Maintenance Specialist | Destination Parks Turf and Grounds Gardener

The City of Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department (PRCR) mission is:

PRCR plays a leading role in the quality of life and character of the Capital City.  A wide range of facilities and programs spread over 220 parks and 120 miles of trails supports the social, cultural, mental and physical well-being of the citizens.   The Parks Department is committed to hiring all kinds of talent to build a diverse workforce and is guided by the vision of Bringing People to Parks and Parks to People.

The ideal candidate for the Maintenance Specialist | Destination Parks Turf and Grounds Gardener position must be self-motivated and can work alone and as part of a team. The primary role for this position is to provide horticulture and landscape maintenance at the Destination parks. Destination Parks is composed of four parks, including Dix Park, Pullen Park, John Chavis Memorial Park, and the Raleigh Rose Garden.

Dix Park is one of the newest parks in the City of Raleigh Parks system and consists of 308 acres currently in the developmental phase.  Dix Park consists of the Greg Poole, Jr. All Faiths Chapel, the Flower Cottage, the Stone Houses and the Gipson Play Plaza, that is scheduled to open in the Spring of 2025. Gipson Play Plaza will boast a very large and diverse landscape and is expected to be arboretum-like quality with beautiful park lawns. 

Pullen Park, the first public park in North Carolina established in 1887, is the 5th oldest operating amusement park in the United States.  Sitting on more than 66 rolling acres Pullen Park is comprised of several historic and popular destination sites. 

The Raleigh Rose Garden boasts over 1200 roses and 60 varieties with hybrid teas, floribundas, grandifloras, miniatures and antiques.  It is a popular site for weddings and shares the property with the Raleigh Little Theatre and outdoor amphitheater. 

John Chavis Memorial Park, located in the heart of downtown, consists of a new central plaza with an integrated water feature, renovated former carousel house, and a large playground for variety of ages and abilities. The existing park amenities also include a historic Herschell carousel, baseball field, outdoor walking track with multipurpose field and 3 picnic shelters. 

This position will be required to work some weekends to facilitate and coordinate volunteer projects and special park events. It may be required to respond after hours to inclement weather events and other unforeseen emergencies.

As a turfgrass Gardener for our Destination Parks, the ideal candidate has a passion for public service, is capable of conducting all aspects of turfgrass maintenance and management and is highly motivated, playing an integral role in preserving and beautifying these natural turf lawns and programmable spaces.

• Excellent attention to detail is critical to sustaining the high quality and aesthetics expected at all park areas and surrounding sites.  
• Extensive knowledge of turfgrass varieties, annual plants, perennials, shrubs, and trees.  
• Proficient in turf and plant identification and experienced in site, soil and environmental needs, hardiness zones, water, nutrition and maintenance.  
• Pest and Disease Control: Monitor turf and plants for pests and diseases and apply appropriate treatments to protect plant health.
• Ability to operate all types of equipment associated with turf and landscape maintenance, renovations, herbicide applications, and fertilization. 
• Coordinating the planting and maintenance of turf, flowers, perennials, tropical, shrubs and small trees.
• Researching and recommending turf and plant species selection.
• Ability to submit required documentation associated with daily tasks and herbicide applications into work order database.
• Ability to work with the Turf and Grounds Supervisor and Park Manager to design, layout, and install new turf lawns as well as renovate existing lawns.
• Communication skills and a positive attitude to work with the Turf and Grounds team, other city staff, outside entities, and volunteers.  
• Time management skills, punctuality, dependability and the ability to prioritize and multi-task.  
• Participation in the completion of traditional grounds maintenance tasks including litter pick up and trash removal. 
• Leading maintenance staff and volunteers assigned to assist. 
• Participating in emergency responses.
• Other responsibilities and duties may be assigned.

 
Supervisory Responsibilities 
This position may indirectly supervise full time positions, part-time positions, volunteers and may be required to serve in a supervisory capacity in the absence of the Crew Supervisor.Education and Experience
High School Diploma or GED and four years of related experience.

OR

An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above, unless otherwise subject to any other requirements set forth in law or regulation.

Licensing/Certifications

• Valid North Carolina Class C Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record, or the ability to obtain within 60 days of hire.
• North Carolina Public Pesticide Applicator's License in Turf and Ornamental or the ability to acquire within 90 days of hire.

ADA and Other Requirements
Positions in this class typically require stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions. 

Heavy Work: 
Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. 

Working Conditions:
Work is performed in both the field and in an indoor office environment with moderate exposure to atmospheric conditions (such as fumes, odors, dusts, gases, poor ventilation, etc.); moderate exposure to environmental conditions (such as disruptive people, imminent danger, or a threatening environment); and frequent exposure to intense noise. 

Note: This job classification description is intended to be generic in nature. It is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities and Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) designation may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position

Salary : $42,357 - $68,480