Part-Time Grounds Crew Member I/II/III (DOQ)

City of Hanford; Hanford (CA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

The City of Hanford is hiring five Part-Time Grounds Crew Members to maintain and prepare athletic fields across the city. Under supervision, you will perform semi-skilled tasks such as mowing, landscaping, irrigation, and field setup for practices, games, and tournaments.

Positions vary by level, from entry to advanced lead, and may require evenings, holidays, and weekends. California driver’s license may be needed, with opportunities for advancement based on performance.

Qualifications

• Six months to one year of general grounds maintenance experience.
• Two years of athletic field maintenance, landscaping, irrigation, or related work.
• Three to five years of increasingly responsible experience in sports field or park maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and maintain softball and baseball fields for daily use, practices, and games.
• Maintain facility grounds by mowing, edging, fertilizing, and pruning trees and shrubs.
• Drag, rake, and groom infields; ensure proper grading and playing conditions.
• Line and mark fields according to sport-specific standards.
• Inspect and maintain pitching mounds, batter’s boxes, base paths, and warning tracks.
• Operate and maintain field equipment and basic maintenance tools.
• Support game-day operations and field setup/teardown.
• Follow safety procedures and ensure fields meet safety standards for public use.

Skills

General grounds maintenance

Athletic field maintenance

Teamwork

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or G.E.D.

California driver’s license

Job description

The City of Hanford is seeking to fill five (5) Part-Time Grounds Crew Member vacancies in the Recreation and Community Services Department. Under the general supervision of the Sports Coordinator, the Grounds Crew Member performs a variety of semi-skilled and routine tasks related to the maintenance and preparation of all athletic fields, including softball, baseball, and football fields at various locations throughout the City of Hanford. This position is responsible for ensuring fields are safe, clean, and properly maintained for practices, games, and events throughout the year.

Maintenance duties include mowing, landscaping, irrigation, sports fields maintenance, and general maintenance. Incumbents also set up, support, and tear down sports tournaments and special events. Depending on the assignment, incumbents may be required to work evenings, holidays, and weekends to support events and tournaments.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from the Sports Coordinator and Recreation Manager.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is a flexibly staffed classification series. Positions may be filled at any level depending on departmental need and the qualifications of the selected candidate. Advancement to a higher level is based on demonstrated proficiency, experience, and department recommendation.

The Grounds Crew Member I

The Grounds Crew Member I is an entry-level classification. Works under close supervision while learning athletic field maintenance, irrigation, and equipment operation.

The Grounds Crew Member II

The Grounds Crew Member II is a journey-level classification. Performs athletic field maintenance independently and may assist in training lower-level staff.

The Grounds Crew Member III

The Grounds Crew Member III is an advanced-level lead classification. Performs the most complex field maintenance duties and may provide lead direction to Grounds Crew staff.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Prepare and maintain softball and baseball fields for daily use, practices, and games.
• Maintain facility grounds by mowing, edging, fertilizing, and pruning trees and shrubs.
• Drag, rake, and groom infields, maintain proper grading and playing conditions.
• Line and mark fields according to sport-specific standards (chalking, painting, measuring).
• Inspect and maintain pitching mounds, batter’s boxes, base paths, and warning tracks.
• Maintain turf areas by mowing, edging, aerating, fertilizing, and monitoring irrigation.
• Perform routing cleaning of fields, dugouts, bleachers, and surrounding areas.
• Assist with installation, removal, and upkeep of bases, nets, pitching rubbers, and field equipment.
• Operate and maintain equipment, including mowers, blowers, utility vehicles, drag mowers, and hand tools.
• Support game-day operations, including field preparation, chalking, and breakdown.
• Follow all safety procedures and ensure fields meet safety standards for public use.
• Perform custodial duties.
• Works evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Maintains regular attendance and punctuality.
• Performs other duties as related.

Knowledge of

• Basic knowledge of athletic field maintenance practices and techniques.
• Proper field layout and marking for multiple sports.
• Strong attention to detail to maintain high-quality playing surfaces.
• Effective time management and ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Ability to

• Safely operate landscaping and field maintenance equipment.
• Identify unsafe field conditions and take corrective action.
• Work independently and as part of a team.
• Operate light construction equipment.

Experience and Education

Any combination of experience, training, and education that provides the required knowledge and abilities qualifies. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

GROUNDS CREW MEMBER I

Six months to one year of general grounds maintenance, landscaping, custodial, or related experience.

GROUNDS CREW MEMBER II

Two years of experience in athletic field maintenance, landscaping, irrigation, or related work.

GROUNDS CREW MEMBER III

Three to five years of increasingly responsible experience in sports field or park maintenance.

Education

High school diploma or G.E.D.

License and Certificate

May need to possess an appropriate, valid California driver’s license as required by the position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience maintaining baseball/softball infields, sports turf, and grounds.
• Knowledge of irrigation systems and turf care practices.
• Experience preparing fields for organized leagues or tournaments.

The application screening will involve a competitive evaluation of relevant education, training, and work experience, followed by a written examination and/or an interview before an Oral Board to identify the most qualified candidates. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee applicants an interview, and the screening committee's decision is final. Candidates deemed eligible for appointment to the position will be placed on the City’s Certified Eligibility List. Applicants will receive written notification regarding the results of all phases of the recruitment process leading up to the establishment of the Eligibility List, if applicable.