Temporary - Parks Maintenance Laborer

Initial candidate eligibility is based on the job application and any accompanying documentation. It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide sufficient information and details within the body of the application (education and work experience sections) to permit the City of Yakima to properly evaluate the candidate's qualification, abilities and experience as it relates to the requirements of the position. For calculation of experience, one year of experience equals 12 months with a minimum of 173.33 hours per month. Additional required documents must be attached. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of application fields.

Overview and Minimum Class Requirements

Must be at least 16 years old and have reliable transportation. Experience with lawn, grounds maintenance, and/or custodial work is preferred.

Must pass background investigation regarding applicant’s aptitude, character, judgement, credit, driving record and criminal history.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES

Must possess and maintain a valid Washington State Driver’s License.

Job Summary

Under the general supervision, and the direction of the Parks Operations Supervisor, performs and/or assists with a variety of unskilled tasks in the care, operation, maintenance, repair and beautification of city parks and facilities, including but not limited to the Harman Center, Fisher Golf Course and Tahoma Cemetery. May perform tasks and assignments independently or as part of a maintenance crew in park and facility maintenance operations. Work is seasonal, and requires physical strength and dexterity to utilize a variety of hand and power tools.

Essential Functions

Performs and/or assists with general grounds maintenance activities including but not limited to: litter control; leaf and debris removal; graffiti removal; cleaning and sanitizing restrooms and buildings; and trash removal. Uses hand and small power tools to perform a variety of maintenance duties which may include cleaning and painting.

Operates a variety of power and hand mowing equipment, edgers and weed eaters to maintain turf in public parks, cemetery, sports fields and golf courses. May apply fertilizers with the use of power and hand-operated equipment. Performs activities such as mowing, weeding and planting. Will drive and utilize pick-up trucks.

May assist with set-up of other special events as necessary.

Provides continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality customer service.

Requires regular and reliable attendance.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Major Worker Characteristics

General knowledge of basic grounds keeping practices and the operation of grounds maintenance tools, vehicles and equipment. Knowledge of safe and appropriate use of hand and small power tools and park maintenance vehicles and small equipment. Ability to: apply fertilizers in accordance with personal and environmental safety precautions; understand mechanical applications and to learn operations requiring mechanical aptitude;

Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively, with employees and members of the public representing diverse education and background, utilizing well developed communication skills, both written and oral, with appropriate use of English, including but not limited to correct grammar and vocabulary. Ability to follow verbal and written instruction.

Must be dependable; able to work independently and as a team player; be self-directed, highly motivated, organized and skilled at meeting deadlines; have a sense of urgency to complete tasks in a timely manner. Must possess ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities and demands.

Ability to establish, facilitate, and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public; to consistently and continually demonstrate tact, diplomacy, and respect to individuals, groups and organizations representing a wide diversity of ethnicities, cultures, opinions, and beliefs; Ability to positively receive feedback and take direction is essential.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work will require travel to a variety of locations and is primarily done outside with exposure to all weather extremes, be exposed to insects, animals, stings/bites, pollen, dust, noxious odors, mud, water, needles, drug paraphernalia, rough/uneven terrain and/or toxic chemicals. Capacity for sustained attention to functioning machinery and equipment. Physical strength and ability sufficient to perform heavy manual labor for extended periods under wet, cold, and generally unpleasant conditions. Frequent climbing and balancing while on stairs, ladders and other inclines. Frequent bending/twisting at knees/waist/neck while performing mechanical repairs, maintenance items and other tasks as assigned. Occasional kneeling/crouching/crawling while making repairs in confined spaces and awkward positions. Continuous use of both hands and arms in reaching/handling/grasping/ fingering while performing duties. Frequent heavy work includes lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds and operation of a variety of vehicles, equipment, hand tools and machinery. On rare occasions may be required to lift heavier weight with the assistance of others or mechanical devices. Continuous use of all senses including feeling/talking/hearing/seeing while performing duties and while communicating with co-workers, general public and completing all tasks as assigned. Must be able to distinguish color and maintain long-term and short-term memory. Will be required to wear safety protective gear when necessary. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

The City of Yakima is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

To reflect our commitment to attract and retain the highest quality employees, the City of Yakima offers a competitive benefits package including but not limited to:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• FREE healthcare clinic!
• Life Insurance
• WA State Pension membership
• 457 Deferred compensation (employer contribution dependent upon union group)
• Generous vacation and sick leave accruals
• Additional supplemental benefit options.

City of Yakima employees are paid and accrue benefits on a monthly basis.

Temporary positions are not benefit eligible.