Seasonal Grounds Worker

Champaign Park District; Champaign (IL); On-site; USD 17,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Champaign Park District is seeking a Seasonal Grounds Worker to help maintain parks, athletic fields, and outdoor facilities in Champaign, IL. This non-exempt, seasonal role supports daily operations and special maintenance projects, with hands-on work outdoors and a focus on safety, teamwork, and community service.

Responsibilities include mowing, trimming, edging, trash removal; preparing fields, maintaining park amenities; operating mowers, tractors, trimmers, and hand tools; inspecting

Qualifications

• Age 18 or older.
• Valid driver's license with clean driving record.
• Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to operate and maintain outdoor tools and equipment.
• Ability to perform strenuous outdoor labor in varying weather.

Responsibilities

• Perform seasonal grounds maintenance including mowing, trimming, edging, and trash removal
• Assist with preparation, repair, lining, and maintenance of athletic fields and diamonds
• Install and repair park amenities, fencing, sod, and seeding areas
• Operate and maintain tools and equipment such as mowers, tractors, trimmers, edgers, and hand tools
• Clean outdoor facilities and inspect parks, equipment, and vehicles for safety and maintenance needs
• Perform minor maintenance and preventative care on assigned equipment and vehicles
• Work collaboratively with coworkers and interact professionally with the public
• Follow all safety policies and procedures while working in varied outdoor conditions

Skills

Valid driver's license

Follow instructions

Safety-minded

Outdoor physical stamina

Team player

Tools

Mowers

Tractors

Trimmers

Edgers

Hand tools

Job description

Job DetailsJob Location: Operations Facility - Champaign, IL 61821Position Type: SeasonalSalary Range: $15.75 - $15.75 HourlySeasonal Grounds Worker

Champaign Park District – Seasonal, Non-Exempt (not to exceed six (6) months)

About the Job:

As a Seasonal Grounds Worker, you’ll play an essential role in keeping Champaign’s parks, athletic fields, and outdoor facilities safe, clean, and ready for the community to enjoy. This hands-on role supports seasonal maintenance projects and daily operations, from preparing athletic fields to maintaining park amenities. If you enjoy working outdoors, staying active, and being part of a team that makes a visible impact, this is a great opportunity to contribute to our community.

Summary of Responsibilities:

• Perform seasonal grounds maintenance including mowing, trimming, edging, and trash removal
• Assist with preparation, repair, lining, and maintenance of athletic fields and diamonds
• Install and repair park amenities, fencing, sod, and seeding areas
• Operate and maintain tools and equipment such as mowers, tractors, trimmers, edgers, and hand tools
• Clean outdoor facilities and inspect parks, equipment, and vehicles for safety and maintenance needs
• Perform minor maintenance and preventative care on assigned equipment and vehicles
• Work collaboratively with coworkers and interact professionally with the public
• Follow all safety policies and procedures while working in varied outdoor conditions

Why Work With Us?

This position offers the chance to gain hands-on experience in parks and grounds operations while working as part of a supportive team. You’ll build practical skills in equipment operation, field preparation, and facility maintenance—all while spending your days outdoors and contributing to spaces enjoyed by thousands of residents. It’s a great way to stay active, learn new skills, and make a difference in your community.

Benefits Summary:

Seasonal, non-exempt employees receive competitive hourly pay, training provided by the Champaign Park District (including First Aid/CPR/AED, safety, and equipment training), and valuable on-the-job experience in parks and recreation operations.

About the Champaign Park District:

The Champaign Park District is dedicated to enhancing community quality of life by providing exceptional parks, programs, and facilities. We value teamwork, professionalism, safety, and service, and we take pride in maintaining welcoming spaces where the community can play, connect, and thrive.

Who This Position Is Ideal For:

This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy physical, outdoor work and take pride in maintaining high-quality public spaces. It’s a great fit for someone dependable, safety-minded, and willing to learn—whether you’re gaining experience in parks and recreation, looking for seasonal outdoor work, or enjoy being part of a team that serves the community.

The Champaign Park District is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status. We are committed to providing a workplace that is free from discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employees are required to comply with our equal opportunity and harassment laws, policies, and procedures.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must possess or have the ability to obtain and maintain a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
• Ability to understand, follow, and communicate written and oral instructions effectively.
• Ability to safely use, operate, and maintain a variety of tools and equipment according to established procedures.
• Ability to perform strenuous physical labor outdoors in a variety of weather conditions for extended periods.