Parks and Recreation Maintenance Technician

Town of Clayton; Clayton (NC); On-site; USD 39,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

The Town of Clayton is hiring a Maintenance Technician in the Parks and Recreation Department to maintain parks, fields, facilities and trails. The role requires knowledge of grounds maintenance, equipment operation, and basic repairs, with emphasis on safety and proper pesticide handling.

The position is based at 715 Amelia Church Rd in Clayton, NC. Applicants should have a High School diploma or GED and substantial experience in parks maintenance, with supervisory familiarity preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Considerable experience in parks and recreation maintenance or related fields is preferred, with some supervisory training.

Responsibilities

• Lead seasonal workers and perform grounds maintenance tasks such as mowing, pruning, mulching, and irrigation maintenance.
• Perform building and facility maintenance, carpentry, plumbing, and cosmetic repairs as needed.
• Operate a variety of equipment (tractors, mowers, backhoes, etc.) and perform basic repairs and routine servicing.
• Keep records and assist in planning materials and supplies, and ensure safety procedures are followed.

Skills

Parks maintenance

Equipment operation

Safety knowledge

Supervisory ability

Pesticide application

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

Maintenance tools

Job description

* Salary Grade SG103* * Recruitment Range: $39,178.00 - $48,933.00* Salary offered will be determined based on directly related experience * Work Location is 715 Amelia Church Rd. Clayton, NC (Johnston County) *

The Town of Clayton is seeking applicants for a Maintenance Technician for the Parks and Recreation Department. The Town of Clayton employs more than 340 full‑time staff in areas including police, fire, and electric utilities. The Town of Clayton also offers a range of PT positions including positions in Parks & Rec, Library, and Cultural Arts.

The Town of Clayton is the fastest growing town in Johnston County, which is the fastest growing county in the State of North Carolina. The vision for the Town of Clayton includes a thriving town where growth contributes to the quality of life enjoyed by long‑time residents and newcomers alike; easy access but with an atmosphere that feels smaller than it is; a system of parks and greenways that connect people and places; neighborhoods with a variety of quality living options; a town that offers opportunities for people to live, create, shop and eat; a bustling and historic downtown, and businesses that are successful, growing, and investing in the community.

An employee in this class participates in a variety of skilled, semi‑skilled and manual labor tasks related to the maintenance and repair of parks and recreational facilities. Work varies by season but includes performing various landscaping and horticultural tasks, performing building maintenance tasks, mowing grass, marking ball fields and operating equipment. The employee also performs unskilled to semi‑skilled trades repairs. Work subjects the employee to inside and outside environmental conditions, extremes in temperatures, and hazards associated with equipment operation including fumes, oils, gases and mists. Work is performed under the supervision of the Parks and Recreation Director and is evaluated through regular project updates, direct observation, citizen comments and quality and quantity of work produced.

Responsibilities

• Leads temporary workers and participates in a variety of grounds maintenance and landscape tasks such as cutting grass, mulching, watering, pruning, seeding, fertilizing and trimming and maintaining trails and park areas; applies herbicides and pesticides.
• Leads and participates in the dragging, lining and preparation of athletic fields for play; ensures field is safe and not too wet, soft or have rocks or holes; mounts bases.
• Leads and participates in a variety of building maintenance and cleaning activities for the Parks and Recreation buildings, comfort stations, concession stands, parks facilities and other related structures; performs unskilled to semi‑skilled carpentry, painting, masonry and plumbing repairs such as replacing irrigation system heads and fittings, replacing sink parts, replacing and unstopping water and sewer lines, repairing concession stands, etc.; cleans and stocks comfort stations and bathrooms; empties trash cans; repairs graffiti.
• Operates a variety of equipment to mow grass and maintain fields; uses chain saws, weed eaters and other light equipment to cut, prune and trim shrubbery and trees; rakes leaves, and removes fallen limbs and trash; operates backhoe to remove stone, snow, or for other purposes; operates tractors to landscape, rake and mow.
• Performs equipment repair and maintenance duties on equipment such as tractors, mowers; changes blades and filters, makes belt changes and adjustments; lubricates equipment.
• Keeps records and prepares reports on division activities such as jobs and materials, playground checks, service records on equipment and vehicles, and time worked; purchases basic supplies and makes recommendations to Director on larger purchases.
• Handles requests for service and complaints concerning facility and grounds operations.
• Inspects parks and facilities for safety and makes records for liability purposes; instructs workers and inspects work for adherence to procedures and standards and to assure safe working practices are followed.
• Performs related duties as required.

Qualifications

• Considerable knowledge of the methods, tools, and equipment utilized in parks, grounds, and facility maintenance and repair.
• Considerable knowledge of the work hazards and applicable safety standards associated with facility and parks maintenance and repair.
• Considerable knowledge of the operation of equipment such as tractor, mower, and other equipment operated.
• Considerable knowledge of cleaning chemicals and pesticide application and ability to obtain necessary State license.
• Some knowledge of turf management and plant installation and maintenance.
• Some knowledge of the application of information technology to the work.
• Skill in the operation of equipment and tools utilized within the section.
• Skill in collaborative conflict resolution.
• Skill in unskilled to semi‑skilled trades work including carpentry, plumbing, and masonry.
• Ability to assign and supervise the work of subordinates and to instruct them in proper work and safety methods and procedures.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and subordinates.
• Ability to use chemical and pesticides properly and in accordance with State rules and regulations.

Education and Experience

• High School diploma or GED required
• Considerable experience in the area of parks and recreation maintenance or closely related fields such as landscaping, horticulture, or maintenance, preferably including some supervisory experience or training required.

Depending on the position, the Town may consider an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above, unless otherwise subject to any other requirements set forth in law or regulation.

Applicants may be subject to a criminal background check. Effective October 1, 2025, in accordance with North Carolina state law, all applicants for positions that involve working with children in any capacity are required to undergo criminal history record checks conducted by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI). Credit and motor checks are required for some administrative, finance and operational positions. Applicants will be required to take and pass a Pre‑Employment Drug and Alcohol screen once they are verbally given a conditional offer of employment. Depending on the position, employees may be subject to random drug and alcohol screens throughout their employment. Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws: Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), and Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA).

Town of Clayton employees enjoy many benefits including a retirement pension plan, 401K membership, Paid Vacation, Sick and Holiday Leave, State Health Plan, and various other benefits.

When a salary range is posted, the actual salary will be based on relevant competencies, knowledge, skills & abilities, internal equity and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised position. The Town of Clayton is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Hiring salary will not exceed hiring pay range unless approved by the Town Manager.