What are the responsibilities and job description for the Parks and Recreation Equipment Operator position at City of West Plains?
Are you skilled in operating heavy equipment and passionate about maintaining beautiful parks and green spaces? The City of West Plains is seeking a Parks and Recreation Equipment Operator to support the upkeep and enhancement of our parks, sports complexes, playgrounds, and public spaces.
As a Parks and Recreation Equipment Operator, you will play a hands-on role in maintaining and improving our city's outdoor spaces. This position involves operating a variety of equipment—including tractors, mowers, skid steers, backhoes, and dump trucks—to complete landscaping, turf management, facility repairs, and construction projects. You'll be part of a team dedicated to providing safe, clean, and enjoyable spaces for residents and visitors.
Key Responsibilities:
- Operate and maintain heavy and medium-sized equipment for park maintenance and improvement projects.
- Perform landscaping tasks, including mowing, mulching, pruning, irrigation maintenance, and turf management.
- Assist with the construction, repair, and upkeep of park facilities, playgrounds, and sports fields.
- Conduct routine inspections and preventive maintenance on vehicles and equipment.
- Support special event setups, field preparations, and recreational activities.
- Follow safety protocols and ensure proper use of barricades and signage during maintenance operations.
- Assist with emergency operations, such as storm cleanup and snow removal.
Minimum Qualifications
- Education & Experience: High school diploma or GED and at least one (1) year of experience in equipment operation, landscaping, or park maintenance (or an equivalent combination of education and experience).
- License & Certifications: Must hold and maintain a valid Missouri Driver’s License and meet City vehicle operation requirements. Relevant certifications in park maintenance and equipment operation are a plus.
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
This is a physically demanding, outdoor position that requires working in extreme weather conditions. The role involves:
- Lifting up to 80 lbs. and occasionally exerting up to 150 lbs. of force.
- Operating vehicles and heavy machinery daily.
- Performing tasks such as standing, climbing, kneeling, pushing, pulling, and crawling on various surfaces.
- Being available for emergency response situations, including inclement weather and public safety concerns.
Why Join Us?
The City of West Plains offers a dynamic work environment where you can make a visible impact on the community. As part of our Parks & Recreation team, you'll have the opportunity to contribute to projects that enhance public spaces and recreational facilities for residents of all ages.
Salary and Benefits:
This position has a salary of $17.80 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience.
A comprehensive benefit package is also offered, which includes:
- Medical, Dental, Basic Life/AD&D and Long-Term Disability coverages offered at zero cost to the employee, with dependent coverage offered at the employee’s cost.
- Missouri Local Government Employee Retirement System (LAGERS) which is fully funded by the City (no cost to employee) with vesting after 5 years.
- Voluntary participation in Vision, Cafeteria Plan IRS Section 125, Deferred Compensation 457(b) Plans, Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Supplemental Life, Accident, Cancer coverage, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- Generous paid time off (PTO) program in which new employees receive eight hours of PTO per pay period.
To Apply:
To be considered for employment, you must submit a completed City of West Plains application. Applications are available online at www.westplains.gov. Completed applications and resumes may be emailed to Human Resources or delivered in-person to City Hall. All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment or post-offer testing, including but not limited to, drug and alcohol screening, thorough background investigation, credit check and medical examination.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $17.80 per hour
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
Work Location: In person
Salary : $18