Parks Maintenance Specialist - Irrigation Tech

Positions assigned to this class perform a variety of the more difficult and responsible unskilled and semi-skilled construction, maintenance and related service activities within the Parks and Recreation Department to ensure the cleanliness and safety of parks and City facilities. May require a Pool Operator Certification. May act as maintenance team leader. Emphasis skilled special recreation facilities/equipment maintenance and/or irrigation.

Essential Duties

The following are intended to describe core work functions of this classification. While the level and broad nature of essential duties may not change, specific work tasks may vary over time depending on the City’s needs.

• Plant, water and maintain landscaped areas; water, mow, weed, trim, renovate and fertilize turf; trim and prune trees and shrubs; stake trees; clear debris from walks, fields, courts and other facilities; empty trash receptacles, maintain and clean restrooms; apply herbicides, fungicides and pesticides; maintain record of fertilizers and chemicals used.

• Monitor public areas to remove safety hazards; inspect and repair playground equipment, picnic tables, barbecues and other parks equipment and facilities; ensure proper maintenance of facilities and recreational areas; respond to requests and inquiries from the general public.
• Perform a variety of duties in the construction maintenance and repair of the City’s irrigation system; change and adjusts head, valves and other components; maintain and program controllers; may be assigned to lead a team in irrigation system installation, landscape and maintenance projects.
• Perform a variety of duties in the construction, repair and maintenance of the City’s Trails and Open Space areas and facilities, involving trail building, trail maintenance, fence repairs and special projects. 
• Perform construction, maintenance, repair, and preparation work on the City’s Rodeo Grounds facility: arena and event preparation, building maintenance, site maintenance and landscaping, arena and holding pen repair and maintenance. 
• Perform construction, maintenance and repair work involving concrete, drainage structures, retaining walls, pipelines, masonry, grading, pavers, metal work, welding, wood work, fencing and electrical.
• Troubleshoot repairs, maintenance, installation, vendor coordination and tasks related to buildings, special recreational facility/equipment maintenance, and special projects.
• Maintain swimming facilities; vacuum pools; clean decks, monitor and modify water chemistry, backwash filters, pumps, motors and other general facility upkeep.
• Identify equipment needs for each assigned project; utilize proper safety precautions related to all work performed; establish traffic control, property and public protection using signs and barricades.
• Perform PM10 dust control measures; maintain daily work logs, reporting, written work records, maintenance and repair logs; set up and tear down for special events including the portable stage.
• May work in a lead capacity for building, special facility equipment, irrigation, trails and open space, rodeo grounds and other related maintenance, work team; provide functional and technical guidance and direction to lower level staff. 
• Support the City’s policies, goals and objectives and work with management and other staff to ethically achieve such goals and objectives; ensure compliance with safety procedures. 

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience
Must possess a high school diploma or GED, and three (3) years paid fulltime experience in park maintenance, construction, landscaping, irrigation, facilities maintenance or related field; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Supplemental Information

Knowledge

• City and Department procedures, policies and guidelines; City Code; Arizona Revised Statutes. 
• Occupational Health and Safety Association (OSHA) standards and regulations; electrical code.
• Landscaping maintenance practices and techniques; irrigation and sprinkler system installation; basic pool maintenance methods. 
• Safety procedures; proper use of equipment, tools and personal protective equipment.

Skills

• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with coworkers and other individuals in contact during the course of work; communicating clearly and concisely; following instructions. 
• Operating park maintenance equipment including but not limited to small power tools, mowers, welders, commercial trucks and back hoe. 
• Assessing, prioritizing and completing multiple tasks and demands simultaneously. 
• Reading and interpreting construction plans and estimate materials and supplies. 
• Creating and maintaining a safe environment; working independently with little or no supervision. 
• Understanding of building and special facility equipment maintenance including fundamentals of basic plumbing, electrical, HVAC, pumps and carpentry.

Pre-employment Requirements
Candidates who are selected for appointment may be required to be fingerprinted, if 18 or older; successfully complete a background investigation, employment verification and may be subject to a drug/alcohol test, medical, polygraph and/or psychological evaluation. Candidates who are appointed will be required to possess a valid driver’s license to operate a vehicle in Arizona or meet the transportation needs of the position.

License/Certification
Must obtain an Arizona Herbicide Application Certification and a valid Arizona Commercial Driver’s license within one (1) year of appointment. Must obtain a Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certification within 6 months of appointment depending on assigned location.

Physical Demands and Work Environment
Work includes walking and operation of a vehicle, landscaping equipment and various power tools. May involve climbing ladders. Requires moderate exertion and lifting carrying objects up to 100 pounds, repeated bending, stooping and reaching above the head daily. Performs construction, maintenance and facility maintenance functions requiring visual and manual dexterity and precision measurements and continuous repetitive arm, hand and eye movement. May be exposed to high voltage and hazardous chemicals. Work a varying work schedule which includes nights, weekends, holidays and extended hours during emergencies.