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

City of Austin; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 31,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Austin is seeking a Parks Grounds Specialist to maintain and improve citywide trail infrastructure and parks facilities. The role requires operating a range of equipment and tools and assisting the public, with leadership duties possible for the right candidate.

Work location is Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park. Schedule runs Monday to Friday 6:30am–3:00pm, with possible evenings, weekends, and special events.

Qualifications

• High school diploma with 2 years related grounds keeping or labor experience.
• Experience may substitute for education up to four years.
• If operating vehicles, possession of Texas Driver License.

Responsibilities

• Perform skilled and semi-skilled grounds maintenance tasks.
• Repair and perform general concrete work and related duties.
• Operate department equipment and hand tools safely.
• Conduct safety inspections and address deficits.
• Assist the public with questions and concerns.

Skills

Grounds keeping

Safety inspections

Power tools

Equipment operation

Public interaction

Leadership/guidance

Multitasking

Carpentry basics

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Light and heavy equipment

Concrete tools

Vehicles operation

Microsoft Teams

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:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• 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.

Responsibilities - 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 lifting 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 the Parks Grounds Specialist position is tomaintainand 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 processedutilizingstandard 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 berequiredto work duringspecial events, evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays.
• Work schedule and location is subject to change based on department needs and programs.
• May berequiredto work during City emergencies such as extreme weather events.

Salary Range:

$22.63 - $25.46 per hour.

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.

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JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—they 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.

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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.