Parks Technician

The City of Norwalk Parks and Recreation Department is seeking a motivated and hardworking individual to join our team as a Parks Technician . This is an exciting opportunity to help maintain and improve the parks, trails, recreational facilities, and public spaces that make Norwalk a great place to live and play. We are looking for someone who enjoys working outdoors, takes pride in their work, and is eager to learn and grow within the profession. The ideal candidate is a problem solver who takes initiative, demonstrates sound judgment and decision-making abilities, communicates effectively, and works well both independently and as part of a team. As a Parks Technician, no two days are the same. From maintaining athletic fields and playgrounds to operating equipment, supporting seasonal operations, and assisting with community spaces, this position plays an important role in keeping City facilities safe, functional, and welcoming for the public. If you are dependable, adaptable, and passionate about serving the community through hands-on work, we encourage you to apply and become part of a team dedicated to enhancing Norwalk's parks and recreational amenities.

JOB FUNCTION

: Under the supervision of the Parks Supervisor, the Parks Technician performs a variety of manual, skilled, and semi-skilled work related to the maintenance, repair, and upkeep of City parks, recreational facilities, and equipment. This position operates light to medium construction and maintenance equipment, performs routine grounds and facility maintenance, and supports seasonal and emergency operations to ensure parks and recreational areas are safe, clean, and well-maintained. Work is performed in accordance with established City policies, safety standards, and departmental procedures.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties are typical for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be assigned. Performs routine and skilled maintenance of City parks, sports complexes, turf areas, aquatic facilities, shelters, playgrounds, trails, right-of-ways, parking areas, and other City facilities. Participates in seasonal and routine maintenance activities such as mowing, trimming, pruning trees and brush, snow removal, ice control, and chemical application in accordance with safety standards and departmental procedures. Plants, maintains, and removes annual flower beds, perennials, prairie plantings, and native vegetation; tills, fertilizes, waters, mulches, and performs weed control in turf and landscaped areas. Operates a wide variety of equipment and tools, including trucks, tractors, loaders, landscape equipment, hand and power tools. Performs manual labor as required, including digging, lifting, hauling, painting, litter removal, restroom and facility cleaning, and general repair work. Performs routine maintenance and minor repairs to park amenities, buildings, and infrastructure to ensure clean, safe, and attractive public spaces. Assists with parks and recreation facility maintenance to ensure buildings and grounds are clean, functional, and well-maintained. Cleans, maintains, and properly stores tools, equipment, and materials following use. Completes assigned daily work activities and follows established schedules, work plans, and instructions provided by the Parks Supervisor. Provides operational support during City emergencies and assists other departments as directed. Attends approved department-related training sessions, safety meetings, seminars, and workshops to maintain and improve technical skills and knowledge. Interacts professionally with the public and special interest groups while performing duties and communicates issues, concerns, or observations to supervisory staff. Provides input to the Parks Supervisor regarding budgeting, supplies, materials, and equipment needs. Performs routine maintenance on plumbing, electrical, and irrigation systems. Follows OSHA regulations and City safety policies and procedures to ensure a safe work environment for employees, coworkers, and the public. Performs other duties or assumes additional responsibilities as apparent or assigned.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Entry Requirements:

Two (2) years of full-time experience in facilities maintenance involving plumbing, electrical, and/or heating and cooling systems; or semi-skilled or technical work in biological, horticultural, conservation, or natural resources programs; or a bachelor's degree in biology, natural resources, conservation, horticulture, or a closely related field.

Skills:

Ability to understand, interpret, and follow written and oral instructions. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, and the public. Sound judgment and decision-making abilities. Problem-solving and the ability to take initiative.

Physical Requirements/Essential Functions:

Ability to continuously lift objects weighing less than 10 pounds. Ability to routinely lift and carry objects weighing 25 to 50 pounds. Ability to occasionally lift and carry objects weighing more than 50 pounds. Ability to perform manual labor for extended periods under adverse weather conditions. Ability to speak, hear, and communicate effectively, with or without reasonable accommodation. Ability to see and observe work activities, equipment operation, and maintenance needs at various park sites, with or without reasonable accommodation. Ability to use manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, to operate tools, equipment, and standard computer devices. Ability to move safely and effectively throughout parks, facilities, and outdoor work sites, including lifting, carrying, and working on uneven terrain, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Working Conditions:

Work is performed outdoors year-round in varying weather conditions and temperatures with moderate exposure to excessive noise, dust/dirt, fumes, moving equipment/parts, and similar hazards associated with parkland. Exposure to moving mechanical parts, high or precarious places, chemicals, weather, wildlife, and traffic hazards. Standard work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; evening and weekend work is required as necessary to support operations, programs, and emergency response. Must be generally available for off-hour emergencies, snow duty, and/or work assignments.