Senior Park Maintenance Technician

County of Roanoke Virginia; Roanoke (VA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Roanoke Virginia is seeking a Senior Park Maintenance Technician to lead and train Parks Maintenance Technicians in daily park, athletic field, and facility upkeep. You will mentor staff, coordinate work with the Parks Manager, and promote safe practices in line with county policies and industry standards.

You will operate and maintain medium- to heavy-duty equipment, supervise crews, respond to emergencies, and maintain accurate records.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Minimum five years of experience operating motorized equipment in grounds maintenance, construction, or related field.
• Preferred: one year of direct supervision/lead work, quality control, and evaluation of work.
• Two years in athletic field maintenance and/or park maintenance operations and equipment.
• Two years operating and maintaining special-purpose grounds equipment.

Responsibilities

• Leads by example in day-to-day park, trail, athletic field, and facility maintenance; performs skilled work including mowing, landscaping, turf management, trail work, and minor repairs/construction.
• Assists in guiding, training, mentoring, and onboarding staff on methods, equipment operation, and safe work practices; reinforces teamwork and stewardship.
• Coordinates assignments, monitors work quality and progress, and communicates with Parks Manager; may lead in supervisor's absence.
• Operates medium-to-heavy equipment (40–110 HP tractors, large mowers, skid steers, backhoes) and ensures safe use.
• Inspects parks, facilities, and equipment; identifies hazards; initiates corrective actions and reports issues.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Supervisory experience

Safety compliance

Recordkeeping

Public interaction

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Senior Park Maintenance Technicians work alongside and train Parks Maintenance Technicians in the daily maintenance, repair, and improvement of Roanoke County parks, athletic fields, and facilities. The role combines hands‑on park and facility maintenance with lead‑worker responsibilities, including assisting the Parks Manager with directing daily work, coaching staff, and promoting safe work practices consistent with County policies, best management practices, and industry standards. All Parks Maintenance Technicians’ tasks may include routine mowing, landscaping, athletic field maintenance, minor facility and equipment repairs, event support, park patrol, cleaning, storm debris removal, and other related duties to support department initiatives. Additionally, all Parks Maintenance Technicians are classified as “Essential Personnel” and may be occasionally required to work extended shifts, nights, weekends, and/or during emergency weather events.

Hours required for this position: 40

• Leads by example in day‑to‑day park, trail, athletic field, and facility maintenance; performs skilled work including mowing, landscaping, turf management, trail work, and minor repairs/construction.
• Assists in guiding, training, mentoring, and onboarding full‑time, part‑time, and seasonal staff on methods, equipment operation, and safe work practices; reinforces productivity, professionalism, teamwork, and stewardship.
• Supports daily work planning by coordinating assignments, monitoring work quality and completion, and communicating progress/issues to the Parks Manager; may provide direction in the supervisor’s absence as assigned.
• Operates medium‑to‑heavy equipment as needed (e.g., 40–110 HP tractors with attachments, large mowers, skid steers, backhoes, graders, and related specialized equipment) and ensures safe use and transport.
• Inspects parks, facilities, and equipment; identifies hazards/maintenance needs; initiates corrective actions within authority and reports issues requiring supervisory action.
• Identifies urgent/emergency maintenance needs; recommends corrective actions and helps ensure timely completion of repairs to restore safe operations.
• Assists with emergency response operations (e.g., snow/ice removal, storm/flood cleanup) and supports continuity of park services during adverse events.
• Maintains accurate records of work activities, training, equipment use, and required documentation (e.g., as directed for operations tracking and compliance).
• Interacts professionally with the public; responds to routine questions/concerns and elevates sensitive issues to supervision as appropriate.
• Uses and maintains tools and equipment consistent with safety requirements and County procedures; reports equipment issues and supports basic upkeep practices.

Education

Required: High school diploma or equivalent.

Experience

Required: Minimum of five years experience in operating motorized equipment in grounds maintenance, construction, or a related field or equivalent.

Preferred: One year experience in direct supervision/lead work, quality control, and evaluation of work.

Two years experience in athletic field maintenance and/or park maintenance operations and equipment.

Two years experience operating and maintaining special‑purpose grounds equipment.

Certifications/Licenses

Required: Valid driver’s license with a good driving record. Class A CDL or ability to obtain within six months of employment.

Fertilizer Applicator certification or ability to obtain within six months of employment.

Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certificate from Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services or ability to obtain within six months of employment.

First Aid/CPR and forklift certification within one year of employment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Thorough knowledge of safe operation and servicing of medium/heavy equipment and CDL vehicles used in parks/grounds operations. Knowledge of traffic and work‑zone safety practices applicable to field operations. Ability to operate equipment, perform minor service/repairs, and troubleshoot routine issues. Ability to train/coach others and reinforce safe, effective work methods. Skill in planning, organizing, scheduling, and monitoring work assignments in a lead‑worker capacity. Ability to maintain records, complete documentation accurately, and communicate effectively with staff and the public. Physical ability to perform heavy manual labor and work outdoors in varying conditions. Ability to estimate equipment/material needs at a basic level for planning/budget input (as assigned).

Supervisory Responsibilities

Lead‑worker responsibilities: provides day‑to‑day guidance, coaching, training, and work direction as assigned; may provide input/feedback to supervision regarding peer performance; may lead small crews in the supervisor’s absence as assigned.

Additional Requirements

Subject to a complete criminal history and Child Protective Services background search and DMV driving record review with acceptable results. Following a conditional offer of employment, must pass a post offer physical examination. Must be able to perform the job as described in the Physical and Environmental Demands section of this job description. Subject to twenty‑four‑hour on‑call and work varied shifts as assigned.