Parks Grounds Specialist (Austin Parks and Recreation)

Job Description:

Parks Grounds Specialist (Austin Parks and Recreation)

Description

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. Our guiding principles-Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchor our approach in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austin residents. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

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• Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
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• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
  
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• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
• Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments designed to foster collaboration and inspiration.
  

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

The purpose of the Parks Grounds Specialist position is to assist in the maintenance of the City of Austin sports fields and disc golf courses. Other relevant duties include but are not limited to:

Perform sports field and grounds keeping maintenance tasks.

Drive a truck and trailer combo.

Perform park grounds maintenance tasks such as litter abatement, removing down tree limbs, removing paint and graffiti, servicing special events and other duties as assigned.

Operates department maintenance equipment, and hand tools

Performs safety inspections and addresses deficits.

Drives City of Austin service vehicles.

Assist the general public with questions/concerns.

Job Description:

Purpose:

Under general supervision, this position performs specialized maintenance, construction, and/or grounds keeping tasks in and around park grounds and recreational facilities.

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.

• Performs skilled and semi-skilled grounds maintenance tasks.
  
• Performs minor and major repairs
  
• Performs general concrete work.
  
• Operates department equipment
  
• Operates hand tools.
  
• Performs safety inspections and addresses deficits.
  
• Drives service vehicles.
  
• Removes graffiti or paint.
  
• Assists the public with questions and concerns.
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

• May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.
  

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 (PARD).
  
• Knowledge of assigned areas (E.g., hike and bike trail surfaces, athletic fields, equipment, etc.).
  
• Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of assigned equipment and vehicles.
  
• Knowledge of City practice, policy, and procedures.
  
• Knowledge of safety practices and procedures.
  
• Skill in oral and written communication.
  
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
  
• Skill in planning and organizing.
  
• Ability to operate power tools.
  
• Ability to lifting and carry equipment or materials applicable to the work being performed.
  
• Ability to train and lead others.
  
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent plus two (2) years experience related to grounds keeping or general labor services, at least one (1) year of which is in the assigned area of specialization.
  
• Experience may substitute for education up to four (4) years.
  

Licenses and Certifications Required:

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

Preferred Qualifications:

Preferred Experience:

• Experience in maintaining , mowing and servicing sport athletic fields.
  
• Experience with concrete and forms.
  
• Experience driving a truck and trailer combination, and other utility vehicles such as Gators, EZGO’s and similar equipment.
  
• Experience using skid steers, tractors, implements, and large area mowers.
  
• Experience maintaining open areas such as disc golf course areas.
  

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with computer/tablet to include logging into network, sending/receiving emails, use of work order systems, and use of Microsoft TEAMS.
  

Other:

• Ability to travel to more than one work location.
  

Notes to Candidate:

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.

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” Driver’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: 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:

• Travel: If you are selected for this position and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you will drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.
• 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.
• Tobacco and Vape-Free Workplace: All 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.

Salary Range : $22.22 - $24.77 per hour.

Work Location:

Kreig Softball Complex - 515 S. Pleasant Valley Road

Work Schedule:

• Monday - Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Weekends may be required.
• May be required to work during special events, and occasional holidays.
• Work schedule and location is subject to change based on department needs and programs.
• May be required to work during City emergencies such as extreme weather events.

Important Note to Applicants:
Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.

We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

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.

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.

Closing Date/Time: 2025-09-23