Parks Laborer

Wilmette Park District; Wilmette (IL); On-site; USD 44,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Pension plan

457 Defined contribution plan

Section 125 Flexible Spending Account

Paid holidays

Paid vacation

Facility discounts

Job summary

The Parks Laborer role at Wilmette Park District involves performing general labor in the maintenance, repair and construction of the parks to sustain the appearance and quality of the park system.

Key tasks include operating heavy equipment, planting and maintaining landscaping, and assisting with playgrounds while upholding safety and district plans.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• No previous work experience required.
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office to assist with inspections and reports.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment, trucks, tractors and landscaping gear.
• Plant and maintain landscaping.
• Install, repair and paint athletic structures, fields, goals and fences.
• Assist with playground installation and maintenance.
• Write reports and inspection forms in a timely manner.
• Apply pesticides as needed.
• Assist with snow removal from sidewalks, driveways and parking lots.
• Perform preventive maintenance on small-engine equipment.

Skills

Blueprints interpretation

Organization & communication

Report writing

Problem solving

Microsoft Office familiarity

Education

High School Diploma or GED

No prior work experience required

Tools

Wrike

Paycom

Incode

RecTrac

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Job Details: Level: Entry, Job Location: West Park - Wilmette, IL 60091, Position Type: Full Time, Salary Range: $21.04 - $28.41 Hourly, Job Shift: Day, Job Category: Maintenance, The Wilmette Park District offers a generous and comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with life insurance (basic and voluntary), a pension plan (Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund), 457 Defined contribution plan and Section 125 Flexible Spending Account in addition to paid holidays and vacation time, facility discounts and usage benefits.

Benefit Summary Link: https://d11ixze0kvt635.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/20161127/Benefits-2025-FT-job-posting.pdf

SUMMARY:

The Parks Laborer will be responsible for performing general labor in the maintenance, repair and construction of the parks in order to maintain and improve the appearance and quality of the park system.

SUPERVISORY DUTIES:

None

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Operate heavy equipment, trucks, tractors, and landscaping equipment
• Plant and maintain landscaping
• Install, repair, and paint athletic structures such as fields, goals, and fences
• Assist with the installation and maintenance of playgrounds
• Write reports, including but not limited to inspection forms, in a timely manner
• Apply pesticides
• Remove snow from sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots
• Perform preventive maintenance on small-engine equipment
• Assist others as needed
• Actively uphold and contribute to the Wilmette Park District Comprehensive and Strategic Plan, including the Guiding Principles and Strategic Priorities.
• Actively contribute to the Park District'ssustainability goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Actively support the safety program that will effectively control and reduce accidents.
• Obey the practical safety rules, regulations, and procedures established by the Wilmette Park District safety program that are pertinent to the activities conducted by the department.
• Become familiar with and follow safety procedures of the Wilmette Park District including, but not limited to, fire, severe weather, and evacuation procedures.
• Promptly report all unsafe actions, practices, or conditions observed to immediate supervisor and Human Resources and Risk Manager.
• Attend and participate in required safety trainings.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• High School Diploma or G.E.D.
• No previous work experience required
• Must have basic knowledge of the Microsoft software suite to assist with completing inspections and reports

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret blueprints, schematics, and construction documents finished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Strong organization and communication skills, with attention to detail and problem-solving.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to effectively present information to necessary team members and contractors.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.

TECHNOLOGY SKILLS:

Possess computer skills with the ability to learn and use new computer software. The Park District uses Microsoft Office Suite, Wrike for project and content management, Paycom for payroll processing, Incode for financial record/budget management, and RecTrac for program registration/facility booking.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• Must hold a valid Class D driver’s license
• Illinois Pesticide Operators License or ability to obtain within one year
• Must possess CPR/First Aid certificates within three months of hiring, provided by the Park District.
• Complete annual District trainings including, but not limited to, Sexual Harassment Training and Avoiding Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens annually and Mandated Reporter every three years.

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT AND PROTECTIVE CLOTHING:

Micro shield, protective gloves for emergencies, nitrile gloves, safety goggles/glasses, earplugs, ear covers, safety shoes, leather-type work boot, face shield, hard hat, and chaps (chainsaw safety pants) when applicable

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and repeatedly stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb, or balance. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts and is frequently exposed to vibration. The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places and in outdoor weather conditions and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme cold, extreme heat, and the risk of electrical shock. The noise level of the work environment is usually moderate to loud. The general work area is outdoors in varied weather and temperatures.

HOURS:

Normal working hours are Monday through Friday, 7 am to 3:30 pm. Hours are adjusted based on the season, and extra hours are required at various times. General hours of duty will be approved by the Parks Foreperson and the Superintendent of Parks and Planning.