Gardener III

Summary

Under the direction of a Parks Supervisor, the Parks Maintenance Technician III performs preventive and routine maintenance and repairs at the City’s parks, courts, fountains, and open spaces. Responsibilities include maintenance of landscapes, hardscapes, irrigation systems, lighting, pool pump systems, and other park amenities.

Working independently or with minimal supervision, this role ensures efficient workflow and timely completion of assigned tasks. This position operates various tools and equipment, including loud machinery, and performs duties in all weather conditions.

This is a full-time, year-round position. Standard work hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with flexibility required for occasional on-call shifts. Teamwork and collaboration are essential to supporting overall department goals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Performs inspections, maintenance, and cleaning of a variety of park features. This includes the installation and maintenance of landscape and hardscape features throughout the park system.
• Ensures irrigation systems are operating efficiently and in accordance with established standards to support the health, vitality, and aesthetic quality of plant material and landscapes throughout University Park’s public spaces.
• Performs routine maintenance and repairs on irrigation systems and promptly identifies and reports any malfunctions or issues.
• Assists with tree maintenance, such as pruning, planting, and removals.
• Assists with emergency response work, such as clearing fallen trees and debris from public areas, including streets and alleys.
• Assists with cleaning fountains and floating fountains.
• Assists with the maintenance of sports fields.
• Assists with the preparation and winterization of the City’s aquatic facility.
• Assists with the installation and maintenance of park furnishings.
• Inspects park facilities for damage.
• Performs thorough inspections of irrigation systems.
• Inspects and maintains park drinking fountains.
• Programs and manages smart irrigation controllers and battery-operated controllers.
• Assists other crews or departments with special projects or events.
• Implements and monitors irrigation schedules; conducts inspections, repairs minor system issues, and reports significant problems.
• Performs irrigation system installation, setup, and maintenance.
• Follows daily, weekly, and monthly schedules for park maintenance projects as established by the Parks Supervisor and Parks Superintendent.
• Trains, leads, and coordinates support staff during larger irrigation projects to ensure timely and efficient completion.
• Assists in overseeing external contractors performing irrigation repairs and project work.
• Maintains accurate daily logs and regularly updates documentation to track project progress and system status.
• Contributes to the development and implementation of written Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for irrigation systems.
• Communicates material and supply needs to the Parks Supervisor in a timely manner and assists with purchasing and procurement processes as needed.
• Safely operates equipment and ensures all tools and machinery are properly secured at the end of each workday. Maintains City vehicles, equipment, and tools in a clean and professional manner.
• Assists other Parks Maintenance Workers, as needed, with landscape maintenance, power washing, and litter removal.
• Assists with Parks and City of University Park special events throughout the year.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND REQUIREMENTS:

• Knowledge of safe equipment operation.
• Knowledge of and experience with landscape maintenance, heavy equipment, and specialty tools.
  Skill in operating small landscape and park maintenance equipment.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Regular and reliable attendance is required. Must be able to consistently work the assigned schedule and arrive on time and prepared for work.
• Advanced knowledge of and experience performing thorough irrigation system inspections.
• Advanced knowledge of and experience maintaining, repairing, and replacing valves, wiring, controllers,…