Seasonal Grounds Worker - Parks

The City of Ottawa is currently recruiting for Seasonal Grounds Worker-Parks. Under the supervision and at the direction of the Superintendent, the Seasonal Worker performs manual labor tasks in grounds maintenance and operation of the parks, cemeteries, trails, and other City owned properties.

• Completes lawn care and landscaping activities including chemical application and pest control.
• Operates a variety of motorized equipment, including but not limited to self-propelled tractor‑mower, pick‑up truck, and string trimmers.
• Understands and performs operator‑level maintenance on equipment used.
• Cleans public restroom facilities and disposes of refuse in public receptacles on City properties.
• Assists in general construction work related to operation and maintenance of parks, cemeteries, trails, and other City owned properties.
• Follows all safety precautions including use of personal protective equipment.
• Reads and comprehends documents such as, but not limited to, written policies, safety rules, operation and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.

• Obeys and complies with all City ordinances and policies.
• Assists other departments and performs other duties as deemed necessary or assigned.

• High school diploma or GED.
• Minimum age of 18.
• Valid Kansas Driver's license is required. Must be insurable by the City’s insurance carrier.

• The ability to receive, understand, and comply with written and oral instructions is required.
• The ability to effectively use verbal communication to communicate with general public, supervisors, peers, and subordinates to resolve problems is required.
• The ability to work courteously and establish successful working relationships with entities, employees, City officials, businesses and the public, and use good professional judgment, honesty, and integrity in decision‑making is required.
• Problem solving requirements include prioritization and completion of work assignments in a timely manner.
• Decision making including methods of equipment use and repair/maintenance and use of appropriate safety practices and equipment.

• Manual labor is required.
• Adverse weather conditions including prolonged exposure to temperature and precipitation extremes are a factor, as is exposure to fuels, chemicals and hazardous implements.
• Must be able to work at heights well above ground level and in confined spaces.
• Special equipment is used that requires mental alertness and agility during tree pruning and tree removal activities.

• Requires the ability to operate a variety of motorized equipment.
• Ability to negotiate rough terrain on foot to access maintenance problems.
• Ability to lift objects weighing up to 75 lbs.
• Mobility to run errands, flexibility of body, manual dexterity and hand/eye coordination.

Minimum Rate: $15.00/hour

Date Opened: February 16, 2026

Date Closed: March 18, 2026

Hours: Day Shift: 8 hours per day Monday-Friday, April 1st‑October 1st.

The City of Ottawa conducts background checks and drug screening on all potential candidates.

Anyone with a disability who needs a reasonable accommodation related to a selection process is requested to contact the Human Resources Department at 785‑229‑3634 at least two days prior to the scheduled test or interview.

The City of Ottawa is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.