HomeMy WebLinkAboutSenior MW -Turfgrass SpecialistUpdated: March 2024
CITY OF IOWA CITY – JOB DESCRIPTION
Posi�on Title: Senior Maintenance Worker - Turfgrass Specialist
Department: Parks & Recrea�on
Division: Parks & Forestry
Supervisor: Superintendent of Parks & Forestry
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Civil Service: Yes
Pay Grade: 12
Job Number: 1207
Job Summary
Under direc�on, performs skilled and supervisory work of a specialized and technical nature in
the care and maintenance of the City's athle�c fields and parks. Work involves ini�a�on,
direc�on and performance of specialized and technical tasks rela�ng to the maintenance and
care of turfgrass areas, ball diamond surfaces, ornamental plan�ngs, other park areas and
facili�es, and the associated opera�ng equipment. Performs related work as required.
Essen�al Job Du�es and Responsibili�es
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive
or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
• Iden�fies, directs and performs turf maintenance including mowing, aera�on, seeding,
sodding, irriga�on, top dressing, chemical applica�on and other accepted prac�ces.
• Diagnoses turf diseases and requirements and develops plan of ac�on to address
deficiencies or needs.
• Iden�fies, directs and performs necessary maintenance and prepara�on prac�ces on
assigned athle�c facili�es including raking, watering, chalking, pain�ng, water removal,
dragging, grading, field layout, equipment installa�on and other necessary prepara�on
and maintenance prac�ces.
• Iden�fies and assists with improvements, construc�on, repairs and maintenance on
buildings, structures and other associated components of assigned facili�es.
• Iden�fies and recommends facility opera�onal policies and procedures.
• Works with members of public, contractors, other City staff and u�lity companies
rela�ve to division projects and needs.
• Schedules use of athle�c fields, prepares and plans for tournaments, determines the
readiness and suitability of athle�c facili�es for use by the general public.
• Operates and supervises the opera�on 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.
• Compiles and maintains required records, reports and opera�onal data rela�ng to
assigned work items.
• Assists other divisions, contractors and agencies as needed.
• Assists in monitoring and preparing the annual opera�ng budget.
Updated: March 2024
• Responds to storms and other emergencies.
• Develops divisional goals and objec�ves.
• Supervises and performs snow and ice removal for trails, pedestrian areas and parking
lots, storm damage clean-up and ice rink maintenance.
• Performs du�es in a safe manner and par�cipates in safety training, ensures safety
protocol is followed.
• Conducts self in a manner which promotes and supports diversity and inclusivity in the
workplace and community.
• Performs other du�es as assigned.
Minimum Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other
• Associate’s degree from an accredited educational institution and one year of
experience; or three years of related experience and/or equivalent combination of
education and experience. Degree in Turfgrass Management or related. Experience in
turfgrass management or related field.
• State of Iowa Ornamental and Turf Pes�cide Applicator’s Cer�fica�on and forkli� and
backhoe cer�fica�on within 6 months of hire. Sa�sfactory driving record. Valid State of
Iowa commercial driver’s license instruc�on permit upon first day in posi�on. Valid State
of Iowa Class A commercial driver’s license with air brake endorsements within 6 months
of hire. Meet federal drug tes�ng requirements. Requires a pre-employment drug screen
is. Must be 18 years of age. Must pass criminal background check.
Preferred Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited educational institution; or four years of related
experience and/or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abili�es
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions,
propor�ons, percentages, area, circumference, and volume.
• Ability to effec�vely present informa�on and respond to ques�ons from groups of
managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Ability to establish and maintain effec�ve public rela�ons and rela�onships with
supervisors and other employees.
• Ability to evaluate results and make sugges�ons for improvements.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instruc�ons furnished in writen, oral, diagram, or
schedule form.
• Ability to lead, supervise and evaluate the work of subordinate employees.
• Ability to perform heavy manual labor which may require heavy li�ing, con�nuous
standing, extensive digging and other manual tasks under a variety of environmental
condi�ons.
• Ability to plan, organize and perform daily maintenance schedules to provide for
efficient opera�ons.
• Ability to prepare and maintain clear and accurate records.
Updated: March 2024
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals,
technical procedures, or governmental regula�ons.
• Ability to receive oral and writen assignments and carrying out instruc�ons.
• Ability to reliably and predictably carry out du�es.
• Ability to solve prac�cal problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in
situa�ons where only limited standardiza�on exists.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Knowledge of modern irriga�on techniques and theories, opera�ng and maintaining
automa�c and manual irriga�on systems.
• Knowledge of propaga�on, plan�ng, cul�va�on, watering and care of grasses, plants and
trees.
• Knowledge of the field and layout standards associated with soccer, baseball and
so�ball.
• Knowledge of the occupa�onal hazards involved and safety precau�ons necessary in
equipment opera�ons.
• Knowledge of the specialized methods, equipment and materials used in the
maintenance and prepara�on of athle�c fields and sports turfgrass.
• Knowledge of turf diseases and insects and the methods used in their control.
• Skill in general maintenance and repair of municipal grounds, facili�es and equipment.
• Skill in mixing and applying pes�cides and fer�lizers, in a safe and professional manner.
• Skill in opera�ng and maintaining tools and equipment commonly used in this work.
• Skill in plan�ng and caring for flowers, shrubs and trees.
• Skill in the use and care of a variety of hand and power tools.
• Skill in using computers and applicable so�ware applica�ons (Microso� Office – Word,
Excel, Outlook).
Supervision
Involves leadership role such as regularly guiding, training, and providing direction to
permanent staff in completing basic, entry-level daily tasks and assignments. Does not carry out
disciplinary action, does not hire or fire, is not responsible for writing or delivering performance
review.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an
employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform
the essential duties and responsibilities.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use
hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally
required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. The employee
regularly lifts and/or moves 25 pounds and will occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
Updated: March 2024
with or without assistance. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision,
distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee
encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
duties and responsibilities.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to moving
mechanical parts, high or precarious places, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic
chemicals, risk of electrical shock, vibration, confined space, and traffic hazards. The employee
is frequently exposed to outside weather condition, dampness, direct sunlight, dust, pollen,
insect stings, and animals. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. Involves
more than moderate exposure to dangerous situations. Involves more than moderate exposure
to stress due to the work environment and/or crisis situations.
Iowa City is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities
Act as Amended, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with
disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential
accommodations with the employer.
Reviewed/Approved by: Juli Seydell Johnson, Parks & Recrea�on Director (4/2024)
I have read and understand the duties and requirements of this job description, and I
agree that I can perform the duties of this position with or without reasonable
accommodation.
Employee Date
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