Gardener III

City of University Park; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of University Park is seeking a Parks Maintenance Technician III to perform preventive and routine maintenance of parks, irrigation systems, lighting, and related facilities. You will work with minimal supervision and support park operations year-round.

Responsibilities include inspections, repairs, and coordination with teams and contractors; operating heavy landscape equipment; and maintaining accurate records while complying with safety standards and licensing requirements.

Qualifications

• Experience with landscape and park maintenance operations.
• Ability to operate heavy equipment and perform manual labor in all weather.
• Valid Texas driver’s license or ability to obtain Class A/B license within one year.

Responsibilities

• Perform inspections, maintenance, and cleaning of park features and irrigation systems.
• Install and maintain landscape/hardscape features throughout park system.
• Operate small landscape equipment and assist with tree maintenance.
• Support emergency response work and debris removal.
• Maintain logs and document system status and repairs.
• Coordinate with Parks Supervisors and external contractors on irrigation projects.
• Follow SOPs and safety guidelines; ensure proper tool and vehicle care.

Skills

Safe equipment operation

Landscape maintenance

Heavy equipment experience

Team player

Reliability/attendance

Irrigation systems knowledge

Documentation of inspections

Communication skills

Flexibility with weather

Education

Commercial Driver's License (Class A or B)

TCEQ Irrigation Technician license

Landscape Irrigator license

Tools

Irrigation controllers

Valves and controllers

Electrical/wiring basics

Smart irrigation tech

Smartphone/tablet field documentation

Job description

Under the direction of a Parks Supervisor, the Parks Maintenance Technician III performs preventive and routine maintenance and repairs at the City's parks, courts, fountains, and open spaces. Responsibilities include maintenance of landscapes, hardscapes, irrigation systems, lighting, pool pump systems, and other park amenities.

Working independently or with minimal supervision, this role ensures efficient workflow and timely completion of assigned tasks. This position operates various tools and equipment, including loud machinery, and performs duties in all weather conditions.

This is a full-time, year-round position. Standard work hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with flexibility required for occasional on-call shifts. Teamwork and collaboration are essential to supporting overall department goals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Performs inspections, maintenance, and cleaning of a variety of park features. This includes the installation and maintenance of landscape and hardscape features throughout the park system.
• Ensures irrigation systems are operating efficiently and in accordance with established standards to support the health, vitality, and aesthetic quality of plant material and landscapes throughout University Park's public spaces.
• Performs routine maintenance and repairs on irrigation systems and promptly identifies and reports any malfunctions or issues.
• Assists with tree maintenance, such as pruning, planting, and removals.
• Assists with emergency response work, such as clearing fallen trees and debris from public areas, including streets and alleys.
• Assists with cleaning fountains and floating fountains.
• Assists with the maintenance of sports fields.
• Assists with the preparation and winterization of the City's aquatic facility.
• Assists with the installation and maintenance of park furnishings.
• Inspects park facilities for damage.
• Performs thorough inspections of irrigation systems.
• Inspects and maintains park drinking fountains.
• Programs and manages smart irrigation controllers and battery-operated controllers.
• Assists other crews or departments with special projects or events.
• Implements and monitors irrigation schedules; conducts inspections, repairs minor system issues, and reports significant problems.
• Performs irrigation system installation, setup, and maintenance.
• Follows daily, weekly, and monthly schedules for park maintenance projects as established by the Parks Supervisor and Parks Superintendent.
• Trains, leads, and coordinates support staff during larger irrigation projects to ensure timely and efficient completion.
• Assists in overseeing external contractors performing irrigation repairs and project work.
• Maintains accurate daily logs and regularly updates documentation to track project progress and system status.
• Contributes to the development and implementation of written Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for irrigation systems.
• Communicates material and supply needs to the Parks Supervisor in a timely manner and assists with purchasing and procurement processes as needed.
• Safely operates equipment and ensures all tools and machinery are properly secured at the end of each workday. Maintains City vehicles, equipment, and tools in a clean and professional manner.
• Assists other Parks Maintenance Workers, as needed, with landscape maintenance, power washing, and litter removal.
• Assists with Parks and City of University Park special events throughout the year.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND REQUIREMENTS:

• Knowledge of safe equipment operation.
• Knowledge of and experience with landscape maintenance, heavy equipment, and specialty tools.
• Skill in operating small landscape and park maintenance equipment.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Regular and reliable attendance is required. Must be able to consistently work the assigned schedule and arrive on time and prepared for work.
• Advanced knowledge of and experience performing thorough irrigation system inspections.
• Advanced knowledge of and experience maintaining, repairing, and replacing valves, wiring, controllers, sprinkler heads, rotors, drip systems, lateral lines, and mainlines is preferred.
• Ability to clearly document inspection findings and recommended repairs.
• Comfortable using smartphones and tablets, as daily work orders, photographs, notes, timekeeping, and other documentation are completed electronically.
• Ability to assist with emergency response work, including storm cleanup and clearing fallen trees and debris to keep University Park streets, alleys, parkways, and easements free of hazards.
• Dependable, punctual, organized, and able to work independently.
• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks and manual labor in various weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold.
• Must be able to perform all essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to perform irrigation work independently with minimal supervision and recognize when an issue should be elevated to a Parks Supervisor.
• Demonstrated ability to organize workflow efficiently, complete tasks on schedule, and foster team collaboration while maintaining a professional work ethic.
• Ability to maintain basic work records and learn departmental procedures and systems.
• Effective verbal communication skills and the ability to clearly communicate irrigation issues, repair needs, and material requirements.
• Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities, weather conditions, work schedules, and operational needs.
• Availability to work occasional weekends and holidays as required.
• Ability to pick up litter and debris; clean, mop, and sanitize park assets; and generally monitor parks and park facilities.
• Must hold a valid Texas driver's license and be able to safely operate grounds maintenance vehicles and equipment.
• Must be able to interact with residents, park users, and coworkers in a professional manner.
• Required: Must obtain a Class A or Class B Commercial Driver's License within one year of hire.
• Required: Must hold a current TCEQ Irrigation Technician or Landscape Irrigator license.
• Preferred: TCEQ Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester license.
• Preferred: One to three years of experience working in a parks maintenance or landscape maintenance setting.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

While performing the duties of this role, the employee is regularly required to communicate verbally and listen effectively. The employee is frequently required to:

• Stand, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, push, pull, dig, and lift, including working in wet and muddy areas.
• Perform sustained digging.
• Work outdoors year-round in all types of weather.
• Use hands and fingers to handle, feel, and operate tools or equipment.
• Reach with hands and arms and perform repetitive motions.
• Climb and descend stairs and ladders.