Playground Equipment Safety Specialist (13039, Grade 16)

DescriptionTHIS IS A RE-ADVERTISEMENT. PREVIOUS APPLICANTS NEED NOT RE-APPLY.Are you highly organized with a keen eye for details?Are you creative and intuitive in your approach to multitasking?Do you enjoy using technology to seek out efficiencies?Are you passionate about ensuring safe, high-quality play environments?If this sounds like you, then the Montgomery County Department of Parks, Southern Parks Division, is where you want to be! We are actively seeking an experienced, detail-oriented, highly motivated teamplayer to join our Playground Unit as a Playground Equipment Safety Specialist in Potomac, MD. The Southern Parks Division meets both local and regional leisure needs by providing opportunities for a wide variety of outdoor recreational activities in the most densely populated areas of Montgomery County. The division manages over 200 parks, including Urban, Local, and Regional Parks. Included in these parks are almost 200 employees and 100 pieces of equipment to accomplish the Department’s mission.Under the general supervision of the Playground Program Manager, the successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring that playgrounds across the Montgomery County Parks system are equipped with the highest-quality equipment and remain safe for all park patrons. This role leads safety inspections, evaluates equipment condition, identifies hazards, and recommends corrective actions to maintain compliance with national safety standards. The Inspector partners closely with maintenance teams, vendors/contractors, and division-wide and departmental leadership to ensure playground environments are safe, well-maintained, and aligned with the County’s commitment to providing exceptional recreational spaces. Provides leadership and coordination for staff involved in the repair, maintenance, installation, and design alteration of play equipment. Ensures that work projects are performed completely and correctly. Drives (non-CDL) Commission vehicles to perform site inspections as required.The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is a six-time National Recreational and Parks Association Gold Medal Award Winner, has a career staff complement of nearly 800 employees, and serves a diverse population of more than one million residents in the Washington, DC area. We manage 419 parks on over 37,200 acres of parkland. Visit our website to learn more: http s://ww w .mon tgo meryparks.org/Please Note: The salary range listed above represents the earning potential for this position. Salary is commensurate with education and experience.Examples of Important DutiesOperationalConduct routine, detailed, and comprehensive inspections of playground equipment and surfacing throughout Montgomery County parks to ensure compliance with safety standards.Leads teams in conducting carpentry, masonry, welding, and design alterations, including repairing and replacing playground equipment components to meet U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) safety standards. Plans and sequences the detailed work steps needed to complete these tasks safely and effectively.Identify safety hazards, equipment defects, risks, and areas of non-compliance, and initiate timely recommendations for corrective actions or repairs.Support playground design, equipment selection, and planning efforts by providing expert safety insights and quality evaluations.Respond to urgent safety concerns or incidents involving playground equipment and provide recommendations to mitigate risks.Demonstrate strong observation skills, attention to detail, and a logical approach when assessing equipment and identifying hazards.Engage in creative and intuitive problem-solving, especially when prioritizing tasks or navigating multiple inspection sites and competing deadlines.Collaborate closely with maintenance teams, contractors/vendors, and program leadership to coordinate repairs, replacements, and safety improvements.AdministrativeAccurately document inspection findings, maintain detailed records, and prepare written inspection reports reflecting factual, thorough, and organized assessments.Enter, update, and assign EAM tickets to ensure maintenance tasks, repair actions, and work orders are properly tracked and completed.Utilize technology, including specialized inspection software, to collect, track, and report data efficiently.Perform P-Card purchasing for approved materials, supplies, and services, and complete monthly P-Card reconciliation in compliance with County financial policies.Apply superb written, verbal, organizational, and interpersonal skills while using office and enterprise software (MS Office, Access databases, scheduling systems, email tools, and research platforms).Interpret and understand item specifications, equipment drawings, inspection criteria, safety standards, tolerances, and quality-control requirements.Assist with developing, updating, and delivering playground safety protocols, inspection procedures, and training materials.Maintain strict confidentiality when working with sensitive documents, internal reports, or safety-related data.Demonstrate a cooperative spirit, strong work ethic, and the ability to collaborate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.Maintain the highest level of integrity and professionalism when conducting inspections and representing the organization.Preferred QualificationsStrong work ethic, reliability, and ability to work independently or as part of a team while managing time efficiently.The physical ability to constantly kneel, bend, twist, lift, and perform repetitive tasks.Possession of a current Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) certificationWorking ConditionsWorks in the field and office.Considerable driving. Exposed to varying weather conditions, heights, dirt, and welding torch and fumes.Ability to occasionally lift up to 100 pounds.AdditionalinformationWork Schedule: Monday – Friday, 6:00 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.Minimum QualificationsHigh School diploma or Certificate of General Educational Development (GED).Two (2) years of general trades experience and two (2) years of experience in playground equipment repair and installation.An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total four (4) years.Obtain within twelve (12) months of hire Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) certification.Valid driver's license in accordance with both State and Commission rules and regulations. Driver's licenses must be unencumbered by restrictions, revocations, suspensions, or points that could limit the employee's ability to drive Commission vehicles or perform driving duties required of their position.Pass Commission medical examination.Supplemental InformationClassification Specification Playground Equipment Safety SpecialistMay be subject to medical, drug and alcohol testing.Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply. A very flexible and competitive benefits package is available!Get to know Montgomery Parks and the opportunities available: https://www.montgomeryparks.org/about/divisions/The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate a workplace culture of diversity, equity and inclusion without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non-merit factor.Applicants with Disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act.If you require accommodations or special arrangements due to a qualifying disability, please notify the Recruitment & Selections Services Unit at the time of applications at or 301-454-1411 (Maryland Relay 7-1-1)M-NCPPC will make all efforts to reasonably accommodate you.