Maintenance Technician III - Landscaping

TitleMaintenance Technician III - LandscapingDepartmentNatural AreasStatusFull TimeOffice LocationTalcott-Page ShopReports ToNatural Areas Operations ManagerFLSA Status Non Exempt Position DescriptionTo support the Rockford Park District's mission statement and sub-ends by planning and executing the maintenance of clean, safe, and well-maintained landscapes, grounds, and natural areas for the citizens of the District.

ROCKFORD PARK DISTRICT VISION, MISSION AND LEADERSHIP BY VALUESAgency VisionTo be the best urban parks and recreation system in North America, as measured by national standards and the citizens we serve.Agency MissionThe Rockford Park District is in business to "help people enjoy life" by providing a quality park and recreation system.Vision & Planning SystemThe District aligns itself and all its resources to achieve its purpose, vision, mission, and priorities. This successfully drives the strategic plan, operational plans, and performance goals.Policy Management & Operations SystemEvery team member serves as an active contributor in the development of the team's operational plan; develops job strategies and plans that support the team's operational goals; identifies timetables for completion; plans daily work activities in an organized manner ensuring effective utilization of time and resources in the completion of job tasks.Leadership by Values SystemLeadership by Values can only be achieved if all team members believe in and live by these shared values: accountability, integrity, passion, agility, relationship oriented, results driven, service oriented, respectful, and innovative. While all team members share these essential values, our culture is enriched by and welcomes the diverse supporting values of its team members.Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging StatementThe Rockford Park District is committed and accountable to being a place where everyone is invited and belongs, as demonstrated by being an inviting, equitable, and inclusive environment, respectful of all people, embracing diversity, creating accessibility and valuing all team members, partners and community members for their unique experiences and backgrounds.

RELATIONSHIPS TO RESULTS CULTUREDefinitionSustained by long-term, positive, exceptional relationships with stakeholders and team members as our hallmark of success.

ONE TEAM, ONE GOAL COMMITMENTDefinitionTo work together to achieve the mission, vision, and shared values of the Rockford Park District.ConnectednessDepartments are truly interconnected to support the mission and vision of the Rockford Park District.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS include the following. Other duties may be assigned

Operational Excellence

• Plans and executes landscaping projects, ground care activities, and routine maintenance tasks in an organized manner, ensuring effective utilization of time and resources.

• Ensures that all work performed is conducted in a safe and timely manner adhering to standards of cleanliness and effective equipment utilization.

• Effectively and safely operates Rockford Park District equipment including trucks, towing trailers, tractors, mowers, chainsaws, skid loaders, wheel loaders, and end loaders.

• Effectively and safely operates pole saws, table saws, band saws, drills, string trimmers, landscape blowers, and other hand and power tools as required to complete work tasks.

• Effectively operates District snow removal vehicles and equipment; assists with District snow removal routes and responsibilities, including seasonal snow removal of walks and bike paths.

• Maintains inventory of equipment and supplies according to regulations for proper maintenance.

• Assists in preparation and execution of annual budget and operating plan.

• Assists in developing and annually updating the general maintenance procedural manual.

Compliance

• Maintains a working knowledge of department safety procedures. Attend safety training programs and educational in-service trainings as required.

Inspection/Maintenance

• Maintains landscaped areas in parks and at facilities by mulching beds, trimming hedges, pruning shrubs, edging, and removing weeds.
• Plants annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs, and bulbs.
• Performs frequent routine safety checks on gardens, buildings, grounds, and equipment; documents and files safety and inspection reports as required.
• Performs routine inspections of park grounds, natural areas, and landscape features with documentation of inspection, repair, and renovation needs.
• Receives, assigns, and completes daily work orders as directed, establishing priorities based on the nature and urgency of the request.
• Monitors and evaluates garden and landscape conditions; inspects for insect and disease infestation, damage, and overall appearance; identifies plant diseases and pests and takes prompt, appropriate corrective action.
• Applies pesticides and fertilizers per specified label rates to maintain healthy plant material; schedules and provides proper cultural practices including pruning, watering, and mulching according to industry standards.
• Maintains parks, gardens, and natural areas by trimming trees, clearing brush, and landscaping the property as required.
• Demonstrates basic and advanced pest and plant identification skills.
• Reads and interprets landscape plans to perform work to specifications.
• Develops and performs preventative maintenance schedules on assigned tools and equipment.•

Teamwork

• Demonstrates the ability to be responsive to staff, facilitating the effort of others to achieve success.

• Responsive to the needs of the department by accepting additional responsibility or assisting others. Willing to adjust work schedule to accommodate changing priorities.

• Assists with volunteer and community projects.

• Supports and assists other Rockford Park District-wide operations as required.

• Provides support and adjusts priorities to contribute to the success of various projects as required.

Customer Satisfaction

• Provide quality customer service to all patrons, guests, and other District employees.

• Ensure a superior customer experience in all interactions through outstanding service capabilities, knowledge, flexibility, and thoroughness.

• Quickly and effectively solve customer problems that ensure total satisfaction.

Education/Experience

High School diploma or GED, plus 1 year of additional schooling in horticulture, landscaping, or a related field, plus 3 to 5 years of experience in landscaping, grounds, or natural areas maintenance. Valid driver's license and Illinois Public Pesticide Operator's License required (or ability to obtain within a specified period of hire).

Critical Skills, Knowledge, and AbilitiesTo perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:

• Ability to independently plan, prioritize, and execute landscaping projects and daily work assignments

• Excellent customer service skills

• Experience with hand and power tools, including pole saws, chainsaws, table saws, string trimmers, and landscape blowers

• Effectively read and interpret landscape plans and perform work to specifications

• General knowledge of insects, trees, and plants, including basic and advanced pest and plant identification

• General knowledge of irrigation and fertilizer equipment and application

• Ability to apply pesticides and fertilizers per label specifications

• Effectively and safely operate District snow removal vehicles and equipment

• Desktop computer, iPad, smartphone technology, Internet, Outlook, Word, and Excel

• Computer Maintenance Management System

• Good communication skills - oral, written, and interpersonal

• Above average problem-solving skills

• Good understanding of project management

• Must have a valid driver's license

• Must have an Illinois Public Pesticide Operator's License

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:

Heavy work:

• Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally
• Exerting up to 50 pounds of force frequently
• Exerting up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:

Significant environmental factors are applicable to this position.

BenefitsThe Rockford Park District offers an extensive benefits package designed to support employees' health and wellness, financial security, and overall work-life balance. Key highlights include:

Health & Wellness

• Health Insurance: Choose from three PPO Plans administered by BlueCross/BlueShield of Illinois, including a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with an option for a Health Savings Account (HSA).

• Dental Insurance: Coverage through BlueCross/BlueShield, with a $2,000 individual annual maximum.

• Vision Insurance: Provided by EyeMed, offering discounts on frames, lenses, and other vision services.

• Wellness Program: Empower Health Services offers a variety of programs and resources to support employee well-being, including wellness challenges and health resources.

• Employee Assistance Program: Confidential counseling and support for personal and work-related challenges through SupportLinc.

Financial Security

• Retirement Plans: Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) pension with voluntary additional contributions & optional 457(b) deferred compensation.

• Life Insurance: Employer-paid life & AD&D (2x salary, up to $300K) plus optional voluntary coverage

• Critical Illness & Accident Insurances: Provides financial support by covering out-of-pocket costs for covered critical illnesses and offering optional accident insurance for additional protection.

• Tax-Free Accounts: HSA (with HDHP) & FSA for medical and dependent care expenses

• Employee Crisis Fund: Provides financial assistance of up to $2,500 for unforeseen emergencies such as medical crises, loss of a primary residence, or a family tragedy. Repayments are made through bi-weekly payroll deductions with flexible terms.

Paid Time Off: Vacation, Sick Leave, Holidays, Personal Days, Bereavement, and various leave programs.

Additional Benefits

• Employee Participation Program: Use for District programs or passes including: Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, Golf Membership, or up to $400 on a card to use throughout Park District facilities.

Exclusive Discounts: Local partners, safety shoe reimbursement, and more

Unique Benefits: Legal, identity theft, and pet insurance options

This robust benefits package reflects the District's commitment to fostering a supportive and rewarding workplace.

The General Maintenance Worker (Maintenance 3) is responsible for performing skilled maintenance, repair, and upkeep of Rockford Park District facilities, buildings, and equipment. This position requires a broad range of technical abilities and the capacity to work independently on a variety of maintenance tasks. The ideal candidate demonstrates professionalism, initiative, and a commitment to providing safe and functional park district facilities for the community.