of concrete and asphalt installation and repair.
• Knowledge of electrical and plumbing operation and minor repair.
• Knowledge of current parks and recreation regulations.
• Ability to understand and follow blueprints.
• Ability to interpret a grading plan and layout grade stakes to achieve accurate elevations.
• Knowledge of sports field and facility maintenance, grooming and mowing practices, measurement and layout of fields.
• Ability to understand and implement oral and written instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees and the general public.
• Ability to prepare required records and reports.
• Ability to communicate effectively with fellow employees, contractors, and the public by telephone, two-way radio, written format and in person.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & PHYSICAL ABILITIES

• Physical ability to work at heights up to 40 feet desirable.
• Ability to perform construction within the City of Marion building codes.
• Physical strengths and agility to operate heavy equipment under adverse weather conditions.
• Ability to perform strenuous work outdoors for an extended period, under all weather conditions.
• Ability to work long hours outdoors, occasionally under adverse weather conditions.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends, occasionally, under adverse weather conditions.
• Ability to perform a variety of physical labor activities as needed including using a variety of hand and power tools, stooping, bending and climbing.
• Ability to lift up to 75 pounds at one time and ability for repetitive lifting of up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to shovel snow and occasionally shovel dirt in assisting in digging trenches, excavation or graves.
• Ability to climb using ladders to perform various duties.
• Ability to traverse variable terrain conditions not accessible by vehicle including but not limited to steep slopes, unlevel grades and heavily vegetated areas.
• Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace or residents encountered during work.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma.
• Experience in the operation and routine maintenance of heavy trucks, turf equipment, and related equipment.
• Knowledge and experience in carpentry and cement work. Electrical and plumbing knowledge preferred.
• Experience in the propagation, planting and transplanting of trees, shrubs and flowers.
• Must possess a valid Class A Commercial Driver's License or obtain within 90 days of hire.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Works outdoors on a regular basis, may be exposed to extreme weather conditions
• Works a standard work week
• May be required to work some overtime upon demand of workload

REQUIRED BACKGROUND CHECKS

• Sex Offender Registry
• Criminal Background Check
• Drug Screening
• Driving Record
• Pre-Employment Physical