Seasonal Public Utility Worker 1 - Parks Operations

The City of Gresham has seasonal job opportunities for Public Utility Workers (PUW I) in the Parks Operations team based out of the Gresham Operations Center. The Parks Division is seeking qualified, reliable and hard-working individuals to maintain the city's park facilities. If you enjoy being physically active, working outside, working in a team environment and want to help make your community clean, safe, and welcoming for all, join us!
 
The Seasonal PUW I role is an entry level position and open to all adults, 18 years and older who possess a valid driver's license, good driving record, and physical abilities to perform job duties with or without accommodation. Training will be provided to help you build the skills and knowledge for a career in public works at the City of Gresham or elsewhere.
 

• Parks division Seasonal generally work from the beginning of April through the end of September (picnic crew) or from the beginning of June through the end of November (leaf crew).

 
The duration of these positions is up to six (6) months, not to exceed 960 hours and not eligible for benefits, except Oregon Sick Leave.  This is temporary, full-time work featuring a set schedule of 4 days/10 hours per day which may include weekends and/or holidays. 
 
We are also hiring for multiple positions in our Transportation, Stormwater and Water divisions!  We encourage you to review that posting and consider applying for those positions as well.

As Oregon's fourth-largest city, Gresham is a welcoming community of hard-working people where tradition and heritage meet innovation and opportunity. Gresham is a dynamic and rapidly growing city where families and businesses have a mutual desire and drive to thrive. City of Gresham employees care deeply about the community they serve, and go 'one step beyond' to deliver services in collaborative, inventive, practical, and nimble ways. Our work is challenging, fast-paced and rewarding.
 
We believe that to deliver the highest level of service to all Gresham community members, it is crucial we employ a diverse workforce, foster an inclusive working environment, and ensure our policies and systems result in equitable outcomes. The City seeks candidates who will support these values by continuously incorporating equity in their daily work, and actively contributing to a workplace culture that respects unique viewpoints, life experiences, and cultural perspectives.  Come build the future with us. Learn more by watching these short videos:  

• Come join the City's seasonal work crew: https://youtu.be/idxH9safEOs
• How I launched my career in Public Works: https://youtu.be/tk7uVftxsrI

As a Seasonal Public Utility Worker, you will be responsible for performing regular and recurring installation, maintenance, repair and testing activities on Parks’ Amenities/Facilities and Park Lands.  You will learn water quality sampling and receive confined space training.  You will be the Parks customer service representative in the field on weekends, which may include answering questions and helping park patrons.  You may operate a variety of tools and equipment such as: shovels, picks, power hacksaws, drills, jackhammers, compressors, portable concrete saws, hand and riding mowers, powered edgers, back-pack blowers, weed- eaters, powered pole-saws, chainsaws, skill saws, pressure washers, and brush chippers. We will train people on all tasks to be performed. 
 
Although selected through competitive recruitment processes, many of our regular status, full-time Public Utility Workers began their careers as seasonal workers.  In this role, you will: 

• Receive good pay for hard work
• Build a resume and gain trade skills and experiences that can equip you for a career in public works at the City of Gresham or elsewhere  
• Have a steady, set work schedule
• Directly benefit community members and visitors   

Qualities we are looking for: We want people who are willing to learn, work hard, show up on time each day with a good attitude, and can get along well with others while taking direction from supervisors. Ideal candidates:

• Like physical labor, working outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Have a strong work ethic and be reliable 
• Have integrity and safety minded
• Have a friendly personality to interact with Gresham Community
• Can work in a team or independently
• Have construction and or landscaping background

City's core values: Collaborative - We work together; Practical - We get it done; Inventive - We seize opportunities; Nimble - We roll with it; and Equitable - We remove barriers.  

Working conditions: Work is performed both alone and as part of a team; mostly outside in varying weather conditions for long periods of time. There may be exposure to loud noises, sewer systems, hot tar and asphalt, gasses, fumes, paint chemicals and pesticides, and some risk of physical hazard from equipment.  This position involves constant movement and some lifting of heavy objects.


Competencies Learned and Demonstrated On-the-Job: 

• Basic maintenance and repair methods and procedures used in assigned area.
• Safety practices and procedures applicable to area of assignment.
• Safe and effective operating practices of light equipment used in assigned area.
• Computers and computer applications.

• Operate light equipment and power tools used in public works maintenance operations.
• Work safely around electricity and electrically charged equipment and facilities. 
• Work independently or as part of a crew.
• Perform heavy manual work under confined and uncomfortable conditions.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Communicate effectively and courteously with City employees and the public.
• Read and follow maps
• Keep written records
• Work in environments requiring the use of a respirator.
• Demonstrate pre-trip inspections and display practical driving skills.  
• Physical ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be a high school graduate or have passed the GED test of equivalency.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.
• Must possess a good driving record (based on our driving matrix as listed below)
• Must be at least 18 years of age by the date of the hire.
• Must possess the physical ability to lift objects and equipment ranging from 25 to 85 pounds
• Successfully pass a physical and drug screen during conditional offer (pre-employment)
• Communicate effectively - must understand instructions in English, both orally and in writing

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated manual labor work experience
• Experience working outdoors 
• Experience with landscaping and/or construction

Driving Matrix:
You will be disqualified from this process if you possess any of the following driving infractions:

• A major traffic offense or accident that results in death or major injury.
• Driving under the influence (DUI) offense within the last 5 years.
• Have more than 3 moving violations within a 3-year period or more than 2 within a one- year period.
• Have more than 2 accidents within a 3-year period.

An offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check, driving record review, job-related physical and drug.  To Apply: Click "Apply" at the top of this posting.

Required Application Materials:

• Complete online application 
• Answers to supplemental questions

We will review your application materials, minimum qualifications and experience and invite qualified applicants to an interview. This recruitment will be used to fill only seasonal positions needed to complete seasonal demands starting in April 2025 for a six (6) month duration, no to exceed 960 hours. 

Communication with candidates will be done primarily through e-mail. Sometimes these messages may land in a spam or junk mail folder. We encourage you to monitor your inbox as well as the inbox within the governmentjobs.com portal for important updates related to this process.
 
If you desire a modification of this process to accommodate a disability, please provide your request in writing to HRRecruiting@GreshamOregon.gov, or by phone to 503-618-2729, upon submitting the required application materials.  

If you need assistance with submitting an online application or need a computer to do so, please don't hesitate to contact us at HRRecruiting@GreshamOregon.gov to schedule an in-person appointment with a Recruiter.

Veteran's PreferenceThe City of Gresham provides qualifying veterans and disabled veterans with preference in employment in accordance with state law. Any candidate wishing to have their qualifying veteran's preference applied to the process must submit a qualifying document (DD Form 214 or 215) at the time of application providing proof of eligibility that includes discharge status. Disabled veterans must also submit a copy of their Veteran's disability preference letter from the US Department of Veteran Affairs at the time of application, unless the information is included in the DD Form 214 or 215.  

Our Commitment The City of Gresham is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all qualified employees and applicants without unlawful regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, familial status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, Oregon, or local law.  

Please direct questions about this position to 503-618-2729 or HRRecruiting@GreshamOregon.gov. 

If you need assistance with the online application, please contact NEOGOV directly at 1-855-524-5627.

Salary : $23