Parks Maintenance Mowing Technician

Job Description

Job Description

If fresh air, teamwork, and a freshly cut lawn sounds like a good day, this might be the job for you!

The Mowing Technician supports the care and upkeep of our park’s green spaces with a focus on mowing operations. We’re looking for candidates who bring experience and a working knowledge of mowing equipment and practices to help keep our parks looking their best.

We strongly encourage candidates that are hard-working, prompt, responsible, able to work independently and with a team, and have a willingness to learn, to apply for this position.

Check out our amazing full-time employee benefits in the About Us section below the job description. We are hiring for one position at either a Tech 1 or a Tech 2 level, see descriptions and pay below. Apply today and grow your career with us!Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesTechnician 1 - pay is up to $26.12 per hour

• Complies with District and industry related safety policies, procedures, and guidelines to ensure the safety of self, co-workers, park users and the community.
• Park related maintenance including but not limited to; care of plant material, maintenance of park infrastructure, landscape projects, various equipment operation, minor construction projects, litter control, weed eradication, shelter and restroom cleaning, rule enforcement, snow removal, sidewalk sweeping, and assists with special events.
• Operate and maintain specialized equipment and tools as listed below under “Tools and Equipment Used.”
• Fundamental knowledge of plant care and associated maintenance, including the application of pesticides.
• Assists other Sections as needed such as Facilities, Fleet, Open Space, Parkways, Recreation, Sports Fields, Forestry and Park Services.
• Fulfills alternate duties and responsibilities as required or assigned by Supervisor.

This position’s area of emphasis is Mowing ,  and the associated duties include, but are not limited to:

• All aspects of mowing operations.
• Ensuring proper maintenance and care of mowing equipment.
• Driving truck and trailer combinations and adequately securing contents.
• Thoroughly train and monitor seasonal employees.
• Properly track and securely store all mowing related equipment.
• Maintain alert and awareness of park users and park programming.
• Assist in identifying, researching, and recommending mowing equipment replacements.

Technician 2 - pay is up to $30.24

In addition to the above.

• Create/accept work orders through Asset Essentials and navigate AE software appropriate for position.
• Assigned member of the snow crew, for the snow removal program and adjust schedule in response to snow events. This may include weekend and overnight hours operating snow removal equipment.
• Special projects, tasks and responsibilities specific to mowing may be assigned.
• Serves as a member of various employee committees and planning teams as assigned.
• Identifies and suggests actions as necessary to ensure a safe experience for park visitors and protecting District resources and facilities.

Education, Experience and QualificationsTechnician 1

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Two years’ progressive experience in park or turf maintenance.
• Any equivalent combination of vocational training and experience.
• Must hold a valid driver’s license and maintain a satisfactory driving record.
• Obtain valid State of Colorado Pesticide Applicators license within six months of hire.

Technician 2

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• High School graduate or completion of G.E.D.
• Three years’ progressive experience in irrigation, turf maintenance or landscaping trades.
• Any equivalent combination of vocational training and experience.
• Must hold a valid driver’s license and maintain a satisfactory driving record.
• Possession of a valid State of Colorado Pesticide Applicators license.
• Working knowledge of equipment, materials, and supplies used in general landscaping projects and grounds maintenance.
• Certified in first aid and CPR.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Working knowledge of equipment, materials, and supplies used in landscaping and grounds maintenance; working knowledge of equipment and supplies used to do minor repairs; working knowledge of first aid and applicable safety precautions.
• Fundamental knowledge of plant care and associated maintenance, including the application of pesticides.
• Ability to work independently and to complete daily activities according to work schedule as well as follow and implement written and verbal instructions.
• Must be able to lift heavy objects, walk and stand for long periods of time, and to perform strenuous physical labor under adverse field conditions.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to train and supervise seasonal staff.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, other departments, contractors, officials and the public and work with people from diverse backgrounds and points of view as part of a team.
• Represent the District in a professional manner.
• Ability to perform the essential duties listed above.
• Must be available to respond to on-call emergency irrigation issues within 60 minutes of notification.
• Must be available to respond to on-call snow removal duties within 60 minutes of notification.

Supervision Received

Works under the direct supervision of the Parks Maintenance Supervisor and receives directions from Tech 3 and 4's on projects and tasks as assigned.

Supervision Exercised

Supervise seasonal or volunteer employees as required and assigned.

Work Schedule

Generally, the schedule is 6:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday with the possibility of 4-10s during the mowing season from 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The work schedule will vary depending on weather conditions, projects, events, programs, meetings, and staffing levels, and will include some evening, early morning, weekend, and overtime hours.

This position is part of the Metro District’s on-call snow removal schedule working nights and weekends as scheduled by the snow removal leader.

Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of the job.

Tools and Equipment Used

High-pressure washer, pruning tools, chain saw, chipper, trencher, pickup truck with automatic/manual transmission, trailers and water truck. Lawn and landscape equipment including tractors, mowers, aerators, edgers, weed trimmers, gas powered shears, roto tillers, two-cycle engines, seeders, sprayers, spreaders, utility vehicles, sweepers, plows, blowers, electric motors, pumps, sprinklers, irrigation systems, miscellaneous hand and power tools for turf maintenance, carpentry, painting, plumbing, electrical, and cement finishing work, valves, filtration devices, gauges, etc. Operation of motor vehicles in tight spaces.

Computers, cell phone, Microsoft products (Excel, Outlook, etc.), web and database software, and desk phone. General office equipment such as multi-function printer scanner copier, desk phone, calculator, etc. 

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and smell.

The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. 

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions and near moving mechanical parts. The employee frequently works in high, precarious places, and is exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to the risk of electrical shock.

The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

Selection Guidelines

Formal applications, rating of education and experience; panel interview(s) and reference check; job related tests might be required.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

The Metro District is dedicated to the principles of the Equal Employment Opportunity Act and prohibits unlawful discrimination against applicants based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age over 40, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity. 

About Us

The Highlands Ranch Metro District, as the local government in our community, is committed to providing the following high-quality municipal services while managing resources wisely for Highlands Ranch such as; construction of major roads, installation and maintenance of landscaping and fences adjacent to major roads, installation of traffic signals and street lights on major roads, construction and maintenance of parks and trails, youth and adult outdoor recreation and sports programs, management and maintenance of extensive natural open space areas and so much more.

Our Benefits

We prioritize your well-being and recognize the importance of a work/life balance by offering outstanding benefits:

Health & Retirement!

• 100% paid employee-only medical insurance premiums
• 100% paid employee-only dental & vision insurance premiums
• 100% paid life and accidental death & dismemberment insurance premiums
• 100% contribution match for the pension plan
• Up to 6% employer contribution for the optional retirement plan

Work/life Balance! 

• 80 hours of earned vacation per year, increasing after 5 years
• 80 hours of annual sick leave
• 32 hours of annual personal leave
• 10 (8 hour) paid holidays
• 200 hours of medical leave with certification

Wellness & Improvement!

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support, guidance, and resources for employees and their families.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options for additional medical expenses.
• Up to $2,000 a year for education reimbursement.
• Highlands Ranch Community Association recreation center pass for a discounted fee. 

Saving, Planning & Other!

• Optional 457 deferred compensation plan to help employees plan for their retirement.
• Generous stipend for personal cell phone.
• Discounts for employees on over 1,000 products and services.

Application Information

Pre-employment screening includes a background check, illegal substances screening and motor vehicle record review.

We will be accepting applications for at least two weeks or until the position is filled.

Submit applications at highlandsranch.org/apply or if viewing this posting from our career center, click "Apply" below.

This is a full-time position working 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday between 6:30am and 3:00pm. Work schedules will vary depending on time of year, weather conditions, projects, events, programs, meetings, and/or staffing levels, and will include some evening, early morning, weekend, and overtime hours. Schedule may vary seasonally. This position is a part of the 24-hour on-call snow crew and will be scheduled for a period of two weeks at least four times per year with a 60-minute arrival window.