Senior Groundsperson

This position is responsible for operations, maintenance and construction of parks, facilities, and public grounds.

Principal Accountabilities:

• Responsible for a variety of skilled and semi-skilled tasks in one or more of the following trades/skills: carpentry, plumbing, electrical, painting, mechanical, equipment operations, and horticulture.
• Responsible for the safety, cleanliness, and orderly appearance of parks, facilities, and public grounds.
• Responsible for proper use and maintenance of all tools, equipment, and vehicles.
• Coordinate, record, and verify field activities at crew level, and ensure staff safety in a variety of maintenance/construction/landscaping activities.

• Landscape City properties including designing planting plans, ordering trees, planting flowers, trees, and shrubbery. Monitor planted material for health and appearance. Prune trees and shrubs.
• Operate vehicles, equipment, and a variety of hand and small power tools as required to support park operations.
• Installation and repair of park facilities and amenities using skills in carpentry, plumbing, electrical, painting, cement finishing, and mechanical skills.
• Perform routine service and maintenance (sharpening, lubricating, cleaning, etc.) on mowers and other equipment.
• Maintain and repair irrigation and drainage systems.
• Install brick and cement walkways, stairways, and park benches. Assemble and erect equipment such as swing sets, basketball hoops, etc.
• Cleaning of City facilities and parks including removing garbage and waste from public spaces and cleaning restrooms and other facilities.
• Perform repairs and preventative maintenance to City docks, buildings, pools, and other City facilities and equipment.
• Perform sports field maintenance over sanding, fertilizing, grass seeding, dragging, and leveling infields, mowing, watering, etc.
• Perform licensed pesticide applications utilizing Integrated Pest Management best practices. Ensure proper documentation and records are created and maintained appropriately.
• Accurately record work performed, including materials, hours, and equipment utilized in the City's asset management software.
• Performs interment duties at the City's Cemetery.
• Direct the work of Groundspersons and seasonal/contingent employees.

• Performs functions as assigned in the City's emergency response plan in the event of an emergency.
• Act as Parks Lead in that person's absence.
• Support Leadperson with the training and development of Groundspersons and seasonal/contingent employees.
• Monitor work performance of Groundspersons and seasonal/contingent employees.
• Provide input to the Park Lead on operational matters.
• Inspect playgrounds.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot pool mechanical systems.
• Monitor inventory of supplies and materials and inform appropriate staff of the need to purchase reorder as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Ability to coordinate field operations and crew responsibilities.
• Ability to identify and correct safety concerns.
• Ability to operate equipment associated with park operations and train less experienced staff in the operation of said equipment in a safe and efficient manner.
• Ability to deal effectively with the public and park user groups.
• Operation of basic hand power tools.
• Ability to work independently.
• Positively interact with the public and park user groups, including working with volunteer groups.
• Must be able to deliver high quality service/products in a fast paced, efficient manner.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: High School diploma or GED.
• Experience: 4 years of experience in park maintenance, construction, or closely related field.
• Or: In place of the above requirements, the incumbent may possess any combination of relevant education and experience which would demonstrate the individual's knowledge, skill, and ability to proficiently perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above.

• Must have a valid Washington State Commercial Driver's License with a Class A with air brake endorsement or must obtain within 12 months of hire (training paid by the City, license endorsement paid by the employee). Must have the ability to remain insurable under the City's insurance to operate motor vehicles.
• Must be able to acquire and maintain appropriate professional certifications based on the specific team which position is assigned.

Physical Demands and Working Environment:

• Position works outdoors in all conditions, including inclement weather.
• Must be able to climb in and out of trenches, excavation, and construction equipment, and work at heights and on ladders.
• Must be able to lift and move bulky items weighing up to 50 pounds.
• This position operates a variety of equipment which are loud and vibrate while in operation.

Position requires a resume and cover letter for consideration of application. Please note how you meet minimum qualifications within the cover letter. Applicants who are selected for next steps in the hiring process will be invited by phone or e-mail. Candidates are encouraged to apply at the earliest possible date as screening, interviewing, and hiring decisions will be made through the recruitment period, until such time as the vacancy is filled. First review of applicants will be 15 days after original posting date.

The City of Kirkland is a welcoming community where every person can thrive and grow. We value diversity, inclusion, belonging, and work together to support our community. We do this by solving problems, focusing on the customer, and respecting all people who come into the City whether to visit, live, or work. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to creating a workforce that does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. We encourage qualified applicants of all backgrounds and identities to apply to our job postings. Persons with a disability who need reasonable accommodations in the application or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call 425-587-3210 or Telecommunications Device for the Deaf at 711.