Job Summary

Clark County Public Works looks for people who can grow, think, lead and inspire. We seek leaders, achievers and doers who bring skill, passion and commitment to public service.

Clark County Parks and Lands team is committed to equity and inclusion. An ideal candidate for this job will be able to communicate in a culturally aware way across varies levels of diversity. As the Grounds Maintenance Specialist will maintain and improve turf, plants, shrubs, ground covers, paths, walkways, trails, parking lots, sports fields, play equipment, and recreation facilities in county park/grounds, and downtown campus locations.

The work involves performing heavy manual labor, herbicide application, and using specialized equipment, machines, and hand tools. Responsibilities will also include maintaining, restocking and cleaning restrooms and may provide supervision and training to small groups of temporary workers, volunteers, and offender crews.

The position may include swing shift and weekends.

This position is represented by Local 307CO - Washington State Council of County and City Employees

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities will be considered.

• Two years of experience involving parks or grounds maintenance; landscape construction and/or maintenance or any other labor-intensive work experience that directly involves the skills required to operate landscape related machinery, small tools, power tools, vehicles or equipment.
• Must possess a valid motor vehicles operator’s license.
• Must possess or obtain within five (5) months of hire a Commercial Driver’s License Class A with ‘N’ tanker endorsement.
• Must be able to obtain a commercial Public Pesticide Applicators License within five months of hire.
• Must be able to successfully pass a criminal record check that includes fingerprinting
• Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screen and will be subject to random drug testing throughout employment
• Be able to work outdoors with exposure to a variety of weather conditions including extreme heat and cold
•  Assignments are labor intensive which require the physical ability to stand and/or walk while manipulating a variety of tools to perform assigned tasks.
• Work requires the ability to navigate on uneven terrain, bend, crouch, reach, and lift to 50 lbs. on a regular basis.
• May be required to obtain Playground Safety Inspection Certification by The National Playground Safety Institute.
• Washington State Flagger’s certification preferred

Knowledge of: Function and use of tools and equipment identified above; and safety practices required in grounds maintenance functions.  Knowledge of principles and methods of grounds maintenance, irrigation systems, chemical application materials, and horticulture preferred.

Ability to: Perform heavy laboring tasks for extended periods in unfavorable weather conditions such as extreme heat or cold in a safe and efficient manner; work independently with limited supervision, respond to questions, complaints, and request for service from the general public in a courteous manner, understand and follow oral and written instructions and prepare written reports and schedules, instruct alternative workers i.e. offender work crews in performing tasks.

Selection Process:

Resume and other documents must be attached together in the 'Resume Upload' section of the application.  Multiple files are allowed, but all applicant attachments must be uploaded simultaneously, as there is no way to edit or append uploaded materials after submitting the application.

Application Review (Pass/ Fail) - An online application is required.  Attaching a resume does not substitute for a completed application; incomplete applications will not pass the application review.  Candidates deemed most qualified will be invited to participate in the remainder of the selection process.

Practical Exam (Pass/Fail) - This recruitment may require a practical exam which will be job related and may include, but not limited to, the qualifications outlined in the job announcement.  Candidates deemed most qualified will be invited to participate in the remainder of the selection process.

Oral Interview - The interview will be job related and may include, not limited to, the qualifications outlined in the job announcement.  Top candidate(s) will continue in the process.

Employment references will be conducted for the final candidates and may include verification of education.

It is general policy of the County that new employees should be hired at the lower steps of the applicable range and advance through the range at the normal progression.

First review of candidates will be February 27th. This recruitment may close at any time on or after the first review date.

Examples of Duties

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Construct and maintain shrub and turf areas in parks, medians, green spaces; turf area aeration and thatching; pruning shrubs, trees and undergrowth; mowing of turf areas in parks, sports fields, and County rights-of-way.
• Operate a variety of complex equipment necessary to create, maintain and repair grounds and facilities.  Examples of equipment operated include: pickup, bucket truck, hook lift truck, backhoe, front-end loader, beach sweeper, herbicide application equipment; and a variety of mowers and tractors with attachments such as flail, brush hog, hole auger, seeder, thatcher, and aerator.
• Install and maintain structures such as fences, gates, traffic barriers, signs, recreation facilities, play centers, and picnic tables in County parks and green spaces; maintain records of inspections and repairs as required.
• Apply knowledge of pesticides and additives in identifying and applying chemicals to weeds, turf, trees and plants to control a variety of plant pests and diseases; maintain records as required by law for pesticide applications.
• Maintain facilities such as restrooms and bathhouses by sweeping floors and scrubbing walls, ceilings and sanitary fixtures; filling paper and soap dispensers; changing light bulbs, clearing the facilities of litter and garbage, and removing graffiti.
• Maintain adequate inventory of supplies and equipment required for ongoing activities and special projects, including the purchase of plants, stakes, tree ties, lime, seed, fertilizer, etc.
• Daily, instruct and direct offender work crews and/or temporary employees.  Occasionally, coordinate and supervise volunteer groups such as schools, scouts, and special interest groups.
• Assist with crowd control at public events such as rowing regattas by providing traffic control and enforcement of park rules; assist with park reservations and special event preparation.
• Respond to the publics’ questions, complaints and requests for services in a courteous and helpful manner.
• Perform other duties as may be necessary to maintain and improve the appearance and quality of Clark County grounds.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Salary Grade

Local 307.6A

Salary Range

$23.66 - $30.76- per hour

For complete job announcement, application requirements, and to apply on-line (applications on external sites are not monitored), please visit our website at:

https://www.clark.wa.gov/human-resources/explore-careers-clark-county