Parks Master Technician - Landscape/Grounds Maintenance

City of Hampton; Hampton (VA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Hampton is seeking a skilled Parks Technician to join their team. In this role, you will work on a variety of landscapes, train teams, and lead maintenance projects while ensuring safety and effective communication. If you have a passion for outdoor work and meet the qualifications, this is an excellent opportunity to contribute to community events and facilities.

Qualifications

• Five years in parks landscaping and grounds maintenance.
• Three years as a Senior Technician with relevant experience.
• Safety-sensitive position requiring background check.

Responsibilities

• Participates in team activities and evaluates effectiveness.
• Trains teams in maintenance operations and leads various tasks.
• Oversees the construction and maintenance of recreation facilities.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Problem Solving

Safety Awareness

Education

High school diploma or GED

Completion of skilled trades course

Tools

Pesticide License

Virginia CDL License

Job description

Are you a Parks professional who enjoys the great outdoors as well as working with different types of equipment on small and large projects? Come join the Parks team where we work in various locations throughout the City of Hampton from scenic Fort Monroe to Sandy Bottom Nature Park. You will work both independently and as part of a team on a variety of projects, to include participation in City sponsored events and festivals.

Examples of what you will be doing:

• Actively participates in team activities such as goal-setting, problem solving, scheduling work, and evaluating team effectiveness and customer satisfaction. May have input to personnel decisions such as making recommendations for achievement awards, pay increases, disciplinary actions, and selection of employees to work within the team.
• Trains and assists teams in the performance of maintenance operations for all parks, schools, medians, athletic facilities and public properties assigned to the Parks Department.
• Takes a leadership role in training employees within a specialty area; serves as the source of expertise and consultation in incumbent’s particular specialty. Conducts formal and informal training for other employees. Performs safety related functions as required in order to ensure the safety of citizens and employees.
• Leads planting, fertilizing, chemical application, pruning, mowing, trash pickup, leaf collection operations, and the construction, maintenance, and repair of public recreation facilities to include tennis courts, athletic fields, playground equipment, irrigation systems, and other physical facilities. Reviews work and provides guidance and feedback to team members. Consults with other Master Technicians and a Parks Manager in the accomplishment of these tasks.
• When assigned as team leader, works to ensure cross training of team members in accordance with training plans. Initiates and facilitates team meetings and assists employees in developing leadership, communication, and team skills. Consults with a Parks Manager in order to ensure continuity and coordination with other teams. Leads the team in planning, scheduling, and implementing tasks assigned to the team.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or successful completion of a GED. Completion of an approved course of study in one of the skilled trades is preferred.
• Five (5) years of full-time equivalent experience in parks landscaping and grounds maintenance.
• Three (3) years of experience at the level of Senior Technician in one or more of the functional areas of parks and grounds maintenance to include landscaping, chemical application, horticulture, turf maintenance, equipment operation, tree maintenance or apprentice level experience in one or more of the skilled crafts such as carpentry, plumbing, mechanical or electrical work.
• Applicants will be required to obtain a Registered Technician Pesticide License within six (6) months of employment in the class or National Playground Safety Inspector's Certification within one year of selection.
• Must possess a Virginia Commercial Driver's License (CDL) permit within 30 days of employment to possess and maintain Virginia Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) within 180 days. Must possess a valid driver’s license and must have and maintain a satisfactory driver’s record based on the City of Hampton’s criteria.
• This position is safety sensitive and is subject to testing for alcohol and controlled substances in accordance with the City’s current substance abuse policy.
• Must successfully pass a background check related to this position prior to any offer of employment or promotion.

Additional Qualifications

• Requires effective communication with internal and external customers.
• Requires shift work to include evenings, weekends, and holidays and on-call emergency standby on a rotating basis.
• The incumbent may be considered “essential personnel” during city emergency situations, or at the direction of the City Manager or designee which may include long hours and unusual schedules.