Maintenance Operator I - Parks & Grounds (Groundskeeper of Parks) $2,000 Signing Bonus*

Winter Haven; Winter Haven (FL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

12 Paid Holidays Per Year

12 Vacation Days Minimum, Earned Per  

12 Sick Days Earned Per Year

Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Ins.

401(a) Retirement Plan

457 Deferred Plan Options

Education/Tuition Assistance Program

Employee Assistance Program – Mental {

Job summary

The City of Winter Haven is seeking a Maintenance Operator I – Parks & Grounds to maintain parks, recreation areas, and outdoor spaces. You will perform a variety of grounds maintenance tasks and operate equipment such as mowers, pickups, and small trucks to keep areas safe and visually appealing.

The role requires at least one year of experience with grounds maintenance tools or vehicles, a valid Florida driver's license, and the ability to work outdoors in varying weather.

Qualifications

• One year of experience operating and maintaining grounds maintenance tools or similar vehicles.
• Equivalent training/experience accepted.
• Valid Florida driver’s license with good driving record.

Responsibilities

• Perform grounds maintenance of city parks, recreational areas and outdoor spaces.
• Operate equipment including mowers, pickup trucks and other lawn tools.
• Maintain written logs of work performed and interact with citizens as needed.
• Assist with safety and upkeep of public right-of-ways.

Skills

Grounds equipment operation

Traffic safety knowledge

Follow written instructions

Tools

Mowers

Tractors

Bush hogs

Job description

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Current Job Postings

All positions currently accepting applications are listed below. Applications can be completed online or in person at our Human Resources Office at 500 Third Street NW. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Human Resources Team at 863-291-5650 or [e-mail].

Maintenance Operator I - Parks & Grounds (Groundskeeper of Parks) $2,000 Signing Bonus*

As a dedicated team player, you will be responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the City’s parks, recreational areas, and other outdoor spaces. This role involves performing a variety of tasks to ensure these areas are clean, safe, and visually appealing.

• Job Title: MAINTENANCE OPERATOR I – PARKS & GROUNDS (Groundskeeper of Parks) $2,000 Signing Bonus*
• Category: Full-Time
• Application Closing Date: November 22, 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

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Performs manual laboring tasks as they relate to the maintenance of grounds, parks, etc. Works under varying weather conditions mostly in an outdoor environment. May operate some equipment related to the above functions such as pickup trucks and /or dump trucks. May operate mowers, tractors, edgers, and other lawn equipment. May operate equipment necessary to the planting, trimming, or removal of trees and vegetation within right-of-ways. Will perform routine maintenance of all equipment to which assigned. Maintains written logs of work accomplished and may have contact with citizens regarding work being performed. 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 the operation, maintenance, and use of less complex grounds maintenance equipment such as small power and non-power tools; and the operation of vehicles common to the maintenance operations such as pickup trucks and /or dump trucks, mowers, tractors, bush hogs, and other grounds maintenance equipment.
• Knowledge of traffic and highway safety rules and knowledge of the hazards involved in the use of grounds maintenance equipment; and the maintenance of public right-of-ways.
• Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions; and to complete and maintain records relating to the maintenance of public right-of-ways.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• 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.

*$1,000.00 after completion of six month probationary period in this position; $1,000.00 after completion of first year in this position.

AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND A DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE

Enriching lifestyle through exceptional service.

Category Full Time Status Open Posted November 6, 2026 8:17 AM Closing November 22, 2026 5:00 PM

Physical Address
500 Third Street NW
Winter Haven , FL 33881