Parks Grounds Assistant (Daily Service/Parks and Recreation Department)

Minimum Qualifications
Education and/or Equivalent Experience:

• One (1) year experience related to grounds keeping or general labor services

Licenses or Certifications:

• If assigned to operate vehicles, must possess the appropriate Texas Driver's License for those vehicles.

Notes to Applicants

The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department ( PARD ) provides, protects and preserves a park system that promotes quality recreational, cultural and outdoor experiences for the Austin community. Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more! Click HERE for more information.

The purpose of the Parks Grounds Assistant is to under close supervision, perform minor maintenance, minor construction and/or grounds keeping tasks in and around City parks grounds and recreational facilities.

Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Perform park grounds maintenance tasks such as litter and trash abatement.
• Perform cleaning and sanitizing of restroom and reservation facilities.
• Perform tree trimming and pruning. limb, and tree removal.
• Perform graffiti removal.

Application Instructions/Job Requirements:

• Application: A detailed, complete application is required, and applicants must include on their Employment Record all experience (work and/or volunteer) related to this job posting - up to 10 years or more; this will be used to determine your base compensation. Employment Record dates must include month and year. Verification of employment history dates on resume should match online Employment Application. Statements such as "See Resume" will not be accepted and a resume alone will not be accepted in lieu of a complete online application.
• Skills Assessments: Skills assessment(s) may be required as part of the recruitment process.
• Virtual Interviews: PARD may conduct virtual interviews.
• Military/Veteran: An applicant claiming Military/Veteran status must provide a copy of his or her DD-214(s), or valid comparable document, at the time of interview.
• Driving Requirement: This position requires a valid Texas Class "C" Operator's License or the ability to acquire one by your hire date. External New Hires must meet the City of Austin's Driver Record Evaluation ( DRE ) requisite . To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months.
• Physical Requirements: Tasks may involve bending, lifting, walking, carrying or using a force equal to lifting up to lifting up to thirty-five (35) pounds. Work environment includes inside, and outside environmental conditions, extreme temperatures, and hazards associated with equipment operation including fumes, oils, gases and mists. Must be physically and mentally able to communicate, respond and work with participant's needs and safety issues.

Other Information:

• 90 Day Provision for Additional Vacancy: This posting may be used to fill other vacancies in other divisions/work locations within the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department. Decisions on assigned selection will be made at the time of hire based on the business needs of the department.
• Travel: If you are selected for this position, and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program , you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.
• Tobacco and Vape-Free Workplace: PARD work site locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any PARD work site - including construction sites, parking lots, garages or in any personal vehicles located on the premises.

Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Experience:

• Experience providing Custodial and/or janitorial services in a park like setting.
• Experience with park ground custodial equipment as it relates to the position such as litter sticks, power washers, backpack blower, and chemical dispensers, etc.
• Experience assessing and reporting condition of park or work area for items such as cleanliness, damages, and/or safety issues
• Experience with responsibilities for the operation of fleet vehicles such as pre-trip inspection, gas card use, and/or reporting damages

Preferred Skill:

• Basic computer skills (e.g., checking and replying to emails, completing work orders).

Other:

• Ability to travel to more than one work location.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities
Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

1. Picks up litter and services restrooms.
2. Performs grounds keeping and grounds maintenance tasks.
3. Operates hand tools
4. Operates power tools
5. Assembles and dismantles portable stages and seating arrangements.
6. Performs routine cleaning of facilities.
7. Operates vehicles
8. Assists the public with questions/concerns.
9. Assists with graffiti or paint removal.

Responsibilities- Supervision and/or Leadership Exercised:
None
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of general grounds keeping processes, policies and procedures within the Parks and Recreation Department.
• Knowledge of equipment used in grounds keeping or other related work
• Knowledge of minor construction.
• Knowledge of city practice, policy and procedures.
• Knowledge of safety practices and procedures.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in planning and organizing.
• Ability to operate power tools.
• Ability to lift and carry equipment or materials applicable to the assigned work.
• Ability to read and follow floor plan sketches and diagrams.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other city employees and the public

Criminal Background Investigation This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation. EEO/ADA
City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS , AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

Information For City Employees: If you are an employee within the department, are in good standing and meet both the minimum and preferred qualifications, then you will receive an initial interview.