Maintenance Aide III - Park Stewardship (8/9 Month)

City of Bellingham; Bellingham (WA); On-site; USD 33,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation leave

Paid holidays

Sick leave

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Retirement plan

457 deferred comp

Job summary

The City of Bellingham is seeking a seasonal Park Stewardship Field Worker to support restoration projects, volunteer events and park maintenance. Responsibilities include ecological restoration, invasive species removal, native plant installation, fencing, and reporting on work performed across City properties.

Hours are 7:30am-4:30pm Tuesday to Saturday for an 8/9-month term, with salary starting at $23.68/hour and a full range up to $30.89/hour.

Qualifications

• Successful paid work experience in grounds and facilities maintenance or manual construction labor using manual and power tools and motorized equipment.
• Demonstrated experience in ecological restoration, horticulture, natural resources, environmental studies, or related field.
• Experience in a lead position preferred.
• Experience leading volunteers and/or students preferred.

Responsibilities

• Ecological restoration fieldwork and invasive species removal, native plant installation, fencing, and grounds maintenance at parks and natural areas.
• Monitor work areas and conduct inspections; report findings and maintain records of tasks performed.
• Provide general information and answer questions from volunteers and the public; work independently or with a team.

Job description

JOB SUMMARY:

Looking for an opportunity to work outdoors and help maintain our parks and open spaces? The Park Stewardship Team is seeking an enthusiastic, adaptable, and community-minded seasonal field worker to help support our diverse array of restoration projects, volunteer events, and maintenance tasks. This position is responsible for performing daily work activities and physical labor associated with the Park Stewardship program area. Assists in the restoration and maintenance of parks and open spaces in the Bellingham Park system. Work activities include ecological restoration fieldwork, invasive species removal, native plant installation, fencing, monitoring work areas, inspections, and grounds maintenance activities at parks, natural areas, and other City property. Provides general information and answers questions within scope of responsibility from volunteers and members of the public. Accurately records and reports on work performed. May work independently or with a team. For more information, please review the job description.

The Parks and Recreation Department currently has the following 8/9-month seasonal position vacancy for the 2026 season:

• 8/9-month seasonal: 1 position (September 16 - June 15)
  • Hours are Tuesday to Saturday 7:30am - 4:30pm

WHY JOIN OUR TEAM?

Joining the City of Bellingham means becoming a part of a team that believes our greatest impact comes from working together with purpose, humility and a shared commitment to our community. Every employee contributes to delivering meaningful results for the people who live, work and visit here. We value people who approach challenges with curiosity, respect and collaboration. If you are motivated by building a career in public service, we encourage you to apply.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

This position will start at Step 1 ($23.68/hour). Employees receive step increases in accordance with the Guild of Pacific Northwest Employees, Local 1937 Collective Bargaining Agreement and City policy. The full hourly range for this position is $23.68 - $30.89. For internal candidates, placement within the range is based on City Pay Placement Procedures.

At the City of Bellingham, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that helps you thrive in both your career and personal life. Join our team and enjoy the peace of mind knowing that you and your loved ones are well cared for. Here's a closer look at the outstanding benefits that come with being part of our team. You can find more details on our employment benefits page and labor agreements page.

• 10 hours of vacation leave per month, with increased accrual over time
• 12 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday per year
• 8 hours sick leave accrued monthly
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families
• Life insurance
• Flexible spending accounts and medical insurance opt-out program
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Washington State Retirement plan (DRS) for retirement security
• Optional 457 deferred compensation (Retirement Savings Plan) with employer match

Leave accruals are based on 1.0 FTE, accruals are pro-rated if part-time and require employees to be in paid status at least 120 hours/month.

Closing Date/Time: Mon., October, 12 2026 at 8:30 AM Pacific Time

• Successful paid work experience in grounds and facilities maintenance or manual construction labor using manual and power tools and motorized equipment required.
• Demonstrated experience in ecological restoration, horticulture, natural resources, environmental studies, or related field.
• Experience in a lead position preferred.
• Experience leading volunteers and/or students preferred.

• Employment contingent upon passing a criminal convictions check and child and vulnerable adult abuse records check.
• Verification of ability to work in the United States by date of hire.
• Ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends and holidays, as assigned.
• Must possess or obtain First Aid, CPR/AED certification within one month of hire and maintain throughout employment.
• Valid Washington State driver's license and good driving record. Candidates must submit a three-year driving abstract prior to hire.
• 18 or more years of age.

The City of Bellingham is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not make decisions on the basis of an individual's race, religion, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, age (40+), disability, retaliation, sexual orientation or gender identity, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. All are encouraged to apply for employment.

Fair Hiring Practices

• The City provides individuals who have been arrested or convicted of a criminal offense an equal and fair opportunity to obtain employment.
• The City will not inquire about an applicant's criminal history until after a conditional job offer has been made.
• The City will disregard the prior arrest and conviction record of an otherwise qualified individual unless the offense is directly related to the job position for which the individual has applied.
• The City will notify an otherwise qualified applicant about a potentially disqualifying conviction and give the applicant an opportunity to submit information regarding the accuracy of the criminal records as well as evidence of mitigation or rehabilitation, as appropriate.