Parks Worker (full-time)

Discover Medford: Employment, Applicant Support, and Benefits within Our Vibrant City Help maintain Medford's beautiful parks and open spaces! As a Parks Worker with the City of Medford, you'll handle a variety of tasks, including landscaping, irrigation, and operating equipment like riding mowers, backhoes, and chain saws.  If you have experience in landscape maintenance, irrigation systems, and operating small and large equipment, this is the perfect opportunity to bring your skills to a team that values dedication and teamwork. Required Education and Experience: * Graduation from high school or GED equivalent; and * Must be 18 years of age; and * Two (2) years of parks or grounds maintenance experience. Preferred Qualifications: * Commercial Driver's License (CDL) * Forklift, flagger, and/or traffic control certifications * Master Gardener certification * Certified Arborist (ISA) * Playground Safety Inspector certification (CPSI) Available Schedule: * 9/80 Schedule: Monday - Thursday, 9 hours each day, Friday-8 hours with every other Friday off. This position is part of the Teamsters Parks Maintenance & Facilities employee group.  Learn more about our benefits HERE.   The anticipated hiring range for the Parks Worker position is $21.79 (first step) to $22.88 or $24.02 (second or third step). The City of Medford determines starting pay based on an evaluation of relevant education, experience, and qualifications as provided by the applicant in their application materials, alongside others who perform work of comparable character consistent with the Oregon Equal Pay Act. Six steps are included in this salary range, allowing opportunity for annual movement through the steps.  Healthcare Benefits: * Medical, vision and dental benefits for employee and family, paid at 100% by the City with the opportunity to buy-up to a lower deductible plan * Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment insurance - policy value of $50,000 paid by the City * Long-term disability insurance provided by the City * Health Reimbursement Account (HRA-VEBA) contributions provided by the City Retirement Benefits: * Oregon Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) lifetime pension after retirement at no cost to employee * PERS is 100% fully paid as the City pays both the employer and the employee's (6%) contributions * Deferred Compensation retirement plan (Section 457 Plan) for employee's retirement planning Additional Benefits: * Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays * Employee Assistance Program (EAP) * The City's Wellness Program promotes physical, social, emotional, intellectual, financial and environmental wellness with various goals and challenges to participate in throughout the year. Employees may qualify for wellness incentives by completing milestones set within the program up to $200 annually * Access to the City's fully equipped fitness center 24/7 Essential Functions of the Position: * Performs general clean up, facility maintenance, landscape maintenance and irrigation of City grounds and beautification areas.  * Grooms City grounds by mowing, trimming and edging turf and applying fertilizers and herbicides. * Maintains City grounds: planting beds, walkways, special use areas, etc. by pruning, mowing, blowing, spraying, fertilizing, trimming and edging of City landscapes and turf areas. * Drives City vehicle to various parks and other work locations. * Operates a variety of equipment to include mowers, tractors, large dump bed trucks, front end loaders, backhoes, skid steers, turf care equipment, spray equipment, etc. * Performs weed abatement activities utilizing Integrated Pest Management Strategies. * Irrigates grounds as necessary; monitors irrigation systems and performs basic repairs to damaged or malfunctioning sprinklers.  * Cares for plants through watering, weeding, and trimming.  * Inspects Park playground equipment as directed; removes possible hazards to ensure safety.  * Adheres to safety practices and standards when performing all duties. * Performs preventative maintenance of equipment such as fluid checks, mower blade sharpening, tire filling and patching, cleaning, etc. * Scope of assigned area will depend on departmental and/or citywide operational structure and is at the discretion of the Supervisor. Other Functions of the Position: * May perform light construction activities as assigned within park locations. * Performs the set-up for recreation programs and special events. * Upholds the values of the organization and has strong customer service orientation. * Handles job stress and interacts effectively with others in the workplace. * Fosters an environment that embraces diversity, integrity, trust, and respect. * Is an integral team player, which involves flexibility, cooperation, and communication. * Performs other related projects and duties as assigned. * Demonstrates regular, reliable, and punctual attendance. Competencies: Drive/Energy - Effective performers have a high level of energy and the motivation to sustain it over time. They are ambitious and passionate about their role in the City. They have the stamina and endurance to handle the substantial workload present in today's organizations. They know that a healthy work/life balance is important to sustained energy. They are motivated to maintain a fast pace and continue to produce even in exhausting circumstances. High Standards - Effective performers establish and model standards that guarantee exceptional quality and necessary attention to detail. They continually seek to improve processes and products, and hold staff accountable for quality. They find best practices, share them, and then improve upon them.    Industry Knowledge - Effective performers understand the general workings of the industry within which the organization functions. They monitor activities and trends within these arenas and maintain a current knowledge base. They use this knowledge to further the organization/departments goals.   Results Orientation - Effective performers maintain appropriate focus on outcomes and accomplishments. They are motivated by achievement and persist until the goal is reached. They convey a sense of urgency to make things happen. They respect the need to balance short- and long-term goals. They are driven by a need for closure.   Team Player - Effective performers are team oriented. They identify with the larger organizational team and their role within it. They share resources, respond to requests from other parts of the organization, and support larger legitimate organizational agendas as more important than local or personal goals. IMPORTANT (Please read): * It is important your application shows all the relevant experience you possess. * Applications may be rejected if incomplete. * Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an online application; an application will be considered incomplete with a "see resume" response.   * Please complete the application and answer the supplemental questions thoroughly to ensure our subject matter experts can appropriately evaluate your experience as we compare applicants. How to Apply:  * Applications are only accepted online and must be received by the posted closing date/time. * Selection procedures and timelines subject to change.   * Those selected must be able to provide proof of legal right to work in this country.  Hiring will be subject to successful completion of the following:  * Criminal history background investigation * Favorable driving record  * Physical and functional examination * Clear drug screen following federal law * Professional reference check Questions or Assistance:  * If you have questions about the job posting, please contact the Human Resources department at (541) 774-2014.   * For technical assistance completing your online application, please contact Government Jobs at (855) 524-5627.

Created: 2025-02-12