Skilled Laborer

Opportunity

Open Date:
July 27, 2026 Closing Date:
August 16, 2026 Interview Date:
To be determined by Hiring Department This is a limited service, 19-hour per week position.

The Recreation and Parks Department of the City of Santa Maria is seeking a dedicated and dependable individual to join our team as a Skilled Laborer. In this role, you will play a vital part in maintaining the beauty and safety of our local parks, ensuring our community has clean and welcoming spaces to enjoy. This is a limited-service, non-benefited position with a maximum of 988 hours per fiscal year.

The City of Santa Maria is a full-service City with a City Council/City Manager form of government with over 700 employees, and serves approximately 108,000 constituents. The City of Santa Maria is located on the beautiful central coast of California and covers over 23 square miles. The City has a harmonious balance of maintaining coastal and agricultural lands while promoting business.

Santa Maria has been recognized nationally as an All-America City by the National Civic League and offers reasonably priced housing, community festivals, quality schools, and is in close proximity to beaches, cultural arts, a local airport, wineries, and higher education institutions.

The Department of Recreation and Parks' mission is to enrich the lives of the residents of Santa Maria through quality recreation programs and services; and to provide safe and well-maintained facilities and parks, while anticipating the changing needs of the community. The department operates 234 acres of developed parkland in 28 neighborhoods and community parks, part of the 1,774-acre Los Flores Ranch Park property, the Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center, and other community centers.

The department provides programs in aquatics, youth and adult sports. It also manages the City's Urban Forest Program.

These duties are a representative example; position assignments may vary depending on the business needs of the department and organization. Under general direction of assigned supervisor, this position performs a wide variety of semi-skilled tasks such as:

• Equipment Operation: Safely operate and maintain a variety of heavy machinery and power tools such as commercial mowers and high-pressure washers.
• Infrastructure Maintenance: Assist in the repair of park infrastructure, including fences, playground equipment, concrete walkways, and picnic structures.
• General Grounds Upkeep: Mow, trim, and edge lawns; weed planter beds; and clear brush or debris to keep parks and public spaces clean and safe.
• Janitorial Duties: Clean and sanitize park restrooms, empty public trash bins, and ensure picnic areas are tidy for community use.
• Tool & Vehicle Care: Use and maintain basic hand and power tools—like leaf blowers, weed eaters, and hedge trimmers—and perform regular safety checks on city vehicles.
• Event Support: Work closely with a crew to load/unload materials and set up tables, chairs, or barricades for local community events.
• Graffiti Abatement: Remove graffiti from park structures, signs, and walls using specialized cleaning chemicals, pressure washers, or by matching and applying fresh paint.
• Equipment Cleaning: Wash and debris-clear mowers, tractors, and hand tools after use to prevent rust and mechanical failure.

Supervision is not normally a responsibility of this classification, however, may act as lead worker for temporarily assigned employees, or special projects. The role is expected to provide the highest quality service in the most efficient, cost-effective and courteous manner possible. Work schedules vary and may include weekends, holidays, nights, and split shifts.

Ideal candidate is a hardworking and reliable professional with hands-on experience in facility maintenance, landscaping, or construction who takes pride in enhancing community spaces. They are a safety-conscious problem solver who possesses a strong team-oriented mindset and a commitment to maintaining the City of Santa Maria's high standards, all while upholding a positive and professional public image.

Core competencies include:

• Team Player - Effective performers are team oriented, share…