Park Caretaker

  

“It is my dream job!”, “Who wouldn’t want to spend their summer at the beach!” and  “I feel like what I’m doing makes a difference.” These are just a few comments that we hear from our park employees.  Working for Ottawa County Parks is not only fun, but it also helps to develop a positive work ethic, build customer service skills, and learn basic land and building management skills. Whether you are entering the workforce or have recently retired, working at Ottawa County Parks might just be the place for you!

Under the direction of a Parks Supervisor, performs general labor tasks related to the cleaning and maintenance of parklands, repair of buildings and grounds, and improvements to the park. Sets up and dismantles rental areas for specific events, opens buildings and/or grounds, and monitors events for groups. Enforces the established rules of the Ottawa County Parks & Recreation Commission based on specific guidelines. 


This is a seasonal, non-benefited position working up to 40 hours per week.  Must be available for day, evening, weekend, and holiday work hours. The position would start early May 2024 and work until early September 2024 (Labor Day). The ideal candidate will have the ability to interact positively and constructively with the general public and co-workers, have a willingness to learn, and proven dependability. No prior experience is necessary.


The essential functions of this position may include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Provides general labor required for the cleaning and maintaining of public areas, restrooms, hallways, kitchen areas, grills, and fireplace(s) in assigned facilities including but not limited to washing windows, unplugging drains and toilets, changing light bulbs, snow and ice removal, and trash, recyclables, and litter collection.
2. Helps visitors purchase motor vehicle permits at the pay stations or on their mobile devices.
3. Sets up and tears down rental areas for specific uses and events and, opens the building and/or grounds and monitors events for groups. 
4. Responds to specific requests by park patrons.
5. Operates a variety of commercial mowers, edgers, and other turf and grass maintenance equipment.
6. Operates landscaping machinery as needed including tractors, chippers, and other equipment.
7. Trims trees, removes downed trees, and chips accumulated brush.
8. Checks and/or changes fluids and filters; lubricates moving mechanical parts; checks batteries, tire pressure, and tread wear; and performs other preventative maintenance for park vehicles and equipment.
9. Performs trail maintenance including surface maintenance and tree trimming/removal.
10. Paints buildings, various park fixtures, and signs.
11. Inspects, identifies, repairs, or replaces damaged, deteriorated, or obsolete signage, structures, features, landscape forms, and park fixtures.
12. Operates a variety of power tools such as saws, drills, sanders, routers, etc. for repair and improvement of park facilities.
13. Transports equipment from park site to park site.
14. Performs other duties/functions as assigned.

Licenses and Certifications:
A valid Michigan Driver's License may be required for some positions.Useful Knowledge and Skills: 

1. Basic knowledge of the maintenance construction trades, including painting, carpentry, electrical and electronic repair, plumbing, etc.
2. Working knowledge of grounds maintenance.
3. Working knowledge of the proper use of manual and power tools commonly used in the maintenance or landscaping trade.
4. Ability to layout work efficiently to minimize man-hours and materials required to properly complete work.
5. Knowledge of OSHA/MIOSHA occupational health and safety rules, regulations, requirements, and safety protocols and practices.
6. Ability to interact positively and constructively with coworkers, supervisors, contractors, and members of the general public with diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.

Physical Requirements: 

1. Must have sufficient visual acuity, with or without corrective lenses, to visually align components of structural features, equipment, operating systems, etc.; accurately read gauges and take measurements; and identify damage to or deterioration of facility features, fixtures, furnishings, operating systems and components thereof.
2. Must have sufficient visual color discrimination to properly match color-coded pairs of electrical wires.
3. Must have sufficient auditory ability, with or without audiological devices, to hear alarms, other warning signals, and vehicle signals indicating backward or forward motion.
4. Must be able to descend to and ascend from floor and ground level several times per day to repair features and fixtures mounted at or near ground/floor level.
5. Must be able to work with arms extended above shoulder level for the entire length of the shift to repair or replace features, fixtures, systems, and/or components thereof mounted at or above shoulder height.
6. Must be able to ascend/descend ladders to access features, fixtures, systems, and/or components thereof located in ceilings or on rooftops.
7. Must be able to operate and ride in lift devices to access rooftops and exterior lighting systems.
8. Must have sufficient manual strength and dexterity to use small hand and power tools.
9. Must be able to lift and move equipment and materials weighing up to 50 lbs. with or without mechanical or other assistance.
10. Must have sufficient strength and mobility in wrists, elbows, and shoulders to operate power tools commonly used in construction trades.
11. Must be able to tolerate exposure to extreme temperatures; dirt, dust, pollen, and other airborne particulates; and inclement weather conditions.
12. Must be able to tolerate exposure to custodial and other chemicals, solvents, adhesives, caulks and other compounds and chemicals commonly used in facilities maintenance.
13. Must be able to enter and maneuver in confined spaces to access mechanical rooms and operating systems.
14. Must be able to wear all required safety clothing and equipment.

Working Conditions: 
This job may include hazards such as moving machinery and electrical equipment, noxious fumes, dust, dirt, and other particles in the air, extreme temperatures and humidity, solvents, detergents, noise, and more and with possible exposure to a variety of disease agents and to bloodborne pathogens. The employee may also need to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Disclaimer:
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Salary : $16