Parks Grounds Specialist; Trails Unit​/Austin Parks and Recreation

About This Position

Job Description:

Parks Grounds Specialist

Purpose:

Under general supervision, this position performs specialized maintenance, construction, and/or grounds keeping tasks in and around park grounds and recreational facilities.

• Performs skilled and semi-skilled grounds maintenance tasks.
• Performs minor and major repairs.
• Performs general concrete work.
• Operates department equipment.
• Operates hand tools.
• Performs safety inspections and addresses deficits.
• Drives service vehicles.
• Removes graffiti or paint.
• Assists the public with questions and concerns.
• Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:
  May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.

• Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
• Knowledge of general grounds keeping processes, policies and procedures within the Parks and Recreation Department (PARD).
• Knowledge of assigned areas (E.g., hike and bike trail surfaces, athletic fields, equipment, etc.).
• Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of assigned equipment and vehicles.
• Knowledge of City practice, policy, and procedures.
• Knowledge of safety practices and procedures.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in planning and organizing.
• Ability to operate power tools.
• Ability to lift and carry equipment or materials applicable to the work being performed.
• Ability to train and lead others.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.

Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent plus two (2) years' experience related to grounds keeping or general labor services, at least one (1) year of which is in the assigned area of specialization. Experience may substitute for education up to four (4) years.

If assigned to operate vehicles, must possess the appropriate Texas Driver License for those vehicles.

• Experience operating a variety of light and heavy equipment.
• Experience with trail construction, repair, renovation, etc.
• Experience working in carpentry.
• Experience welding.
• Experience working with concrete.
• Experience working for a municipality in a park or park like setting.

• Basic computer skills with a computer/tablet to include logging into network, sending/receiving emails, use of Microsoft Teams.

Ability to travel to more than one work location.

The City of Austin Parks and Recreation (APR) provides, protects and preserves a park system that promotes quality recreational, cultural and outdoor experiences for the Austin community. Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more!

The purpose of the Parks Grounds Specialist position is to maintain and provide improvements to citywide hike and bike trail infrastructures and along with the crew (or independently) act as first responders to address public safety concerns. Services will be processed utilizing standard construction techniques, methods, and practices.

Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park – 12138 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78753

• Monday through Friday: 6:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• May be required to work during special events, evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays.
• Work schedule and location is subject to change based on department needs and programs.
• May be required to work…