Small Parks Assistant Manager

Peoria Park District; Peoria (IL); On-site; USD 43,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid sick days

Holiday pay

Pension and retirement programs

Health plan

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Discounted recreation classes

Free facility admission

Job summary

The Peoria Park District is seeking a full-time grounds maintenance worker for Small Parks in Peoria, IL. The role involves mowing, turf maintenance, pesticide applications, irrigation tuning, and routine upkeep of park facilities.

Responsibilities include supervising seasonal staff, reporting vandalism, and coordinating with park managers. A valid Illinois driver's license and pesticide license are required, with eligibility for union affiliation. Benefits compact provided.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in horticulture, park or recreation management, or related field, or an Associate degree with at least two years of park/grounds maintenance experience.
• Experience in park operations desired; supervisory experience preferred.
• Must obtain a valid Illinois driver’s license.
• Must obtain a valid pesticide spray license.
• Daily wear of Park District uniform.
• Ability to work weekends, evenings and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Mow and maintain turf grass, apply pesticides, prepare and maintain planting beds, and perform landscape maintenance in parks.
• Keep grounds and structures free of graffiti, litter and debris.
• Report vandalism to Small Parks Manager or supervisor.
• Check parks for vandalism and perform minor repairs.
• Maintain athletic fields, sand volleyball, and tennis courts and other small park facilities.
• Perform preventive maintenance on equipment and irrigation systems.
• Supervise work crews and keep time/attendance records as requested.
• In winter, work with other Parks Division maintenance crews as needed.
• In the absence of the Small Parks Manager, lead park maintenance as instructed.

Skills

Horticulture basics

Supervise seasonal staff

Public & emergency handling

Weekend/evening work

Education

Baccalaureate degree in horticulture/park management

Associate degree + 2 years park/grounds experience

Tools

Tractor operation

Irrigation systems

Mowing equipment

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: SMALL PARKS - PEORIA, IL 61604, Position Type: Full Time, Salary Range: $31.56 - $34.06 Hourly.

Duties

• Mow and maintain turf grass, apply pesticides, prepare and maintain planting beds, and perform all needed landscape maintenance in the parks.
• Keep the grounds and structures free of graffiti, litter, and all other debris.
• Report immediately all vandalism to the Small Parks Manager or supervisor in charge.
• Check the parks for vandalism and make minor repairs.
• Maintain athletic fields, sand volleyball, and tennis courts as well as other facilities located in the small parks.
• Perform preventive maintenance on all equipment.
• Program, adjust, and make minor repairs to irrigation systems.
• Assist the Park Manager with the supervision of workmen assigned to the parks and keep time records, attendance records, and other reports as requested.
• Work with other Parks Division maintenance crews during the winter months on an as‑needed basis.
• In the absence of the Small Parks Manager, to be in charge of the park maintenance work and crew in the parks as instructed by the Small Parks Manager.
• Follow all safety procedures that pertain to the duties performed. Support all aspects of the Park District's safety program.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Essential Functions

• Ability to reach, walk, pull, kneel, squat, and bend at the knees and waist.
• Ability to operate power machinery as needed to complete job duties.
• Ability to balance on ladders and uneven surfaces.
• Ability to climb ladders and stairs.
• Ability to apply pesticides safely.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Qualifications

Education

A baccalaureate degree in horticulture, park or recreation management, or related field, or a two‑year Associate degree in this field and at least two years of experience in park or grounds maintenance work. Extensive experience may be taken into consideration in lieu of an educational requirement.

Experience

Experience in park operations desired and some experience in operating tractors, irrigation systems, mowing equipment and machinery used in grounds maintenance. Supervisory experience preferred.

Knowledge and Ability

• Basic understanding of horticulture and equipment operations and maintenance.
• Ability to supervise seasonal employees.
• Ability to effectively deal with the public as well as emergency situations.
• Ability to work harmoniously with other park district employees.
• Ability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays required.
• This position is represented by the Teamster’s Local Union No. 627.
• Must obtain a valid Illinois State driver's license.
• Must obtain a valid operator's pesticide spray license.
• Must daily wear a clean Park District designated uniform.
• Ability to be professional, respectful, accountable, innovative, to follow safety procedures, and be equitable to both internal and external customers.
• Personal – Work record that shows reliability, initiative, and courteous manner.

Benefits and Perks

• Paid sick days, vacation days, and holidays.
• Longevity bonus program and wellness program.
• Pension and retirement programs and Social Security participating.
• Exceptional health plan.
• Paid Life Insurance.
• Disability Insurance.
• Full‑time employees and dependents enjoy discounted recreation classes and free admission to select Park District facilities.

The Peoria Park District hires without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, pregnancy, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service, protected veteran status, or on the basis of any characteristic protected by law. AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.