Parks Mow Crew

JOB Spend your summer outdoors making a visible impact in your community with the City of Gunnison Parks and Recreation team! As a member of the Mow Crew, you'll help keep our parks, athletic fields, and public spaces looking their best while working in the fresh mountain air. This seasonal position is a great opportunity to earn competitive pay while gaining hands-on experience with professional landscaping equipment. If you enjoy staying active, working with a team, and taking pride in a job well done, this is the role for you.

In this position, you'll operate commercial mowing equipment, assist with irrigation and field maintenance, and support the overall upkeep of Gunnison's parks and facilities. The work is physical and rewarding, with a mix of independent tasks and team collaboration in a dynamic outdoor environment. Ideal candidates are reliable, safety-minded, and ready to work in a variety of weather conditions. Whether you're building skills for a future career or just looking for a meaningful summer job, join us in maintaining the spaces that make Gunnison special.

Hourly rate ranges from $21.55 to $24.36 per hour depending on qualifications and experience, plus a $1.84 per hour incentive completion bonus at the end of the season.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES

General Purpose:

The Mow Crew is a seasonal position responsible for maintaining the appearance, safety, and functionality of City parks, athletic fields, rights-of-way, and other public spaces. This position focuses on mowing operations and general grounds maintenance while supporting a variety of park upkeep tasks. The wage starts at $21.55 per hour plus a bonus of $1.84 per hour worked, paid upon successful completion of the season.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Operate commercial mowing equipment including riding mowers, push mowers, ballfield drag, tractors, and string trimmers to maintain turf areas. Perform trimming, edging, and blowing of grass clippings from sidewalks, trails, and parking areas. Assist with irrigation system monitoring, adjustments, and minor repairs. Maintain athletic fields, parks, medians, and other landscaped areas to established standards. Conduct routine equipment inspections and basic maintenance such as fueling, cleaning, and blade checks. Assist with trash removal, restroom cleaning, and general park upkeep as needed. Identify and report maintenance issues, safety hazards, or vandalism. Support special projects and events as assigned by supervisors. Follow all safety procedures and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

Anyone applying for this job should be able to communicate well, prioritize workload and responsibilities, and operate small equipment and trucks safely. This person might be asked to help with trash cleanup in parks and have other duties as assigned.

Job QualificationsMinimum Qualifications and Experience:

Must be at least 16 or 18 years of age (depending on equipment operated; adjust as needed). Valid driver's license preferred (or required depending on duties). Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions. Ability to perform physically demanding work, including lifting up to 50 pounds, standing for long periods, and repetitive motion tasks.

Other Necessary Requirements:

The applicant should possess a current, legal driver's license and have minimal driving infractions. (Parks positions are subject to a background check)

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Ability to safely operate mowing and grounds maintenance equipment. Basic knowledge of turf care and irrigation systems is preferred. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Strong attention to detail and pride in maintaining high-quality public spaces. Ability to follow instructions and communicate effectively with supervisors and coworkers.

English Language Comprehension - Requires the ability to listen to, read, understand and communicate the English language so that others are able to understand. This must be done both orally and in writing, at the level appropriate for the position held.

Working ConditionsWork Environment:

Work is performed primarily outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, including heat, cold, wind, and rain. Exposure to noise, dust, pollen, and equipment vibrations is common. Requires walking, standing, bending, kneeling, and lifting throughout the workday.

Physical Activities:

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. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Tools and Equipment Used:

The following tools and equipment are necessary for this position. All of these things will be provided by the Parks Department.

Commercial riding and push mowers String trimmers, edgers, and backpack blowers Hand tools such as rakes, shovels, and pruning tools Light-duty trucks and trailers (if applicable) Basic irrigation tools and equipment

Supervision Received:

Works under the general supervision of: Parks Foreman