Park Maintenance Specialist

Overview

City of Overland Park – Park Maintenance Specialist 1, a full‑time position in the Parks and Recreation Department.

Performs a wide variety of semi‑skilled and skilled tasks related to planting, maintenance of turf, repair of parks and recreation facilities and grounds. Assists with special events.

• Maintains, inspects, repairs, lubricates and cleans equipment and tools according to manufacturer specifications and city policies.
• Stores and uses equipment following maintenance and use techniques per city procedures.
• Assists in emergency operations, including snow removal and storm damage call‑outs as required.
• Performs turf management tasks: lays sod, operates string line trimmers and mowers (riding, walk‑behind and push), loads, unloads and transports mowers.
• Picks up and disposes of trash in and around parks and traffic islands; lifts trash barrels and dumps contents into trucks.
• Operates tractors for seeding, fertilizing and aerating turf areas; uses walk‑behind and ride‑on spreaders; calibrates equipment to apply correct amounts.
• Applies pesticides with appropriate sprayer or spreader; follows safety procedures, weather conditions, SDS information and product labeling.
• Prepares ball fields for league play during the season, including dragging, chalking and moving bases.
• Clears park grounds and right‑of‑way of trash and debris; sweeps and cleans shop area.
• Assists with irrigation testing, minor adjustments, diagnosis and repairs.
• Works required days and hours to perform all responsibilities; available during regular business hours or shifts to communicate with subordinates, supervisors, customers, vendors and other stakeholders.
• Maintains punctuality and meets performance requirements, including attendance, deadlines and scheduled breaks.

• Basic education or equivalent experience.
• Valid Class A or B commercial driver’s license with air‑brake endorsement within 6 months after employment.
• Preferred:
  Pesticide applicator’s license categories 3A and 3B (not required).

• Six months to one year in turf or grounds maintenance, or equivalent experience with mowing equipment, power tools, utility vehicles, sprayers and hand tools.

• Good oral communication skills.
• Manual dexterity.
• Attention to detail.
• Project management skills, including organization, coordination of duties and accomplishment of goals.
• Time management skills, including ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and meet deadlines.

• Ability to work in a hectic environment with many interruptions.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks.
• Ability to read and comprehend basic landscape plans and/or technical manuals.
• Ability to analyze safety situations.
• Ability to carry out assignments through oral and written instructions.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to train and guide others.
• Ability to assess situations and recommend possible solutions.
• Alpha and numeric recognition.

• Ability to travel and tour city facilities and parks in adverse conditions.
• Ability to traverse rough terrain.
• Ability to operate power and hand tools.
• Ability to operate city vehicles.
• Ability to work in confined spaces。
• Hand‑eye coordination adequate for computer input.
• Exposure to chemicals, fumes, dust, sprays, fogs, mists.
• Exposure to heights, vibrations, high voltage and loud noises.
• Ability to work in adverse and extreme weather and environmental conditions.
• Ability to make and receive phone calls.
• Ability to distinguish smells and colors.