Parks Specialist - Parks & Playgrounds

Priority Dispatch Corp.; Addison (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation time

Sick leave

Personal days

Holiday pay

IMRF pension

Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility

Recreation programming benefits

Job summary

Addison Park District is seeking a Parks Specialist to perform hands-on park maintenance, turf care, horticulture and recreation support. The role emphasizes playground safety and fieldwork across district properties, with a 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

schedule and on-call duties. Qualifications include a high school diploma (associate/bachelor preferred in turf or horticulture), a valid driver’s license, pesticide applicator license, and CPR/AED/NRPA CPSI certifications within specified timelines.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate or Bachelor's in Turf Management, Horticulture, Urban Forestry preferred.

Responsibilities

• Organize, prioritize and direct multiple projects, labor and equipment needs.
• Apply herbicides, fungicides and pesticides on designated District Property.
• Inspect and repair parks, shelters, playgrounds, paths and park amenities.
• Maintain grounds through litter pickup and recycling activities.
• Assist with snow removal operations and safety program compliance.
• Operate and perform preventive maintenance on park district vehicles and equipment.

Skills

Leadership

Safety awareness

Communication

Fieldwork

Education

High school diploma

Associate/Bachelor preferred in Turf/Horticulture/Urban Forestry

Tools

CPR/AED NRPA CPSI

Pesticide applicator license

Job description

Position SummaryUnder the direction and supervision of the Parks Foreman, the Parks Specialist is responsible for a variety of park maintenance, turf maintenance, horticulture, forestry and recreation support activities, with an emphasis on general park ground maintenance and playground safety. This is a hands-on position with a majority of time to be spent working in the field. The normal work schedule is 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and the Park Specialist is on-call as needed. This is an at-will position.Essential Duties & ResponsibilitiesOrganize, prioritize and direct multiple projects, labor and equipment needs.Demonstrate, lead and support the Park District's mission statement, vision and core values.Establish, support and maintain collaborative efforts with internal and external customers and organizations.Apply herbicides, fungicides and pesticides on all designated District Property.Responsible for all required and recommended inspections, documentation, recommendations and repairs of the parks, including shelters, playgrounds, paths, park amenities, etc.Maintain grounds through litter pickup, recycling and other activities.Work with other departments to maintain all Park District property, trails, paths, roads, parking lots, sidewalks, and surfaces, which include debris removal, grading and renovation as needed.Work with all snow removal operations, training and implementation.Responsible for managing the safety and cleanliness of property and equipment by identifying, repairing and inspecting park facilities, equipment, and amenitiesResponsible for the operation and preventive maintenance of Park District vehicles, tractors, ground equipment, implements and ensuring it is performed and reported. The maintenance may include, but is not limited to inspections, washing, checking fluids and any other maintenance as needed.Assist with horticulture maintenance which includes, but is not limited to, pruning and planting trees, shrubs, flowers and the respective maintenance as needed.Organize, prioritize and direct multiple projects, labor and equipment needs.Document man-hours and materials used on work orders to specific job requirements.Establish, support and maintain collaborative efforts with internal and external customers and organizations.Cross trained in all general areas of the Parks & Planning Department and assist in all areas needed.Adhere to safety policies and procedures as outlined in the safety manual and perform all job tasks within the rules and guidelines of the Addison Park District's safety program.Employee must perform all other duties as assigned.Required QualificationsMust have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED).Preference given to candidates with an associate degree or bachelor's degree in the related field such as: Turf Management, Horticulture, Urban Forestry, etc.Minimum of three (3) years of experience in related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.Must have a valid Driver's License within three (3) months obtain a class C License (District provided).Must have a State of Illinois Pesticide Applicator's License within three (3) months of hiring (District provided).Must be CPR, AED, and NRPA Certified Playground Safety Inspector within six (6) months of hiring (District provided).Environmental & Physical DemandsEmployee may be required to work both inside and outside during various environmental conditions, such as, but not limited to rain, mud, hot and cold temperatures, exposure to dust, fumes, dirt, and noise.Employee may perform duties which include, but are not limited to prolonged lifting, standing, stooping, bending, twisting, and climbing for extended periods of time.BENEFITS:As a FT Addison Park District employee, eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package including:12 days of paid vacation time annually12 days of paid sick time annually which carryover year to year.3 paid personal days per year.9 paid holidays per year and 4 paid floating holidaysPension plan through IMRF.Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility.Recreation Programming Benefits