Parks and Forestry Specialist - Turf Specialist

Salary : $64,397.01 - $93,375.57 Annually
Location : OH 43221, OH
Job Type: Regular, Full-Time
Job Number: FOR-012025
Department: Parks & Recreation
Division: Forestry
Opening Date: 12/11/2025
Closing Date: 1/9/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Description

The Parks and Recreation Department is seeking a motivated and dedicated person to join our parks and recreation team. This position reports directly to the Parks Maintenance Supervisor and is primarily responsible for planning and implementing an Integrated Turf Health Management program that provides playable and safe turf for sports fields supporting several sports organizations. This position supports the Parks and Forestry Division with general upkeep and maintenance of parks, recreational and sports facilities, buildings, and grounds and supporting community events.

The City of Upper Arlington is an equal opportunity employer, striving to foster an equitable and inclusive work environment.
Examples of Duties

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: For purposes of 42 USC 12101:

1. Performs a variety of turf enhancing activities (e.g., mows grounds, trims, aerates, seeds, top dresses, fertilizes, waters, applies pesticides); prepares plans and reports; prepares and maintains athletic facilities. Operates a variety of motorized equipment.
2. Prepares park facilities for and staffs special events (e.g., sets up chairs, tables, booths, stages, and tents).
3. Performs preventative maintenance on vehicles and equipment (e.g., ensures blades are sharpened, levels off oil and gas, ensures vehicle is in proper working condition, etc.); documents maintenance per department policy; monitors parts/inventory for day-to-day purchasing.
4. Provides support to other maintenance staff (e.g., mows grounds, trims, aerates, uses leaf blower to clean off debris; cleans up landscape areas by pulling weeds, mulching, dead-heading plants, trimming trees, planting foliage, and watering; etc.); uses equipment and vehicles for storm cleanup (e.g., removes broken trees and limbs, cleans up debris, leaves, and brush, etc.); empties trash cans; sweeps parking lots;

inspects and repairs playground equipment; installs new equipment; paints, repairs, and performs other general building maintenance; performs snow removal upon direction of supervisor (e.g., plows streets and parking lots, shovels or blows sidewalks and entrances, salt areas as required, etc.).
5. Leads and directs other employees, contractors, community service workers and volunteers in supervisor's absence, or when performing specialized tasks or projects. Provides assistance to horticulture, park maintenance, or forestry staff as directed. Participates in first call rotation.
6. Collaborates with Parks Planning & Development Manager, Recreation Division staff and community sports organizations regarding sport fields usage, maintenance and improvements.
7. Maintains licenses and certifications as required, if any. Attends seminars and training.
8. Demonstrates regular and predictable attendance.
9. Meets all job safety requirements and all applicable OSHA safety standards that pertain to essential functions.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
10. Performs other duties as required. (5%)
Typical Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS:
Associates Degree in turf management or related fields, and one year experience or High school diploma or GED and three (3) years of experience, or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the desired knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

LICENSURE OR CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
Valid State of Ohio Driver's License and the ability to maintain insurability under the City's vehicle insurance policy. State of Ohio Class A Commercial Driver's License, State of Ohio Pesticide Applicator's License, and Confined Space Entry Certification required to be obtained within six (6) months of hire.

Supplemental Information

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: (
* indicates developed after employment).
Knowledge of:
* City, Department, and Division goals and objectives;
* City, Department, and Division policies and procedures;
* personnel rules and regulations; workplace safety; federal, state, and municipal laws and/or regulations dealing with pesticides, and other chemical applications; inventory; custodial methods and techniques; mechanical maintenance; vehicle maintenance and repair; park and recreation facilities, equipment, and supplies; proper lifting techniques; snow and ice removal; grounds keeping and maintenance, principles of IPM and PHC; local geographical area.

Skill in: computer operation; use of modern office equipment; motor vehicle operation; soil science, pest management, weed control, horticulture, plant disease, irrigation; use of mechanics' tools and equipment; operation of light and heavy motorized equipment; snowplow operation.

Ability to: carry out detailed but basic written or oral instructions; interpret a variety of instructions in written, oral, picture, or…