Senior Park Maintenance Worker (10-25)

Senior Park Maintenance Worker

Position will close after receipt of the first 100 applications or October 23, 2025, whichever occurs first.

Class specifications are only intended to present a descriptive summary of the range of duties and responsibilities associated with specified positions. Therefore, specifications may not include all duties performed by individuals within a classification. In addition, specifications are intended to outline the minimum qualifications necessary for entry into the class and do not necessarily convey the qualifications of incumbents within the position.

Definition : Under general supervision, leads and participates in the operation of the parks maintenance program; performs the full array of duties assigned to classes in the Park Maintenance Worker series, including skilled and semi-skilled work in the maintenance and repair of landscaped areas, parks, pools, and public facilities; leads parks maintenance crews in an assigned district; demonstrates a full understanding of all applicable policies, procedures, and work methods associated with assigned duties; performs other related duties as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics : The Senior Park Maintenance Worker is the lead class in the Park Maintenance Worker series. The incumbent performs lead supervisory duties, including assisting in the planning, assigning, and evaluation of the work of subordinates, giving recommendations on discipline, and providing training as required with the assistance of the Park Maintenance Supervisor. The Senior Park Maintenance Worker is also responsible for initiating corrective action as necessary to ensure acceptable performance and serves as acting Park Maintenance Supervisor when necessary. This classification differs from the next higher classification of Park Maintenance Supervisor in that the latter has overall supervisory responsibility for supervising parks maintenance crews across district lines.

Supervision Received / Exercised : Receives general supervision from the Park Maintenance Supervisor. Exercises functional, technical, and lead supervision over assigned staff.

Examples of Duties

Essential functions include but are not limited to the following :

• Leads, reviews, assigns, and performs the work of staff engaged in the maintenance and repair of landscaped areas, parks, fountains, pools, and related public facilities; participates or directs litter control; develops and implements crew assignments; inspects and reviews work methods, performance, and quality of work performed; conducts safety and training meetings; answers questions; evaluates and provides input and recommendations on employee evaluations; assumes responsibility for the more difficult and complex tasks.
• Recommends and reports service levels to the Supervisor; performs field observations to ensure compliance with department policies, practices, and City ordinances; prepares reports for the Supervisor related to division activities.
• Assigns, directs and participates in work required to plant, prune, and trim trees, shrubs, and annuals; in work required to clean floors, walks, and fixtures, and to paint building interiors and exteriors; and in the performance of minor repairs.
• Inspects all City parks for safety issues, turf, irrigation, and tree problems; checks all playground equipment and surfaces on a daily basis; removes and paints over graffiti; responds to work requests from various city Departments.
• Controls weeds mechanically or by use of restricted and non-restricted herbicides; maintains and reports records of herbicides, fertilizer, and pesticide usage, or directs such activity.
• Assigns, directs and performs decorative fountain and swimming pool maintenance; maintains water purity, boilers, filter systems, gas injection systems, and pool fixtures; directs and performs minor repairs to irrigation systems; monitors and programs controllers.
• Oversees and participates in the operation and maintenance of park maintenance equipment and / or machinery, including trucks, lifts, power tools, and equipment; ensures adherence to safe work methods, procedures, and practices; inspects division equipment and ensures compliance with department practices; responds to maintenance needs and schedules appropriate service and repair.
• Assists in the monitoring of contract services; inspects the work of private contract maintenance services providers.
• Responds to questions, concerns, and emergency calls from the general public; makes recommendations and / or takes appropriate action to resolve issues and problems; responds to inquiries about department policies, rules, regulations and City ordinances; establishes and maintains a customer service orientation within the work unit.
• Demonstrates a full understanding of applicable policies, procedures, and work methods associated with assigned duties; evaluates assigned work activities; estimates time, materials, and equipment necessary for the successful completion of assignments; acquires necessary resources as is appropriate.
• Participates and assists in the investigation of accidents involving subordinate personnel; writes performance evaluations using input from the Park Maintenance Supervisor; initiates minor disciplinary procedures.
• Enforces City ordinances governing use of parks facilities; calls police as needed; and provides liaison in the arrest of violators.
• Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, State / local agencies, City management and staff, and the public.
• Other duties include but are not limited to the following : Assists other Parks and Public Works divisions when required; answers emergency calls from the public and other agencies taking appropriate action.
• Physical, mental and environmental working conditions : Position requires sitting, standing, walking on level and slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, grasping, and making repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties. The position also requires both near and far vision when inspecting work and operating assigned equipment. The need to lift, carry and push tools, equipment and supplies weighing 50 pounds or more is also required. Additionally, the incumbent in this outdoor position works in all weather conditions, including wet, hot, and cold. The incumbent may use cleaning and lubricating chemicals, pesticides, or herbicides, which may expose the employee to fumes, dust, and air contaminants. The nature of the work also requires the incumbent to climb ladders, use power and noise producing tools and equipment, drive motorized vehicles and heavy equipment, work in heavy vehicle traffic conditions, and often work with constant interruptions. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.

Typical Qualifications

Qualifications : (The following are minimal qualifications necessary for entry into the classification.) Education and / or experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for a Senior Park Maintenance Worker. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess the equivalent of two years of responsible parks maintenance experience similar to that of a Parks Maintenance Worker II in the City of Whittier, and a high school diploma or equivalent, supplemented by specialized training in park and horticulture maintenance.

License / Certificate : Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid class B California driver's license. Must maintain DL 51A health certification and possession of California endorsements required to operate applicable City vehicles and / or equipment. Depending upon assignment, possession of a California Commercial or agricultural pesticide applicator license will be required.

Knowledge of : Practices, techniques, and methods of parks, landscapes, and related facilities maintenance, care, and repair; characteristics of healthy plant growth and plant diseases; practices and techniques for trees, shrubs, and turf trimming and maintenance; characteristics and proper application procedures for pesticides; operational and maintenance characteristics of different types of vehicles, equipment and tools used in fountain and pool maintenance; general plumbing and painting work; mechanics of irrigation, sprinkler, and swimming pool systems; methods and materials used in an effective weed abatement program; methods and techniques of supervision; proper methods of traffic control and delineation; applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations, including playground codes and park ordinances; methods and techniques of scheduling work assignments; basic principles of mathematics; record keeping; work independently and as part of a team; make sound decisions within established guidelines; analyze a complex issue, and develop and implement an appropriate response; follow written and oral directions; observe safety principles and work in a safe manner; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; and establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to : Lead and perform a wide variety of park, landscape, and related facilities repair and maintenance activities in an assigned district; operate a variety of hand and power tools, vehicles, and equipment used in parks maintenance; prune plants for the best effect; properly evaluate the health of trees, shrubs, and plants; estimate time and materials for completion of projects; perform heavy manual labor; lead, supervise, train, motivate, and evaluate assigned staff; respond to after hours call-outs as assigned; work independently and as part of a team; make sound decisions within established guidelines; analyze a complex issue, and develop and implement an appropriate response; mix and apply restricted herbicides and pesticides; read blueprints and plans; interpret, explain and apply applicable laws, codes and regulations; observe safety principles and work in a safe manner; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; and establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Skills to : Safely and effectively operate a variety of maintenance equipment, tools and materials.