Athletic Grounds Specialist

Location: Sarasota

** Department:
** Parks Recreation and Natural Resources
** Start Here. Grow Here. Stay Here.
** The pay starts at $20.10 (Step
1), benefits begin within 60 days of hire, and there are opportunities for advancement. Apply today!#
** About the Position
** In this role, you will perform skilled and advanced maintenance duties in the following areas: chemical spray application, pest identification, turf management, irrigation, and/or equipment operation. For more information, see below...
* Performance of skilled routine maintenance and repairs of athletic fields, surfaces and grounds utilizing commercial-grade mowers and other specialized equipment
* Work will be performed primarily with diesel- or gas-powered commercial-grade landscape mowers such as Toro Outcross with Tow Behind Field Mower, Toro 4000D, 4500D, Reel Mower, and Toro 72 “Z” mower
* Perform regular dragging, screen dragging, watering, mowing, edging, and trimming
* Regularly use all types of hand tools, rakes, shovels, mound tamps, etc.
* Routine Park maintenance includes hand weeding, mulching, digging, turf trimming, tree trimming, hand collection and disposal of litter, removal and installation of plant materials and trees, and driving on roads and vegetated maintenance areas
* Assist with cultural practices and renovations of athletic fields in coordination with the renovations team#
** About the Schedule
***
* Work Hours:

*** Operating Days:
Sunday - Saturday
* Full-Time, 40 hours per week
* 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
* Work schedule may require occasional evenings and/or weekends, depending upon special events#
** About You
***
* Minimum Qualifications:

*** High School Diploma or its equivalent AND two (2) years of related athletic field experience
* Valid Florida driver's license by date of hire
*
* Preferred Qualifications:

*** Proficient in the operation of heavy landscape and field maintenance equipment
* Proficient in the use of hand tools, power tools, materials and equipment applicable to the position
* Ability to endure long periods of standing and to work in areas around heavy equipment
** Subject to Passing Substance Screening:
** This position is subject to passing a pre-employment substance screening. An applicant who fails to pass a required drug screening test shall be disqualified from employment for a period of five years
** Physical Demands:
** Employees in this role must occasionally lift and/or move more than 50 lbs. Employees can use handling devices (dolly, cart, etc.) or work with another team member to lift and/or move excessive poundage of 50-plus pounds#
** About Everything Else
**** Starting Pay Rate:** $20.10 (Step
1)  Potential higher pay (steps) for those with multiple years of experience
*** Our interview process could include phone interview(s), Microsoft Teams video interview(s), and/or in-person interview(s).
***** If you are selected to join our team,** ****.
** You will need to present the following items on your first day:
**** 1.*
* ** I-9 Acceptable Documents to show your identity and authorization to work. Use this link to learn more and review the different document options:
*** If your position requires a Florida Driver’s License, this must be one of your documents. (Your Florida Driver’s License can serve as one of your documents listed in link above – List B Documents.)
** 2. U.S. Social Security Card (signed, physical card).
** This is a requirement of our Payroll Department and failure to provide this document could jeopardize timely compensation. (Your U.S. Social Security Card can serve as one of your documents listed in link above – List C Documents.)
** Benefits:
*** Enjoy great benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, Flexible Spending Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Florida Retirement System (FRS) and many, many more! Choose one of three great medical plans, including one with a $0 premium option, with completed preventative visits!
* For more information about employee benefits, please  for additional information.
* Utilize our award-winning wellness program including free gyms at multiple Sarasota County Government locations.
* Enjoy 11 paid…