FT - Park Specialist - $18.00+/hour DOQ

Streamwood Pa; Streamwood (IL); On-site; USD 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Streamwood Pa is seeking a Parks Specialist responsible for supervising part-time and seasonal staff and maintaining various park facilities. The role involves hands-on work with tasks including playground safety inspections, turf maintenance, and facility upkeep.

Candidates must possess a High School Diploma, valid Driver's License, and ideally hold an Associate's Degree in a related field. Experience in park maintenance is necessary, and applicants with bilingual skills will be preferred.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Preference for candidates with an Associate's Degree in related fields.
• Two years of relevant experience or equivalent education.

Responsibilities

• Supervise part-time and seasonal staff.
• Perform various park maintenance tasks including inspections and repairs.
• Document labor hours and materials used.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Horticulture

Mechanical skills

Bilingual (Spanish/English)

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Associate’s Degree in Turf Management or related field

Tools

Tractors

Mowers

Heavy equipment

Job description

Job Summary

Under the direction and supervision of the Parks Manager and Parks Supervisors, the Parks Specialist is responsible for supervising part‑time and seasonal staff, and performing a variety of park maintenance tasks, including playground safety inspections, playground repairs, garbage collection, turf maintenance, horticulture, forestry, athletic fields, custodial and recreation support activities. This is a hands‑on position with a vast majority of time spent working in the field. The Parks Specialist is on‑call as needed, supervising and leading part‑time and seasonal employees. This is an at‑will position.

Qualifications and Education

• Must have a High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Preference given to candidates with an Associate’s Degree in a related field such as Turf Management, Horticulture, Urban Forestry or other related field.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must have a valid Driver’s License.
• Must possess a valid State of Illinois Pesticide Operator’s License or have the ability to obtain it within six (6) months of hire (District provided).
• Must be CPR and AED certified within six (6) months of hiring (District provided).
• Bi‑lingual (Spanish/English) communication skills preferred.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Complete hands‑on maintenance‑related tasks in the field as assigned by the Parks Manager and/or Parks Supervisor(s).
• Perform assigned inspections and ensure parks, properties, vehicles, equipment, and other assets are safe and functional.
• Garbage collection in all parks and maintain park pavilions, restrooms, and other assigned buildings.
• Maintain grounds through litter pickup, recycling, and other activities.
• Organize, prioritize and direct multiple projects, labor and equipment needs.
• Document labor‑hours and materials used on work orders to specific job requirements.
• Apply herbicides, fungicides, and pesticides to destroy undesirable growth and pests.
• Assist the Horticulture, Fleet & Mowing, Playgrounds, and Athletic Fields crews as assigned.
• Perform playground maintenance, including inspections, repairs, mulch maintenance, and cleaning as needed.
• Perform ornamental horticulture maintenance which includes planting trees, watering, fertilizing, flower bed arrangement, tree removal and other horticulture as needed.
• Perform mowing and turf maintenance as assigned, including operating mowers, weed whips, tractors, and small engine equipment.
• Perform athletic field maintenance tasks as assigned, including ballfield preps, painting field lines, and operating field maintenance equipment.
• Maintain trails, which includes, but is not limited to, debris removal, grading and renovation.
• Adhere to safety policies and procedures as outlined in the safety manual.
• Work snow shifts as assigned and operate snow removal equipment on District roads, parking lots, and sidewalks.
• Operate and perform preventive maintenance of Park District vehicles, tractors, ground equipment, implements and ensure it is performed and reported.
• Maintain a proactive approach to safety and risk management and perform all job tasks within the rules and guidelines of the Streamwood Park District’s safety program and manual.
• Supervise part‑time and seasonal staff by communicating job expectations, job training, coaching duties and responsibilities, performance evaluation, recognition, and discipline.
• Regularly lift and/or move up to fifty (50) pounds.
• Demonstrate, lead, and support the Park District’s mission statement, vision and core values.
• Establish and maintain collaborative efforts with internal and external customers and organizations.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Secondary Duties & Responsibilities

• Supervise part‑time and seasonal employees for other duties, including recreation programs and special events as needed.
• Accurately determine and perform minor mechanical repair needs, and estimate the time required to complete repairs.
• Attend workshops and seminars pertaining to the position, as needed, for new ideas, developments and techniques.
• Assist with set up for recreation programs and special events as needed.
• May be required to work special events at nights and on weekends.

Cognitive Considerations

• Knowledge and skill in construction, maintenance and repair of park facilities, landscaping, turf, and hardscapes.
• Follow directions and communicate in English both verbally and in writing.
• Read and understand materials, such as complex service manuals, wiring diagrams and maintenance and operators’ manuals printed in English.
• Make objective decisions based on customer service and fiscal constraint.
• Keep organized records and reports.

Environmental & Physical Demands

• Work both inside and outside in various environmental conditions such as rain, mud, extreme temperatures, dust, fumes, dirt, noise, insect bites and exposure to hazardous chemicals.
• Operate and handle assigned equipment, including tractors, heavy equipment, trucks and automotive equipment.
• Maintain physical agility to move from site to site and perform heavy manual tasks.
• Perform prolonged lifting, stooping, bending, twisting and climbing for extended periods.

Psychological Considerations

• Work independently in day‑to‑day operations under general direction of the Parks Manager.
• Delegate work where appropriate to accomplish work most effectively.
• Demonstrate leadership qualities to perform required work.
• Work in a team atmosphere while promoting the Park District’s mission statement, vision and core values.
• Maintain self‑control and composure in difficult situations.
• Recognize priorities and meet deadlines.
• Receive constructive criticism and/or supervision.
• Be flexible and adaptable to new situations.
• Possess enthusiasm and drive with a desire to accomplish goals and objectives.

Pay Information

New Hire Pay Rate: Newly hired employee may expect $18.00+ depending on qualifications.

Benefits

Please see applicable benefits at: SPD-PayTransparency-WebsiteDisclosure-2025.pdf. As an FT2 classified employee, the Park District only offers HMO coverage. The Park District paid portion of Medical, Dental and Vision premium will be the same amount as employee only coverage, regardless of the number of dependents covered. For current employee‑employer cost share, see the last page of the SPD Pay Transparency Website Disclosure.