Parks Specialist I

Join our City of Oak Harbor team to help build a legacy of commitment to excellence in diversity, equity, and inclusion in our vibrant waterfront community.DescriptionPerform the regular and recurring maintenance, installation and/or repair work in a highly visible environment with responsibility for rounds, mowing, weeding, day-to-day custodial, maintenance and improvement of parks, trails, grounds, landscaping, and recreation facilities. Assist with construction and remodeling projects and equipment operations, as well as assisting on special events and other functions as assigned.Essential Job FunctionsWork activities involve multiple skills and may include, but are not limited to, any or all the following depending on area of assignment, operational necessity, emergency services, special projects, and seasonal factors:Attend morning meetings and other startup activities. Help safety check equipment, tools, and vehicles.Plant and maintain grass turf areas, trees and shrubs as directed. Pull weeds, prune shrubs, mow grass and edge sidewalks.Provide general care of trees, shrubs, flowers and turf consisting of planting, pruning, watering, fertilizing, and weed control in parks and other designated areas according to schedule.Rake and maintain park fields as assigned. Maintain and repair ball fields including fencing, play equipment and restroom facilities.Assist in application of pre-mixed fertilizers, insecticides and other chemicals to turf areas, trees, and shrubs as directed and authorized. Assist in mixing applications.Assist in building and inspecting park facilities and equipment. Make authorized repairs as necessary.Assist in installing, repairing, and maintaining sprinkler systems, perform cleaning and line testing.Assist in constructing new parks and landscaped areas.Assist in performing project work involving painting, pouring concrete, replacing windows and signs, installing fences, plumbing and basic electrical repairs.Maintains playground equipment for public safety.Monitors irrigation systems performance and makes repairs. Performs trash removal, janitorial duties, and other related duties.Help plan, setup and clean parks facilities and playgrounds for special events.Perform snow removal tasks utilizing various machinery and hand tools.Perform parks rounds duties such as cleaning and maintaining kitchen and restroom facilities, litter control and garbage pick-up, light replacements, inspections and keeping supervisors informed of work needs.Operate a wide variety of equipment including hand tools, power tools and specialized equipment to gain proficiency or perform job duties.Respond to questions from the public in a courteous manner within your scope of knowledge or refer to appropriate parties.Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers, other departments and the general public using good judgment to resolve customer complaints in a positive and timely manner using tact and courtesy.Associated Functions:Attend various workshops, continuing education, meetings, seminars, conferences, on-the-job training sessions, and vendor workshops.Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.Qualifications & RequirementsPerformance Requirements (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities):To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required, with or without reasonable accommodation.Knowledge of park and landscape maintenance, plant care, irrigation, herbicide application, athletic field preparation, janitorial, construction, irrigation, electricity, and plumbing.Skills in spelling, grammar, vocabulary, punctuation, and mathematics.Ability to learn and retain information pertaining to numerous parks locations and facilities.Ability to follow oral instructions and read and interpret written instructions.Ability to communicate verbally or in writing.Ability to perform basic computer data entry and retrieval functions.Ability to perform work independently in accordance with sound safety practices.Ability to cooperate with other division employees to foster a positive team atmosphere.Ability to maintain daily log and write reports.Ability to utilize a variety of hand and small power operated tools, vehicles, and equipment.Ability to learn to proficiently operate specialized equipment such as sprayers, sprinklers, chain saws, portable asphalt/concrete saws, gas powered compactor, tractor mowers, boom mowers, single and tandem axle dump trucks, trailers, tractors, front end loaders and backhoes.Qualifications & RequirementsAn equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential job functions may be considered. High school graduation or GED equivalent. One (1) year of general labor or building experience, with customer service duties and problem solving. Must pass comprehensive background check prior to hire. Valid driver’s license and must provide a driver’s abstract with a good driving record to be maintained during employment.Preferred Qualifications Continued education, certification or training in horticulture, turf care, arboriculture, electrical, irrigation, parks & recreation, or other environmental studies.Orientation And OnboardingWithin six (6) months of hire must obtain and maintain the following requirements: CPR/AED and First Aid certification Flagging, traffic control and safety certificationWorking Environment & Physical DemandsThe physical demands and characteristics of the work environment described here are representative of those occurring in the performance of the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.Work is typically performed outdoors in all types of weather conditions. Work requires manual dexterity, hearing and visual acuity, and the ability and stamina to perform heavy manual labor during a work shift. Work requires crawling, climbing, bending, twisting, stooping, kneeling, operating equipment and moving items in excess of 50 pounds. Work may involve exposure to hazardous chemicals or bloodborne pathogens and requires appropriate safety precautions.Weekend coverage and after-hours response to situations and emergencies will be required as well as special event coverage as necessary.Safety StatementWe expect employees to ensure compliance with all applicable safety practices and policies, including those established by OSHA/DOSH regulations and the City’s Accident Prevention Program (APP). This includes, but is not limited to, actively identifying, and correcting potential hazards that may affect employee and public safety, including those identified by co-workers. Leading by example to promote a positive culture of workplace safety through everyday action, emphasizing safe completion of work throughout all aspects of developing and carrying out work plans.The City of Oak Harbor is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment regardless of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability or any other status protected by law.The City of Oak Harbor offers a generous benefit package to our employees that include:Vacation and Sick Leave AccrualSick leave accrual is 8 hours per month.Full-time employees receive vacation accrual on the following schedule.Years of Service Vacation Accrual Rate0 to 5 years - 8 hours/month 6 to 10 years - 10 hours/month 11 to 15 years - 13.33 hours/month16 to 20 years - 15 hours/month 21 plus years - 16.66 hours/ month The vacation accrual rate for a part-time employee shall be pro-rated as a percentage of the full-time rate.Holiday PayThe City provides eleven (11) paid holidays per year plus two (2) floating holiday of your choice (total of thirteen (13) days).Medical InsuranceA choice from three options is provided through the Association of Washington Cities (AWC).Kaiser $200 Deductible Health Plan, Regence High Deductible Health Plan (with a City funded HSA)Regence HealthFirst 250 Health Plan.The City pays 100% of the premium for a full time, regular employee (32 hours or more) and 90% of the premium for spouse and dependent children.Part time employees who work 20 hours or more per week are eligible for full benefits but must pay for spouse and dependents coverage.Vision InsuranceVision Service Plan -The City provides a paid family vision plan which covers a yearly exam per person and a portion of vision hardware (frames, lenses and contacts) depending upon the use of accepted network providers.Dental InsuranceWashington Dental Service/DELTA is preventive, incentive-based dental coverage provided through Association of Washington Cities, and pays as follows: 70-100% preventive, 70-100% basic, and 50% major dental to a maximum of $2000/person/year. Included is an orthodontic rider for children of 50% orthodontic expenses to a maximum of $1000 per child/lifetime. The City pays 100% of the premium for a fulltime, regular employee and 90% of the premium for spouse and dependent children.Part time employees who work 20 hours or more per week are eligible for full benefits but must pay for spouse and dependents coverage.Washington State Retirement ProgramsRequired pension plan for all City employees.PERS (Public Employee Retirement System) plans 2 or 3 is for all general City employees.LEOFF (Law Enforcement Officers and Firefighters) plan 2 is for safety service employees.PSERS plan 2 is for Public Safety Service Officers (Corrections Officers).Employee contribution rates (% of gross income) vary for the plans. The City makes a contribution as well.Basic Life Insurance & Long Term DisabilityThe City pays for a $50,000 basic group life insurance policy as well as a long term disability policy for employee only through Standard Insurance Company.Wellness ProgramThe City of Oak Harbor is committed to promoting employee health and wellness, and offers a Wellness Program with fun and varied activities where regular employees can earn points to qualify for a wellness day off.Employee Assistance ProgramFree, professional and confidential counseling is available through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) via ComPsych. EAP is available to the employee and their immediate family, including their dependent children and anyone living in their household. Guidance counselors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to arrange an appointment with a qualified counselor in your area. Visit the EAP page for more information.Other Benefit Options Include The FollowingVoluntary Group Life Insurance- in addition to our life insurance policy this is a self-paid option.Deferred Compensation Plan – Mass Mutual or Wash State DCP- in addition to our city offered pension plan, this is a self-paid option.Colonial Life & Disability – This is a self-paid individual and/or family coverage for Cancer Care, Short Term Disability, Life, Accident, Critical Illness and moreFlexible Spending Account (FSA)- Pre-Tax deductions (IRS 125 Flexible Spending Account) for unreimbursed medical expenses and/or dependent day careHealth Savings Account (HSA)- Funded by the City, $3,500 individual, $7,000 family per year. Must be on the Regence High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)01Do you have a high school diploma or GED equivalent?YesNo02Do you currently hold a certification in flagging, traffic control and safety? If not, are you willing to obtain within 6 months?YesNoNo, but willing to obtain within 6 months03How many years of general labor or building experience do you have?0-1 years2-4 years5+ years Required Question