Maintenance Operator I - Activity Fields

City of Winter Haven, FL; Winter Haven (FL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

401(a) Retirement Plan

457 Deferred Plan

Tuition Assistance

Training & Development

Employee Assistance Program

Paid Holidays

Vacation Days

Sick Days

Job summary

City of Winter Haven, FL is seeking a Maintenance Operator I to service and maintain athletic fields for public use. The role involves outdoor groundskeeping, equipment operation, and routine field preparation across various sports.

Responsibilities include mowing, fertilizing, irrigation, pest control where allowed, and field layout. The ideal candidate will work in varied weather and perform related janitorial and maintenance tasks as needed.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of groundskeeping practices, methods, tools, and equipment.
• Ability to safely operate groundskeeping equipment including push and tractor type mowers, edgers, weed-eaters, backpack blowers, etc.; and work outdoors under adverse weather conditions.
• Physical agility, strength, and flexibility to perform the essential job functions without risking health and safety.
• Ability to understand and carry out verbal and written instructions.
• One year experience in the operation and maintenance of small tools and/or vehicles of a type similar to those commonly used in the maintenance of grounds.
• An equivalent combination of training and experience that is determined to be directly related to the foregoing specific requirements may be substituted.

Responsibilities

• Maintains the City’s athletic fields and performs manual labor as required.
• Operates groundskeeping equipment (mowers, edgers, weed-eaters, blowers, light trucks).
• Mows, irrigates, fertilizes, and treats turf; lays out fields and lines fields with a field marker machine.
• Performs janitorial tasks and minor maintenance of facilities and equipment.
• Sets up and takes down equipment used on fields; performs maintenance and repairs as needed.

Skills

Groundskeeping knowledge

Operate groundskeeping equipment

Physical fitness

Ability to follow instructions

Experience with small tools/vehicles

Training/experience substitution

Job description

Maintenance Operator I - Activity Fields

• Job Title: Maintenance Operator I - Activity Fields
• Category: Full-Time
• Application Closing Date: September 3, 2026, 5:00 p.m.
• Annual Step for Performance Pay Adjustments
• 12 Paid Holidays Per Year
• 12 Vacation Days Minimum, Earned Per Year
• 12 Sick Days Earned Per Year
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance Benefits
• 401(a) Retirement Plan and Social Security Coverage
• 457 Deferred Plan Options
• Education/Tuition Assistance Program; and Training and Development Opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program – to include Mental Health Assistance/Services

Working in the City’s Parks and Recreation Division providing excellent service to the public maintaining the athletic fields throughout the City. Performs manual labor work in preparing and maintaining the City’s athletic fields. Work is performed outdoors under adverse weather conditions. Operates groundskeeping equipment including push and tractor type mowers, edgers, weed-eaters, backpack blowers, and light trucks to perform assigned duties. Removes and replaces sod as necessary. Mows, irrigates, fertilizes, and treats turf with insecticides and pesticides that do not require a license to apply. Lays out, reconditions, and prepares playing fields; measures and lays out pitcher’s mound, plates, and bases; utilizes a field marker machine to line softball, baseball, and football fields. Performs duties such as cleaning and minor maintenance of facilities and equipment; paints, replaces light bulbs, repairs fences, sprinkler heads, and pipe systems. Sets up and takes down equipment used on fields. Performs general janitorial work that includes sweeping, mopping, collecting, and disposing of trash and litter. This is not intended to be an all-inclusive listing of essential job functions; the performance of other essential functions may be required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of groundskeeping practices, methods, tools, and equipment.
• Ability to safely operate groundskeeping equipment including push and tractor type mowers, edgers, weed-eaters, backpack blowers, etc.; and work outdoors under adverse weather conditions.
• Physical agility, strength, and flexibility to perform the essential job functions without risking the health and safety of oneself or others.
• Ability to understand and carry out verbal and written instructions.
• One year experience in the operation and maintenance of small tools and/or vehicles of a type similar to those commonly used in the maintenance of grounds.
• An equivalent combination of training and experience that is determined to be directly related to the foregoing specific requirements may be substituted.

Special Requirements:

• Possession of a valid Florida driver’s license with a good driving record as determined by the City of Winter Haven.
• Absence of non-prescribed controlled substances in the applicant’s system as verified by a laboratory approved by the City of Winter Haven.

Physical / Environmental Factors:

• Must have the physical strength and agility to operate all equipment to which employee may be assigned and to perform manual labor tasks under varying weather conditions.
• Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability.

AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND A DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE

Our Mission: Enriching lifestyle through exceptional service.

Category Full Time Status Open Posted August 20, 2026 11:15 AM Closing September 3, 2026 5:00 PM

Physical Address
500 Third Street NW
Winter Haven , FL 33881