Do you like working in the outdoors? Do you have an interest and background in park maintenance? The City of Eugene Parks and Open Space Division is accepting applications for entry level employees interested in joining the Parks and Open Space Maintenance Team.
The ideal candidate has ability to resolve conflicts, has a "can-do" attitude with excellent customer service skills, has good communication skills, has a strong work ethic and is a motivated self-starter, with the ability to make logical, sound decisions while working in a positive team environment. A variety of maintenance, installation, and repair duties will be assigned and may involve the operation of a variety of equipment supporting park system operations. All duties involve either working independently, or in a team situation.
Department/Division: Public Works Department / Parks and Open Space Division
Supervisor: David Phillips, 541 682-4935
Salary Range: $23.51 - $29.29 / hourly; $48,900.80 - $60,923.20 / annually
Effective 7/1/2024 AFSCME positions will receive a 4% COLA increase.
The City of Eugene determines starting pay within the range based on relevant education and experience as provided by the applicant in their application materials. This process is consistent with the Oregon Equal Pay Act (OEPA). You can learn more about our process at our How to Apply page.
Benefits: Please click the Benefits Tab to view the City of Eugene’s competitive package options.
Supervisor: David L. Phillips, 541 682-4935
Location: 1820 Roosevelt Blvd., Eugene
Work Schedule: Shift hours are currently M-F 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. This position may be required to work stand-by assignment on rotational basis and report to work on callback as needed throughout the course of the year.
Application Deadline: Monday, July 22, 2024 - 5:00 p.m.
Accepting on-line applications only.
**NOTE: Employees hired in an entry level position are assigned to a specific Public Works Parks crew and are required to participate in a two-year cross-training program. During this period, employees will rotate to other operation crews within the Parks & Open Space Division. After an employee has successfully completed all rotations and demonstrated basic proficiency levels in each skill area, an employee's position will be eligible to flex to the semi-skilled/skilled Park Specialist 2 level. Park Specialist 2 salary - $24.58 - $30.58 / hourly; $51,126.40 - $63,606.40 / annually. (Effective 7/1/2024 AFSCME positions will receive a 4% COLA increase.)**
Examples of Duties Performed - Duties may include but are not limited to the following
Performs routine grounds keeping, restroom maintenance, graffiti removal, illegal camp clean-up.
Prunes/trims trees, cleanup of tree debris including chipping brush, raking limbs and brush, sawing felled trees into logs.
Maintains ornamental and natural resource areas by pruning, raking, fertilizing, weeding, invasive species removal, and mulching.
Maintains turf by trimming, mowing, edging, and fertilizing; monitors watering of turf and grounds; assists with repairs and maintenance of irrigation components such as lateral pipes, sprinklers, and valve boxes.
Performs janitorial duties to maintain park facilities such as: cleaning restrooms and picnic shelters; emptying park trash receptacles and picking up park litter.
Operates and services small to medium-sized vehicles and equipment used in tree maintenance, park grounds, and park facilities.
Assists with pruning and removal of trees on City streets and in parks. Assists with caring for, planting, and transplanting trees and shrubs.
Assists with re-development of garden and landscape, and wetland and natural resource areas; tills ground, plants seeds, and perennials.
Actively supports and respects diversity, equity and inclusion in the work place.
Equipment used may include, but is not limited to: tractors, chainsaws, blowers, line trimmers, edgers, chippers, front end loader, stump grinders, mowers, as well as hand and power tools.
Respond to Emergency Storm situations.
Provide excellent customer service; work with the public to generate voluntary compliance with park rules. May lead work of seasonal employees and volunteers at work site.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Park infrastructure and janitorial duties:
Maintains and repairs park fixtures such as benches, tables, play structures and surfaces, signs, and trash cans; responsible for cleaning park restrooms and amenities, garbage and litter patrol, and illegal camp cleanup.
Landscape management duties:
Maintains planting areas in and around City parks and facilities, street medians, and floral gardens. Examples of duties include: weeding, mulching, planting, pruning, brush chipping, traffic control and work zone setup, and litter pick up.
Turf management duties:
Responsible for maintaining the developed parks' turf and irrigation systems, sports fields, medians, and floral gardens. Examples of duties include: mowing, edging, blowing, sprinkler adjustments and minor repairs, sports fields layout and marking, and garbage and litter patrol.
Tree maintenance duties:
Responsible for maintaining trees in the City's parks; responds to service requests and hazardous trees and limbs. Example of duties include: brush chipping, flagging, raking limbs, and assisting with trimming trees.
Qualifications
Any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes with relevant transferrable skills from a variety of sources and experiences.
The City will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.
A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience:
One-year manual work in groundskeeping, parks and/or natural area maintenance or building maintenance.
License or Certificate:
Valid Oregon driver's license, or ability to obtain by date of hire; must pass driving records check and, if hired, maintain a driving record that meets the City's standard. Oregon law requires that an out-of-state license holder must obtain a valid Oregon license (with appropriate endorsements) within 30 days of becoming domiciled in the state (ORS 803.355).
Ability to obtain, and maintain, a valid Oregon State Class "A" commercial driver's license with appropriate endorsements within one year of hire date.
Oregon Public Pesticide Applicators license may be required depending on assignment.
The Ideal Candidate will possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
Knowledge of:
Park Maintenance and grounds maintenance principles, practices, materials, and equipment.
Practices involved in park grounds, landscapes, or building maintenance.
Basic principles and practices of horticulture.
Safety rules and identification of safety hazards.
Ability to:
Perform manual parks-maintenance related duties in areas of assignment.
Safely operate vehicles, trailers, and other specialized equipment involved in parks maintenance.
Work independently, or as part of a team.
Provide excellent customer service. Follow oral and written instructions.
Perform limited mechanical, plumbing, and carpentry repairs.
Read maps and construction drawings.
Select, propagate, and care for plants.
Maintain accurate records.
Recognize noxious and invasive plants.
Learn new tasks and equipment operations as required.
Perform strenuous physical work outdoors in varying weather conditions, sometimes in confined spaces and uncomfortable conditions.
Identify hazards and perform all work to established safety practices.
Provide and wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required.
Communicate effectively and courteously with City employees and the public to establish effective working relationships.
Be available and respond to emergency call-backs as necessary.
Use computers for time and task tracking, email, training, etc.
Supplemental Information
Physical Requirements/Working Conditions
Work is typically performed outdoors in field environment with exposure to all weather conditions including travel from site to site and indoors within various building facilities. May be exposed to sharp objects/needle sticks, insect/bites, moving objects/vehicles, dust/noise/vibration, hostile people, smoke/fumes/odors, gasses, cramped quarters, inclement weather conditions, slippery surfaces, toxic/caustic chemicals, and hazardous waste. Use and operation of City vehicle, variety of hand/power tools, back pack blowers, pressure washers, chain saws, hoses, irrigation equipment, mowers, motorized carts, equipment trailers, tractors, backhoe, and dump truck. As needed, will be required to wear respirator, goggles, face shield, safety shoes, gloves, rain gear, hearing protection, dust mask, hard hat, and other PPE equipment.
What to Expect from our Selection Process: Applicants are screened based upon their relevant knowledge, abilities, skills, experience, and training. The selection process varies according to the position and can include such things as screening of supplemental questionnaires, written or skill tests, ability or fitness tests, interviews, and assessment processes. In addition, background investigations and records checks may be required. Some positions also require applicants to have a psychological evaluation and/or physical examination and a drug test prior to employment. Marijuana use is evaluated consistent with current state law regulations. PLEASE NOTE: Once the posting closes, the process can take 4-6 weeks to complete.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The City of Eugene is committed to a respectful work environment. We value the cultural, educational, and life experiences of each employee. We believe that a diverse workforce enables us to deliver culturally responsive services to all members of our community. As part of our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion we desire to welcome, respect, and create a sense of belonging for a wide range of identities and experiences in our workforce. Women, people with disabilities, and persons of color are strongly encouraged to apply.
The City of Eugene complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Any applicant with a qualified disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request accommodation by contacting an employment coordinator at (541) 682-5061.
In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the City of Eugene will request all eligible candidates who accept employment with the City to provide documentation to prove they are eligible for employment in the United States.