Facility Grounds Specialist

Join our dynamic Parks Department!

If you enjoy working outside, making a difference in the community, being active, and working with a fun team, we want you to apply!

Pay rate is based on years of experience and skills and starts at $21/hr+ depending on qualifications.

This is a full-time hourly position offering health, dental, vision, and life insurance, generous paid time off, IMRF pension and facility benefits such as free aquatic membership, free golf privileges, and substantial discounts on programming.

Time off starts at 10 vacation days, 3 personal days, 6 sick days, and 10 paid holidays.

Major responsibilities include the following.  Other responsibilities may be assigned.

1.      Oversees the landscape maintenance of Sea Lion Aquatic Park, Community Center, Recreation Center, The Museums at Lisle Station Park, and Community Park, including plant material, fencing, retaining walls and decorative stone work.

2.      Operates Park District vehicles, tractors, loaders, and other motorized equipment, including vehicles and equipment with trailer attachments.

3.      Operates equipment including but not limited to mowers, weed whips, pressure washers, blowers, chainsaws, woodchippers, aerators, spreaders, and other miscellaneous power equipment.

4.      Builds, installs, paints and maintains park facilities including play structures, benches, shelters, retaining walls, borders, pathways,.

5.      Installs and maintains trees, shrubs, perennials, turf grass and flower beds. Trims and prunes trees and shrubbery. 

6.      Performs a bi-monthly inspection of all assigned sites.

7.      Visually inspects work sites and surrounding areas and removes all safety hazards, garbage, and refuse materials on an ongoing basis regardless of assigned task.

8.      Assists with the preparation and maintenance of various athletic fields.

9.      Performs daily inspection of mowers, tractors and trucks before use.  May perform small engine repairs such as chainsaws, weed whips, etc.

10.   Looks for and reports tree and shrubbery illnesses and issues, reports observations to Naturalist and/or Parks Manager.

11.   Troubleshoots and resolves site drainage issues.

12.   Performs snow and ice removal functions including the safe operation of snowplows, snowblowers, salt spreaders, and shovels Assists with special event preparation, operation and clean-up as required.

13.   Trains and delegates tasks to assigned seasonal and part-time employees.

14.   Performs job safely and in compliance with the park district's policies and procedures, work rules and safety rules.

15.   Maintains a clean and organized work environment including assigned vehicles, equipment, tool storage area, work sites, etc..

16.   Applies herbicides and fertilizer as deemed appropriate

17.   Makes recommendations for improved operational efficiencies and cost control, risk management/safety, and access to parks and recreation services

The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 5 years related work experience including experience in landscaping, horticulture and grounds keeping. Preferred experience using field equipment, tractors, mowers, light and heavy trucks and a variety of hand and power tools. Requires expertise typically acquired through completion of a 2 year program in landscaping or horticulture.

Must possess a valid Illinois Driver’s License with excellent driving record.

State Pesticide Operator's License is preferred.  Required to pass pesticide exam within 6 months of beginning employment.

Physical requirements include: good speaking, hearing and vision ability, excellent manual dexterity, ability to lift and carry between 25 and 60 pounds frequently and over 60 pounds occasionally. Anything lifted over 50 pounds must be achieved with assistance (mechanical or team-lift).

Will require working outdoors in all weather conditions. 

Will work with exposure to chemicals including fertilizers, weed killers and cleaning agents.   

 
The Lisle Park District offers full-time benefits including health, life, dental and vision insurance, IMRF pension, paid time off and use of park district facilities. Pay is based off previous experience.