Park Specialist 4

City-of-Eugene,-or; Eugene (OR); On-site; USD 68,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Eugene is seeking a Parks Specialist 4 to lead the Stormwater and Median Maintenance team within the Public Works, Parks and Open Space Division. The role directs two smaller teams, plans work, budgets, and ensures safe, efficient operations along public transportation corridors.

The ideal candidate brings advanced skilled experience in groundskeeping, vegetated stormwater facilities, and related maintenance, plus strong leadership and communication abilities.

Qualifications

• Five years of relevant advanced skilled experience in grounds keeping, horticulture, vegetated stormwater facility and/or natural systems maintenance, right-of-way maintenance, and/or a combination of transferable skills in all applicable skill areas.

Responsibilities

• Develops and writes work orders; assigns priorities, plans, schedules and coordinates a variety of work projects.
• Coordinates work with other divisions and crews.
• Provides coaching, training, and instruction in landscape, horticulture, and construction techniques; operates and trains others in the use of equipment.
• Performs full range of construction, maintenance, and repair work; operates equipment and tools.
• Maintains records, prepares spreadsheets and reports on project activities and costs.
• Responds to public inquiries and communicates project scope and rules to the public.

Skills

Leadership

Coaching

Communication

Planning

Teamwork

Physical stamina

Safety procedures

Equipment operation

Tools

GIS

Maintenance Management System

Job description

Are you passionate about advancing clean water initiatives and reducing environmental impacts on Eugene’s urban landscapes? Parks and Open Space Division is seeking a dynamic leader to lead the Stormwater and Median Maintenance team. This is a great career opportunity to be a crew lead keeping Eugene’s open spaces safe, clean and green.

The primary duties of this position are to plan, direct, and participate in the maintenance and operation of the public vegetated stormwater facilities and median maintenance programs; They will direct and plan the work of two smaller teams performing routine professional landscape maintenance tasks.

The successful candidate in this position must demonstrate good communication and interpersonal skills such as having a positive attitude, being highly collaborative, experience in coaching and mentoring team members as well as a willingness to continue to learn and grow. Must have advanced skilled experience in park, landscape, vegetated stormwater facility, natural area maintenance, right-of-way maintenance, and/or a combination of transferable skills in all applicable skill areas. Must have the ability to perform strenuous manual work under varying outdoor weather conditions and feel comfortable working along and within the public transportation corridors.

Application Deadline: Friday, August 28, 2026, at 5 p.m. P.T.

Classification: Park Specialist 4

Salary:$32.69- $40.78hourly / $67,995.20 - $84,822.40 Annually

The City of Eugene determines starting pay within the range based on relevant education and experience as provided by the applicant in their application materials. This process is consistent with the Oregon Equal Pay Act (OEPA).

Department, Division:Public Works, Parks and Open Space Division

Work Location: 1820 Roosevelt Blvd., Eugene

Schedule: Monday – Friday 7:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. There is additional flexibility to shift work schedule seasonally. This position may also require occasional weekend shift work and the ability to respond to emergency callouts.

Benefits:The City of Eugene offers robust and competitive benefits. For more information, select the Benefits Tab, or view benefits summaries as well as see information about all employee benefits.

Living & Working in Eugene:Information about living in Eugene, how the City of Eugene operates, and more can be found on our website.

Supervisor: Cristine Inglis, 541-682-4951

• Develops and writes work orders; assigns priorities, plans, schedules and coordinates a variety of work projects; makes field crew assignments, delegates responsibilities; develops timelines and plans and coordinates resources, equipment, and materials.
• Coordinates work with other divisions and crews.

• Provides coaching, training, and instruction in landscape, horticulture, and construction techniques, use and care of equipment and tools, and safety procedures; operates and trains others in the use of specialized equipment and tools; reviews the work of crew members to standards and assesses skill development of crew members; provides input to performance reviews and participates in the selection process.
• May develop training exercises for tasks and equipment operations.
• Performs the full range of construction, maintenance, and repair work related to functional area of assignment as necessary and operates a variety of complex equipment and tools, including heavy and specialized equipment as required.
• Operates all equipment assigned to lower-level classifications.
• Works with internal Maintenance Management System, GIS and other web-based technology tools to prepare and complete work tasks.
• Evaluates and prepares work plans while promoting maintenance standard guidelines.
• Inspects work in progress and upon completion to assure compliance with applicable safety standards and procedures, including, but not limited to the proper use of personal protective equipment, safe operations and best practices.
• Ensures and demonstrates that proper traffic control devices and procedures are used for safe working conditions and public safety at a job site.
• Evaluates complex work projects and prioritizes activities; decides on and estimates time, materials, and required processes; prioritizes, plans and develops assignments for personnel and equipment; ensures proper tools, equipment and supplies are available.
• Assists with planning and development of budgets, develops estimates and cost-outs for projects, tracks and monitors expenditures.
• Assists with the development of policies and standards for assigned programs, provides input to long-range planning objectives; researches and designs new processes.
• Develops and implements work procedures and standards related to the assigned area(s); researches and recommends methods, materials, tools and equipment to improve operations.
• Tests new equipment, materials and processes; and recommends modifications.
• Maintains records, prepares spreadsheets and reports on project activities, equipment maintenance, and cost factors.
• Ensures all appropriate materials, equipment and supplies are inventoried and ready; tracks preventive maintenance.
• Responds to public inquiries; addresses citizen's questions or complaints (both orally and in writing) and takes appropriate measures, provides information to the public regarding project scope, rules and regulations.
• May represent the program to other organizations and/or the public.
• Remains current on principles, practices and new developments in the assigned area.
• Actively supports and respects diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.
• May act in capacity of the supervisor in the supervisor's absence or as directed.
• May perform related duties as assigned.

To view detailed information on the duties, knowledge, and abilities that may be expected for this position, please see the classification: Park Specialist 4

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes with relevant transferable skills from a variety of sources and experiences. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

When screening your application, the City will consider an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to meet minimum qualifications for this position.

MinimumQualifications

Experience

Five years of relevant advanced skilled experience in grounds keeping, horticulture, vegetated stormwater facility and/or natural systems maintenance, right-of-way maintenance, and/or a combination of transferable skills in all applicable skill areas, including one year in a leadership position including work planning, scheduling, directing, and coaching/mentoring.

Background

Must pass a background check.

Physical

Must pass a physical assessment and drug test.

License and Cdertifications

Possession of, or ability to obtain within one year of hire date, the following:

A valid Class A Commercial Oregon driver's license; must pass driving records check and, if hired, maintain a driving record that meets the City's standard. Oregon law requires that an out-of-state license holder must obtain a valid Oregon license (with appropriate endorsements) within 30 days of becoming domiciled in the state (ORS 803.355).

Oregon Department of Agriculture Public Pesticide Applicators license with “right of way” and “ornamental & turf – herbicide” categories.

Oregon Department of Transportation Traffic Control Flagger certification. State Certification in backflow prevention testing.

Knowledge

• Methods and practices of vegetated stormwater and median maintenance, repair and construction. Knowledge of native and ornamental plant care and maintenance practices.
• Principlesandpracticesofhorticulture.
• Principles and practices of skilled garden and/or landscape maintenance.
• Principles and practices of turf and mowing maintenance.
• Principles and practices of irrigation system installation, repair and operation. Equipment, tools, materials and supplies used in park, median, and vegetated stormwater facility maintenance.
• Safety precautions and the ability to identify hazards.
• Safe and effective operating practices of light and heavy equipment used in park and right-of-way maintenance.
• Effective communication techniques.
• Computer and applicable computer applications.

Skills and Abilities

• Perform skilled parks and open space work and equipment operations applicable to area of assignment.
• Operate and train others in the safe use of a variety of equipment and tools used in maintenance operations.
• Read and interpret equipment instructions, maps, and blueprints.
• Plan, organize, and schedule parks and open spaces work.
• Work independently or as part od a crew.
• Organize lead, train and review the work of parks employees.
• Prepare written records and reports, including complex spreadsheets and other computerized records. Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Communicate effectively and courteously with City employees and the public and establish effective working relationships.
• Deal effectively with property owners, contractors, crew members and other employees.
• Resolve on the job conflicts with the public, co-workers and contractors.
• Perform strenuous physical work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Provide and wear personal protective equipment as required.
• Be available and respond to emergency call-back as necessary.

What to Expect from our Selection Process

Applicants are screened based upon their relevant knowledge, abilities, skills, experience, and training. The selection process varies according to the position and can include such things as screening of supplemental questionnaires, written or skill tests, ability or fitness tests, interviews, and assessment processes. In addition, background investigations and records checks may be required. Some positions also require applicants to have a psychological evaluation and/or physical examination and a drug test prior to employment. Marijuana use is evaluated consistent with current state law regulations. PLEASE NOTE: Once the posting closes, the process can take 4-6 weeks to complete.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The City of Eugene is committed to a respectful work environment. We value the cultural, educational, and life experiences of each employee. We believe that a diverse workforce enables us to deliver culturally responsive services to all members of our community. As part of our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion we desire to welcome, respect, and create a sense of belonging for a wide range of identities and experiences in our workforce. Women, people with disabilities, and persons of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

The City of Eugene complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Any applicant with a qualified disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request accommodation by contacting an employment coordinator at [phone].

In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the City of Eugene will request all eligible candidates who accept employment with the City to provide documentation to prove they are eligible for employment in the United States. NOTE: The City of Eugene does not participate in the E-Verify program; therefore, candidates requiring E-Verify for employment authorization will not be eligible for employment with the City.