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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSenior MW - Turfgrass SpecialistCITY OF IOWA CITY – Job Description Job Class #12-07 FLSA Non-Exempt Civil Service Identification Position Title: Senior Maintenance Worker Turfgrass Specialist Department: Parks & Recreation Division: Parks & Forestry Supervisor: Superintendent of Parks & Forestry Job Summary Under direction, performs skilled and supervisory work of a specialized and technical nature in the care and maintenance of the City's athletic fields and parks. Work involves initiation, direction and performance of specialized and technical tasks relating to the maintenance and care of turfgrass areas, ball diamond surfaces, ornamental plantings, other park areas and facilities, and the associated operating equipment. Performs related work as required. Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities Identifies, directs and performs turf maintenance including mowing, aeration, seeding, sodding, irrigation, top dressing, chemical application and other accepted practices. Diagnoses turf diseases and requirements and develops plan of action to address deficiencies or needs. Identifies, directs and performs necessary maintenance and preparation practices on assigned athletic facilities including raking, watering, chalking, painting, water removal, dragging, grading, field layout, equipment installation and other necessary preparation and maintenance practices. Identifies and assists with improvements, construction, repairs and maintenance on buildings, structures and other associated components of assigned facilities. Identifies and recommends facility operational policies and procedures. Communicates with facility users to ensure compliance with user guidelines and to promote efficient operations. Communicates with public and other departments to resolve issues, answer questions or respond to needs. Ensures safety protocol is followed and creates safe environment for athletic facilities. Determines and confirms by inspection the readiness and suitability of athletic facilities for use by the general public. Monitors weather conditions to determine athletic field usage. Job Class #12-07 Parks & Forestry Page 2 Updated 4/13/21 Trains, assigns, directs and may evaluate the work of other personnel or volunteers; assists in recruitment and hiring of hourly personnel. Supervises hourly employees. Operates and supervises the operation of various equipment, including power mowers, trucks, tractors, loaders, aerators, chemical spray equipment, and other specialized equipment related to ball diamond maintenance and turf care. Operates and maintains automatic and manual irrigation systems. Repairs irrigation systems as needed. Identifies, directs and performs general and preventive maintenance and repair on assigned equipment. Compiles and maintains required records, reports and operational data relating to assigned work items. Assists in the preparation and observance of operational budgets. Responds to emergency situations involving the facilities in order to provide corrective action. Supervises and participates in snow removal, ice rink maintenance and other winter maintenance activities. Schedules use of athletic fields. Prepares and plans for tournaments. Communicates with user groups regarding practices and game schedules; schedules user groups when Recreation Superintendent is not available; arranges and negotiates times and dates to allow proper maintenance of facilities. May assume duties of Superintendent of Parks & Forestry in his/her absence. Seasonally, works closely with Recreation Superintendent and/or sports supervisor. Samples soil for lab tests and analyzes results to determine necessary plant requirements. Conducts self in a manner which promotes and supports diversity and inclusivity in the workplace and community. Performs as other related duties as assigned. Physical and Environmental Conditions The physical demands and work environment conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job and are Job Class #12-07 Parks & Forestry Page 3 Updated 4/13/21 encountered while performing those essential functions. Reasonable accommodations 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 talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to sit; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds with assistance. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts and vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. Minimum Education, Experience and Certification Associate degree in turfgrass management or related field from an educational institution accredited by a DOE recognized accreditation body and one year of related experience required. State of Iowa Ornamental and Turf Pesticide Applicator’s Certification and forklift and backhoe certification required by the end of probationary period. All must be retained as a condition of continued employment. Valid Class B commercial driver’s license with airbrakes endorsement and satisfactory driving record required. Valid Class A commercial driver’s license with airbrakes endorsement required within 6 months of hire. This position is subject to federal drug testing requirements including screening through the FMCSA Clearinghouse. A pre-employment drug screen is required.Must be 18 years of age per Iowa Code 92.8. Must pass background check. Preferred Education, Experience and Certification Four years of experience in Turfgrass Management or related field preferred. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Considerable knowledge of the specialized methods, equipment and materials used in the maintenance and preparation of athletic fields and sports turfgrass; the occupational hazards involved and safety precautions necessary in equipment operations; the propagation, planting, cultivation, watering and care of grasses, plants and trees; modern irrigation techniques and theories; turf diseases and insects and the methods used in their control. Knowledge of the field and layout standards associated with soccer, baseball and softball; the use and care of a variety of hand and power tools; general maintenance and repair of municipal grounds, facilities and equipment. Considerable skill in planning, organizing and performing daily maintenance schedules to provide for efficient operations; leading, supervising and evaluating the work of subordinates; identifying and controlling turf diseases and insects; mixing and applying pesticides and fertilizers, in a safe and professional manner; propagating, cultivating and caring for turfgrasses; operating and maintaining automatic and manual irrigation systems; evaluating results and making suggestions for improvements; establishing and maintaining effective public relations and relationships with supervisors and other employees; communicating clearly and effectively; receiving oral and written assignments and carrying out instructions. Working skill in planting and caring for flowers, shrubs and trees; performing heavy manual labor which may require heavy lifting, continuous standing, Job Class #12-07 Parks & Forestry Page 4 Updated 4/13/21 extensive digging and other manual tasks under a variety of environmental conditions; operating and maintaining tools and equipment commonly used in this work; preparing and maintaining clear and accurate records. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified in this position.