Landscape Technician I

City of Portsmouth; Portsmouth (VA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Portsmouth is seeking a Maintenance Worker to perform semi-skilled groundskeeping across parks and recreational facilities. The role involves operating a variety of tools and light automotive equipment, mowing, edging, and preparing athletic fields and recreation areas.

You will follow safety procedures, perform routine equipment checks, assist with events, and report malfunctions. The position reports to the Equipment Operator Crew Leader and adapts to current department needs.

Job description

GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB

Under general supervision, this position performs semi-skilled work in the maintenance of parks and recreational grounds and facilities, which involves operating a variety of tools and equipment, to include use of light automotive and mechanical equipment. Reports to Equipment Operator Crew Leader.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Ensures the safety of city equipment, private property, and others by following proper safety procedures, watching for pedestrians, private property, overhead utility lines and other utilities or obstructions.

Performs routine checks and preventive maintenance on equipment; identifies and reports equipment malfunctions; cleans equipment as needed.

Operates a variety of mowers and lawn equipment in the cutting and maintaining of lawns, athletic fields, and recreational areas; performs work using tractors with mowing attachments, slope mowers, push mowers, weed eaters, rakes and edgers; uses blowers and brooms to remove leaves and debris from sidewalks and curbs; removes weeds from sidewalks and curbs and shovels snow from same.

Obtains and transports appropriate tools and equipment for assignments and loads tools on and off trucks as needed.

Assists in the preparation, set up and clean up for special events.

Performs other related work as required. Individual assignments will be determined by supervisor based on current workload and department needs.

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Knowledge of Job

Has general knowledge of the standard methods, materials and equipment employed in ground maintenance and mowing using a variety of mowers. Has some knowledge of cleaning procedures. Is able to follow instructions. Is able to understand and interpret oral and written instructions. Is able to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.

Quality of Work

Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality communication and interacts with all departments, co-workers and the general public.

Quantity of Work

Maintains effective and efficient output of all duties and responsibilities as described under "Essential Job Functions.”

Dependability

Assumes responsibility for doing assigned work and for meeting deadlines. Completes assigned work on or before deadlines in accordance with directives, policies, standards and prescribed procedures. Accepts accountability for meeting assigned responsibilities in the technical, human and conceptual areas.

Attendance

Attends work regularly and adheres to policies and procedures regarding absences and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and time‑off requests.

Initiative and Enthusiasm

Maintains enthusiastic, self‑reliant and self‑starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountabilities. Strives to anticipate work to be completed and initiates proper and acceptable direction for the completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.

Judgment

Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility. Identifies problems or situations as they occur and specifies decision objectives. Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to problems or situations. Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures with a minimum of errors. Seeks expert or experienced advice and researches problems, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment.

Cooperation

Accepts supervisory instruction and direction and strives to meet the goals and objectives of same. Questions such instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justified i.e., poor communications, variance with policy or procedures, etc. Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage and improve cooperation between all staff persons within the department.

Relationships with Others

Shares knowledge with supervisors and staff for mutual and departmental benefit. Contributes to maintaining high morale among all department employees. Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships with department employees and managers in other departments, to project a good departmental image. Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints from other departments and persons in order to maintain good will within the city. Emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive image within the city. Interacts effectively with fellow employees, Equipment Operator Crew Leader, professionals and the general public.

Coordination of Work

Plans and organizes daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time‑management methodology. Avoids duplication of effort. Estimates expected time of completion of elements of work and establishes a personal schedule accordingly. Attends meetings, planning sessions and discussions of time. Implements work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules