Park Maintenance Specialist-NR

Location: 301 Recreation Dr, Bolingbrook, IL 60440, United States Base Pay: $18.81 / Hour Job Category: FT Employee Type: FT Non-Exempt Required Degree: High school Manage Others: No Contact Information Email: View email address on click.appcast.io Description Park Maintenance Specialist – Natural Resources – Full Time Job Summary Under the supervision of the Natural Resources, Horticulture & Turf Manager, or designated supervisor, perform day‑to‑day restoration and management of naturalized areas and assist with landscaping and turf maintenance when needed. This position requires 90% fieldwork in the out‑of‑doors. Full Time Benefits Free membership to our Lifestyles Fitness Center and the Pelican Harbor Aquatic Park for employees and household members. 50% discount on eligible programs for employees and household members. Participation in mandatory pension fund with IMRF–Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund. Life insurance paid by the park district. Optional medical insurance from 5% to 15% of cost, depending on selections. Optional dental and vision insurance at 15% of cost, depending on selections. Paid vacation, sick, and personal time (PT for hourly staff only). 10 paid holidays, including 1 floating holiday. Optional supplemental insurances: life, accident, critical care, cancer, hospital, and whole life available during open enrollment. FSA healthcare & dependent care. 457 retirement plan (Security Benefits Group & Nationwide). Free CPR/AED training & certification. Employee recognition program. Access to employee self‑service payroll & timekeeping portals. Education, Experience & Training High school diploma or equivalent. Degree in related field preferred. At least two years of experience in a wide variety of manual labor activities. Must be licensed by the State of Illinois as a certified pesticide operator or become certified within 6 months of hiring. Must have a Chicago Wilderness burn certificate or become certified within 6 months of hiring. Valid driver’s license required; ability to drive a truck & trailer preferred. Class C non‑CLD driver’s license or ability to obtain within 6 months of hiring. Must be able to carry 50 lbs. for 25 yards. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Reasonable mechanical aptitude and interest in machinery and equipment used to maintain parks and natural areas, including herbicide packs, mowers, hedge trimmers, string trimmers, chippers, etc. Ability to properly identify native and invasive woody and herbaceous species in natural areas. Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions. Ability to use assorted hand tools such as rakes, shovels, hand saws, pole saws, pruners, etc. Ability to understand and follow both oral and written directions. Ability to work in all types of weather. Duties and Responsibilities Perform ecological restoration through brush/tree removal and invasive species management. Conduct prescribed burns of naturalized areas. Perform maintenance of landscaping. Plant trees, shrubs, and plugs; install seed. Mow, edge, and trim trails. Maintain the community gardens and Nature Play area. Spray herbicide with backpack sprayers and through mechanical application. Safely operate mechanical restoration equipment (brush cutters, chainsaws, skid steer pruners, etc.) as assigned. Water and weed gardens & natural areas. Tree felling and pruning. Maintain vehicle, tools, and equipment and report any need for repairs to direct supervisor. Abide by the Bolingbrook Park District dress code for area. Perform all job tasks within the rules and guidelines of the Park District’s safety program. Work as a team player with co‑workers and in conjunction with other departments. Marginal Duties Maintain and repair gravel and asphalt trails and pathways as directed. Remove trash from natural areas and along trails. Native seed collection, installation, and processing. Remove snow from walks, drives, lots, and trails. Assist with volunteer workdays. Attend staff meetings and in‑service training sessions. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor. Physical Requirements Walking: apply herbicides, pick up trash, mow and/or trim grass. Standing: watch over prescribed burns. Sitting: drive or ride in a vehicle; or while mowing grass. Lifting: lift and carry 50 lbs. for 25 yards while loading materials onto truck. Climbing: climb ladder while trimming trees; climb into the bed of vehicles. Pulling: remove weeds; drag branches, rake leaves, or fields and open doors. Pushing: mow grass, close doors, and shovel snow. Stooping/Bending: pick up litter. Seeing: drive a vehicle, mower, or other vehicle; obtain information from written materials. Will be required to use a variety of hand tools, power tools, and maintenance equipment. Will be exposed to all types of weather conditions, poison ivy, and biting or stinging insects. Will be exposed to smoke during prescribed burns. Cognitive Considerations Must have the ability to read and write in English and organize materials. Ability to drive a vehicle, construction equipment or powered lawn equipment. Must be able to relate to other people professionally. Must exhibit good safety awareness and judgement. FLSA This is a full‑time, hourly, non‑exempt position. IMRF This position is required to participate in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund. Hours Generally 6:30 am – 3:00 pm, Monday through Friday, but hours may change due to workload, special events or weather. May be required to work weekends. If changes occur, you will be notified by manager. On‑call evenings and weekends for seasonal snow removal. #J-18808-Ljbffr