Parks Grounds Specialist (Trails Unit/Austin Parks and Recreation)

City of Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 47,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department is seeking a Parks Grounds Specialist to maintain and improve citywide hike and bike trail infrastructures and park grounds. The role requires hands-on maintenance, repairs, and operating a range of equipment.

You may lead others, perform safety checks, and interact with the public while working on diverse outdoor projects in a dynamic city park setting.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent plus two (2) years' experience related to grounds keeping or general labor services; experience may substitute education up to four (4) years.

Responsibilities

• Performs skilled and semi-skilled grounds maintenance tasks.
• Performs minor and major repairs.
• Performs general concrete work.
• Operates department equipment.
• Operates hand tools.
• Performs safety inspections and addresses deficits.
• Drives service vehicles.
• Removes graffiti or paint.
• Assists the public with questions and concerns.

Skills

Grounds maintenance

Equipment operation

Safety awareness

Oral and written communication

Time management

Leadership

Public interaction

Trail knowledge

Carpentry basics

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Light and heavy equipment

Concrete tools

Welding equipment

Carpentry tools

Job description

About This Position

Job Description: Parks Grounds Specialist Purpose: Under general supervision, this position performs specialized maintenance, construction, and/or grounds keeping tasks in and around park grounds and recreational facilities.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities

• Performs skilled and semi-skilled grounds maintenance tasks.
• Performs minor and major repairs.
• Performs general concrete work.
• Operates department equipment.
• Operates hand tools.
• Performs safety inspections and addresses deficits.
• Drives service vehicles.
• Removes graffiti or paint.
• Assists the public with questions and concerns.
• Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised: May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
• Knowledge of general grounds keeping processes, policies and procedures within the Parks and Recreation Department (PARD).
• Knowledge of assigned areas (E.g., hike and bike trail surfaces, athletic fields, equipment, etc.).
• Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of assigned equipment and vehicles.
• Knowledge of City practice, policy, and procedures.
• Knowledge of safety practices and procedures.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in planning and organizing.
• Ability to operate power tools.
• Ability to lift and carry equipment or materials applicable to the work being performed.
• Ability to train and lead others.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent plus two (2) years' experience related to grounds keeping or general labor services, at least one (1) year of which is in the assigned area of specialization. Experience may substitute for education up to four (4) years.

Licenses and Certifications Required

If assigned to operate vehicles, must possess the appropriate Texas Driver License for those vehicles.

Preferred Qualifications/Experience

• Experience operating a variety of light and heavy equipment.
• Experience with trail construction, repair, renovation, etc.
• Experience working in carpentry.
• Experience welding.
• Experience working with concrete.
• Experience working for a municipality in a park or park like setting.

Preferred Skills

• Basic computer skills with a computer/tablet to include logging into network, sending/receiving emails, use of Microsoft Teams.

Other

Ability to travel to more than one work location.

Notes to Candidate

The City of Austin Parks and Recreation (APR) provides, protects and preserves a park system that promotes quality recreational, cultural and outdoor experiences for the Austin community. Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more!

The purpose of theParks Grounds Specialistposition is to maintain and provide improvements to citywide hike and bike trail infrastructures and along with the crew (or independently) act as first responders to address public safety concerns. Services will be processed utilizing standard construction techniques, methods, and practices.

Work Location

Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park – 12138 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78753

Work/Location Schedule

• Monday through Friday: 6:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• May be required to work during special events, evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays.
• Work schedule and location is subject to change based on department needs and programs.
• May be required to work during City emergencies such as extreme weather events.

Salary Range

$22.63 - $25.46 per hour.

Skills Assessments

Skills assessment(s) may be required as part of the recruitment process.

Virtual Interviews

APR may conduct virtual interviews.

Military/Veteran

An applicant claiming Military/Veteran status must provide a copy of his or her DD-214(s), or valid comparable document, at the time of interview.

Driving Requirement

This position requires a Texas Class C Operator’s License or ability to obtain one by date of hire. External New Hires must meet the City of Austin’s Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite. To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months. If you cannot meet these conditions, you may be deemed ineligible for this position.

Physical Requirements

Tasks may involve bending, lifting, walking, carrying, or using a force equal to lifting up to thirty-five (35) pounds. Work environment includes inside, and outside environmental conditions, extreme temperatures, and hazards associated with equipment operation including fumes, oils, gases and mists. Must be physically and mentally able to communicate, respond and work with participant’s needs and safety issues.

Other Information

• Travel: If you are selected for this position and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you will drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.
• 90 Day Provision for Additional Vacancy: This posting may be used to fill other vacancies in other divisions/work locations within the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department. Decisions on assigned selection will be made at the time of hire based on the business needs of the department.
• Tobacco and Vape-Free Workplace: All PARD work site locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any PARD work site – including construction sites, parking lots, garages or in any personal vehicles located on the premises.

Join the City of Austin team

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special? Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. Value and Innovation: Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives. Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits. Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System. Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure. Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support. Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities. Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration. By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

EEO Statement for City of Austin

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk. City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call [phone] or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

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