Parks and Grounds Maintenance Repair Worker I

City of Cedar Rapids; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 37,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Cedar Rapids is seeking a Parks and Grounds Maintenance Repair Worker I to perform maintenance and repair tasks across parks, fields, trails and recreation spaces, including equipment operation and irrigation, landscape care, playgrounds and facilities.

This full-time, on-site role has a Monday–Friday schedule from 7:00am to 3:30pm with an hourly wage starting at $27.03 and step increases through the listed pay bands.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma required or equivalent.
• 1–3 years of grounds maintenance and facilities repair experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work with diverse populations.

Responsibilities

• Perform maintenance and repair tasks across carpentry, plumbing, welding, cement finishing and electrical work.
• Operate equipment including skid loaders, mowers, tractors and snow removal gear.
• Maintain irrigation systems, backflow devices, and water playground components; care for landscapes and facilities.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Outdoor work

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

Help keep Cedar Rapids’ parks, athletic fields, trails, and recreational spaces safe, functional, and welcoming for the community! As a Parks and Grounds Maintenance Repair Worker I, you’ll perform a wide variety of hands‑on maintenance and repair work—from operating equipment and maintaining irrigation systems to caring for landscapes, playgrounds, and facilities. If you enjoy working outdoors, solving problems, and taking pride in the places our community enjoys, this is an opportunity to make a visible impact every day.

About our Organization

At the City, we are committed to employing individuals who reflect our community’s diverse backgrounds, and this position is crucial in the success and strategic direction of a growing and evolving community. We appreciate and leverage the vast experience individuals bring beyond the technical requirements of a job. If you are an individual with similar experience listed here please consider applying. Experience and skills combined with commitment to our core values is key to building a greater community now and for the next generation.

About our Community

Nestled in the heart of Iowa, Cedar Rapids is our vibrant and diverse community known for its rich history, culture, and natural beauty. Our city has a strong sense of community which can be seen at any of our numerous parks, recreational opportunities, and family-friendly events year round. You can also explore our thriving downtown district, filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, or take a stroll along the Cedar River, which runs through the heart of the city. Cedar Rapids - Why you should live here!

About this Opportunity

Provides technical maintenance and work leadership services to a program of park, grounds, golf course, or recreation area maintenance as part of a continuing program of urban development, recreation, and beautification.

The City of Cedar Rapids does not offer sponsorship for employment authorization.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs a variety of maintenance and repair tasks involving carpentry, plumbing, welding, cement finishing and electrical installation and repair
• Operates skid loader, mowers and tractors with loader bucket; drives truck to plow snow, operates sanders, snow blowers or snow shovels
• Performs general mechanical maintenance;
• Builds, paints and installs signs;
• Maintains and operates boilers and HVAC units;
• Prepares athletic fields and tennis courts;
• Maintains water and irrigation systems, backflow prevention devices and water playground components;
• Plants and cares for perennial landscapes, native prairie and other native ecosystems
• Assists in tree installation, maintenance, pruning and removal of trees within City Parks
• Performs playground maintenance
• Assists with pool maintenance as required
• Maintains regular and consistent attendance at work
• Performs related work as required

Required Education and Experience

• High School Diploma and
• One (1) to three (3) years of experience in grounds maintenance and facilities repair work or
• An equivalent combination of education and/or experience
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse populations

Required Licenses or Certifications

• Valid Commercial Driver’s License Class A with air brake endorsements and valid Medical Examiners Certificate within one year of hire
• Valid Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester Certification within one year of hire
• Valid Iowa Pesticide Applicator’s License category 3OT within six months of hire

Work Schedule

• Monday-Friday, 7:00am-3:30pm

Hourly Rate

The Parks and Grounds Maintenance Repair Worker I is covered under the AFSCME Bargaining Union, and all new hires begin employment at $27.03 per hour, regardless of years of experience. Employees in this classification receive a step increase on their anniversary. The steps effective 7/1/2026 include:

• New Hire
• 1 year
• 2 years
• 3 years
• $27.03
• $29.86
• $31.62
• $33.44