Grounds Technician

Kirkland WA

Description

Apply online at: Job Summary Public Works is seeking Grounds Technicians. Operates a variety of equipment and performs labor under varied supervision to contribute to the development and maintenance of City right-of-ways (R.O.W.s) and public grounds. Principle Accountabilities Responsible for landscaping, turf and tree maintenance of City properties and R.O.W.s using elementary level skills of pruning, transplanting, planting, drainage, pesticide spraying, fertilizing, mowing, trimming, sweeping, blowing and edging. Responsible for cleanliness and orderly appearance of City owned R.O.W.s, public grounds, paths/trails and facilities. May be asked to assist in other divisions of Public Works operation and maintenance. Essential Duties Performs service on mowers, other equipment and tools. Landscape design and maintenance of City properties -- planting and transplanting trees, vegetation, and shrubbery. Prunes trees and shrubs and is familiar with ANSI 300 standards. Helps in the installation and repair of City properties using elementary level skills of carpentry, plumbing, electrical, painting, cement finishing and mechanical skills. Assists in the maintenance and repair of irrigation and drainage systems. Assists in installation and maintenance of brick and cement walkways, fountains, stairways and benches. Operates vehicles, equipment and a variety of hand and small power tools as required to support R.O.W/grounds operations. Performs landscape maintenance of City's facilities. Performs ground maintenance to include, fertilizing, coring, thatching, grass seeding, dragging, leveling and watering. Performs licensed pesticide spraying. May be required to return to work after hours during emergencies. Other duties as assigned. Peripheral Duties Performs repairs of City R.O.W.s, and other facilities and equipment. Perform irrigation repairs and installation. Flagging and traffic control. Compiles data for surveys and inventories. May be asked to perform work outside of classification. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Ability to operate equipment necessary to perform landscaping and maintenance responsibilities, including backhoe as a loader, tractor and concrete mixer. Ability to deal effectively with the public and City buildings user groups. Operation knowledge of common hand and power-driven tools is required. Must be able to communicate effectively in English orally and in writing. Ability to meet/communicate with public/citizens. Knowledge of irrigation systems and mechanics. Ability to read blueprints, plans and drawings. Qualifications Special Requirements As a condition of employment, must become a member of Teamsters Local 763 within 30 days of employment or meet alternate regulations as set forth in the agreement between the City and the Teamsters Union. Minimum Qualifications High school diploma or GED. One year of experience in groundskeeping, landscaping, or closely related field. Obtain within 90 days/maintain flagging card. Obtain within 90 days/maintain pesticide spray certification. Obtain within 90 days/maintain lift truck card. Ability to operate a variety of power tools. Elementary skill levels in carpentry, plumbing, electrical, painting, cement finishing and mechanical skills. Other Working Conditions Position works outdoors in inclement weather. Operates a variety of equipment which are loud and vibrate while in operation. Requires moving of objects weighing up to 50 pounds. Must be able to climb in/out of trenches, excavation and equipment and climb ladders. Selection Process Position requires a resume and cover letter (letter of interest). Please note how you meet minimum qualifications within the cover letter. Applicants who are selected for next steps in the hiring process will be invited by phone or email. Job open until filled with first review of applicants by 15 day of initial posting. Vaccination requirement Effective November 8, 2021, all new hires to the City will be required as a condition of employment to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to start date.