Parks Worker - Bowers Farm at Discovery Oaks

Oakland County; Waterford Charter Township (MI); On-site; USD 18,000 - 26,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits

Education assistance

Job summary

Oakland County is seeking a part-time Public Park Aide to support maintenance and guest services at Bowers Farm. The role involves customer service, operating a POS, basic groundskeeping, and assisting higher level staff with park operations.

Shifts include evenings and weekends, up to 1,000 hours per year, with pay of 16.04 USD per hour. Candidates must be at least 16 years old and meet basic licensing and safety requirements, with comprehensive county benefits offered to eligible employees.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED or equivalent required.
• Ability to pass standard employment medical and safety checks.
• Must be at least 16 years old (18+ in some areas) with valid driver’s license where required.

Responsibilities

• Process customer transactions using a POS system.
• Assist with park operations and grounds maintenance tasks.
• Greet visitors, provide information, and answer inquiries.
• Support safety procedures and emergency response as directed.
• Maintain clean and organized work areas and stock merchandise.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Teamwork

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

POS system

County software

Job description

Overview & Benefits

Oakland County is more than just a workplace. It is a place where you can make a real difference. As one of Michigan’s leading public service organizations, we are committed to strengthening communities, delivering essential services, and improving the quality of life for nearly 1.3 million residents. When you join our team, you become part of a mission-driven workforce guided by integrity, innovation, and a passion for public service. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to do meaningful work that matters.

For more information about Oakland County benefits and employee perks, please visit: https://www.oakgov.com/government/human-resources/benefits/new-hire

General Summary

This is a part time position limited to 1,000 hours/year. The schedule includes evenings and weekends. The rate of pay is $16.04/hr. Employees of this classification perform routine, manual and/or clerical customer service duties, assisting higher level employees involved in the general maintenance and operations of Bowers Farm. Depending on the work assignment, may assist in the operation of a point of sale computer system for customer service, drive tractors that pull hay wagons or operate groundskeeping equipment such as lawn mowers, tractors or equipment and vehicles for grounds maintenance tasks. Moves facility and recreation equipment such as picnic tables, trash cans, folding tables and chairs, recreation equipment, etc. Operates and carries maintenance equipment such rakes, shovels, trimmers, commercial blowers, etc. Performs, as needed, duties generally performed by lower-level maintenance personnel including activities such as grooming and cleaning of parks and related facilities, patrolling park areas, and giving information and assistance to park users. May also be responsible to perform the duties of other part-time seasonal employees in various classes when necessary to meet staffing needs. Responsible for proper work procedures and safety practices. May be assigned to a day, afternoon or midnight shift, during weekdays, weekends and/or holidays to meet staffing requirements and perform duties as assigned. Utilizes current Countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.

Minimum Qualifications

Must have passed their 18th birthday OR be at least 16 years old and a high school graduate or the State requirements for a G.E.D. certificate; OR be an emancipated minor. NOTE: When assigned to Golf Course Pro Shop, Grill rooms or Beverage Cart, must have passed their 18th birthday, per the State of Michigan, due to the sale of alcoholic beverages. Possess a valid United States motor vehicle operator’s or chauffeur’s license. Out of country driver’s license holders will be required to obtain the appropriate valid State of Michigan driver’s license before the hire date. Pass the complete examination, including the employment medical, established for this classification.

Additional Duties & Responsibilities

• Uses a point-of-sale computer system to process customer service transactions from in person guests or over the phone that include write permits and tickets for programs and events.
• Supports recreational programs and events including the set up, maintenance and supervision of activities.
• Interacts with park visitors of all ages.
• Communicates with staff, volunteers, and visitors in a courteous and professional manner.
• Issues receipts and accounts for cash received from park users and answer public inquiries regarding directions, park procedures, and information regarding reservations and the renting of park equipment.
• Answers guest inquiries such as providing directions within the park, emergency procedures, lost and found procedures, and handle complaints and other situations.
• Ensures the assigned work area is clean and organized by frequently ensuring merchandise is stocked, is free of debris or trash, and is presentable.
• Performs customer service duties and office assignments, including typing park correspondence, answering phone inquiries and filing.
• Assists with groundskeeping and maintenance duties as directed by higher level staff which may include operating power equipment such as chainsaws, line trimmers, mowers, or tractors, using hand tools such as trimmers, shovels, trowels or performing other maintenance support tasks and custodial duties.
• Supports safety of park guests through observation, reporting of risks, and participating in emergency response protocols and reporting as directed by higher level staff and emergency response teams.
• Utilizes current Countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.
• Answers public inquiries regarding other County parks.
• Performs the duties of part-time seasonal employees in various classes when necessary.

Essential Mental & Physical Requirements

• Ability to communicate to accurately convey information.
• Ability to operate equipment as assigned to complete work duties including but not limited to computers, phones, hand tools, power tools such as weedwhips, blowers, snow throwers, motorized grounds keeping tractors and ride on mowers, golf carts, or other maintenance vehicles.
• Work is performed in an outdoor environment with exposure to heat, cold and other weather elements.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in an outdoor environment with exposure to heat, cold and other weather elements. IMPORTANT NOTE: The primary purpose of this job description is to set a fair and equitable salary range for this job classification. Generally, only those key duties necessary for proper job evaluation and/or labor market analysis have been included. Other duties and responsibilities will be assigned by the supervisor.

Additional Desirable Qualifications

• Reasonable knowledge of customer service interactions and ability to communicate with others.
• Some knowledge of the use of elementary hand and power tools.
• Reasonable knowledge of and ability to practice standard safety techniques.
• Reasonable ability to perform routine, repetitive, and/or manual tasks.
• Reasonable ability to maintain personal cleanliness and a presentable public appearance.
• Reasonable ability to follow standardized oral and written instructions.
• Reasonable ability to work and cooperate in a team effort, when necessary, to successfully complete an assignment.

Union* If applicable

Union* *If applicable

EEO Statement

We are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

Inclusion Statement

Oakland County is committed to welcoming applicants from all backgrounds, including those with prior convictions, as we believe in providing equal opportunities for all. We value the unique perspectives and experiences each individual brings to our team and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive workplace.

Candidate Evaluation

All candidates are evaluated based on their ability to meet the job requirements, legal obligations and thrive in our organization.

At Oakland County, we offer a stable and supportive work environment, competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, professional development, and generous education assistance program. We value the dedication and hard work of our team and our commitment to the communities we serve - it's at the heart of our success. We're always seeking new ways to enhance our workplace and foster a culture of growth, inclusion, and innovation. We believe that our people are our greatest asset, and our future depends on the diverse perspectives, experiences, and talents of our team.