Grounds Laborer-Full Time

Crystal-Lake-Park-District; Crystal Lake (IL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Crystal Lake Park District is seeking a Grounds Laborer to help keep our parks safe, attractive, and welcoming year-round. You will work on mowing, planting, irrigation, and facility upkeep, contributing to a vibrant community space.

The role emphasizes safety, teamwork, and customer service while supporting events and environmental initiatives. Typical schedule is weekdays with some weekends; candidates should be able to operate equipment and handle seasonal outdoor work.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Two years of landscaping/grounds maintenance experience preferred.
• Illinois Pesticide Operator’s License or ability to obtain within one year.
• CPR/AED certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Mow, Trim, edge, and weed park grounds.
• Assist with landscape installation, planting, and mulching.
• Perform general park clean-up (leaves, debris, trash).
• Maintain turf areas, sports fields, and irrigation systems.
• Complete minor repairs and painting of park structures.
• Set up and maintain ice rinks, including snow removal and resurfacing.
• Operate and maintain landscaping equipment (mowers, tractors, power tools).
• Safely use fertilizers, herbicides, and other materials.
• Identify and report safety hazards and help correct them.
• Assist with special events and community programs.
• Respond to public questions and concerns in a friendly, professional manner.
• Support sustainability and environmental initiatives.

Skills

Grounds maintenance

Turf care

Landscaping

Irrigation

Equipment operation

Safety awareness

Communication

Teamwork

Problem solving

Weekend availability

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Illinois Pesticide Operator’s License

CPR/AED certification

Job description

Love working outdoors? Enjoy hands-on work that makes a visible impact in your community?
If you take pride in well-kept parks, fresh landscapes, and safe public spaces, we want YOU on our Grounds team!

As a Grounds Laborer, you’ll help keep our parks beautiful, safe, and welcoming year-round—from lush summer fields to winter ice rinks. No two days are the same, and your work will be seen and enjoyed by the entire community.

Schedule: M-F, 8am-4:30pm, some weekends and holidays

You’ll play a key role in maintaining and enhancing park grounds and facilities by:

• Mowing, trimming, edging, and weeding park grounds.
• Assisting with landscape installation, planting, and mulching.
• Performing general park clean-up (leaves, debris, trash removal).
• Maintaining turf areas, sports fields, and irrigation systems.
• Completing minor repairs and painting of park structures.
• Setting up and maintaining ice rinks, including snow removal and resurfacing.
• Operating and maintaining landscaping equipment (mowers, tractors, power tools).
• Safely using fertilizers, herbicides, and other materials.
• Identifying and reporting safety hazards and helping correct them.
• Assisting with special events and community programs.
• Responding to public questions and concerns in a friendly, professional manner.
• Supporting sustainability and environmental initiatives.

What We’re Looking For

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Two (2) years of landscaping or grounds maintenance experience preferred

Certifications

• Illinois Pesticide Operator’s License (or ability to obtain within one year)
• CPR/AED certification preferred

Skills & Strengths

• Knowledge of grounds maintenance, turf care, landscaping, and irrigation
• Ability to safely operate and maintain maintenance equipment
• Strong commitment to safety and quality work
• Good communication and teamwork skills
• Problem-solver who can work independently or with a crew
• Availability to work weekends and holidays as needed

Other Requirements

• Valid driver’s license and current vehicle insurance

Physical & Working Conditions

This is an active, hands-on role that includes:

• Lifting up to 50 lbs unassisted.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and reaching.
• Working outdoors in all seasons and weather conditions.
• Exposure to loud equipment, chemicals, and varying temperatures.

The Crystal Lake Park District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.