Park Steward

Town of Middlefield - Parks & Recreation Department Job Description Parks Steward (Part-Time, Seasonal) Position Summary The Parks Steward is responsible for the routine inspection, maintenance, and overall care of Town park facilities which include a town beach, a dog park, a pocket-park, an ice skating rink pond, and Peckham Park, a large municipal park which includes basketball court, skate park, playground, athletic fields, ball fields, a walking path, and nature trails in addition to a Pavilion with a kitchen and bathrooms. This is a hands-on role focused on keeping parks, playgrounds, athletic fields, the pavilion, and related amenities safe, clean, and well-maintained. The Parks Steward also supports the Town's goals for sustainable park care, including attention to native plantings, habitat areas, and low-input or pesticide-free maintenance practices where applicable. Working independently under the general direction of the Parks & Recreation Director, the Parks Steward monitors park conditions, identifies maintenance needs, performs light repairs and upkeep, coordinates routine maintenance tasks, and helps ensure that Town parks remain welcoming, functional, and cared for. The Parks Steward also helps advance maintenance and repair work by documenting conditions, identifying issues that require follow-up, reporting on contractor performance, meeting vendors or contractors on site as needed, assisting with estimates or service coordination as directed, and helping track completion of repairs and corrective actions. Supervision Received • Works under the general direction of the Parks & Recreation Director. •

Supervision Exercised:

None. May communicate task priorities to Transition Academy participants and coordinate with their supervisor. Work Schedule Peak Season (mid-March - mid-November): Approximately 10-14 hours per week Off-Season (mid-November - mid-March): Approximately 3-5 hours per week Typically 2-3 workdays per week in 3-5 hour blocks, with flexibility based on weather, park usage, and operational needs Occasional evening or weekend site visits may be required Essential Duties and Responsibilities 1. Maintenance & Upkeep Perform routine and as-needed maintenance across park properties Complete light repairs and upkeep, including: Trash removal and general cleanup Minor repairs to fixtures, hardware, and amenities Installation or replacement of items such as dog waste stations, benches, and signage Changing lightbulbs Watering plantings and landscaped areas Snow shoveling and ice testing Support sustainable park management practices, including care of native plantings, attention to habitat areas, and implementation of low-input or pesticide-free maintenance practices as directed Assist with seasonal setup and shutdown of park facilities 2. Inspection & Safety Monitoring Conduct regular inspections of: Playgrounds (including dinosaur playground) Dog park Athletic fields Pavilion and associated amenities General park grounds and trails Beach facilities and grounds (excluding waterfront operations) Identify safety hazards, maintenance needs, and damaged equipment Monitor field conditions and communicate closures or limitations Inspect and help maintain safety-related equipment, including coordination of fire extinguisher checks and servicing Complete assigned playground inspection responsibilities and maintain required training 3. Maintenance Coordination & Contractor Support Establish, with the Director, and communicate routine maintenance priorities Communicate task needs for Transition Academy participants and coordinate with their supervisor Monitor contractor performance (e.g., mowing, grounds maintenance) and report deficiencies Meet vendors or contractors on site as needed and assist with coordination of services Support obtaining or coordinating estimates as directed Coordinate with the Director regarding repairs, supply needs, and larger maintenance issues 4. Facilities Support Maintain overall cleanliness, safety, and functionality of all park facilities Monitor and address: Trash and waste stations Restroom and kitchen conditions (including pavilion facilities) General site appearance 5. Field Use Support (Operational) Maintain awareness of field and pavilion usage schedules Communicate field conditions and coordinate adjustments due to weather or maintenance needs 6. Recordkeeping & Reporting Use a the Town's digital system to document inspections, maintenance tasks, and follow-up needs Maintain records of completed work and identified issues Help track progress on maintenance items, repairs, and follow-up actions Provide regular updates to the Director regarding maintenance needs, safety concerns, and contractor performance Minimum Qualifications At least two (2) years of experience in parks maintenance, facilities management, building maintenance, or a closely related field. Experience limited solely to landscaping is sufficient. Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment Strong observational and organizational skills Basic maintenance and repair abilities Ability to use a smartphone and mobile app for inspections and recordkeeping Valid driver's license Ability to pass a background check Required Certifications Must obtain and maintain CPR/First Aid certification Must complete and maintain assigned playground inspection training/certification Physical Requirements Ability to walk park properties for extended periods Ability to lift and carry up to approximately 50 pounds Ability to perform physical tasks including bending, lifting, shoveling, and reaching Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions Compensation Hourly rate: $22-$26 per hour, depending on qualifications Part-time, seasonal position; hours vary based on operational needs FLSA Status Non-exempt (hourly) Equal Opportunity Employer The Town of Middlefield is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or any other protected class.

Pay:

$22.00 - $26.00 per hour Application Question(s): Do you have at least two (2) years of experience in parks maintenance, facilities management, building maintenance, or a closely related field? (Experience limited solely to landscaping is not sufficient. ) Have you managed groups of volunteers or youth workers before?

Work Location:

In person