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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSenior MW - Turfgrass SpecialistUpdated: August 2025 (Admin Review) CITY OF IOWA CITY – JOB DESCRIPTION Position Title: Senior Maintenance Worker - Turfgrass Specialist Department: Parks & Recreation Division: Parks & Forestry Supervisor: Superintendent of Parks & Forestry FLSA: Non-Exempt Civil Service: Yes Pay Grade: 12 Job Number: 1207 Job Summary Under direction, performs skilled and supervisory work of a specialized and technical nature in the care and maintenance of the City's athletic fields and parks. Work involves initiation, direction and performance of specialized and technical tasks relating to the maintenance and care of turfgrass areas, ball diamond surfaces, ornamental plantings, other park areas and facilities, and the associated operating equipment. Performs related work as required. Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned. • Identifies, directs and performs turf maintenance including mowing, aeration, seeding, sodding, irrigation, top dressing, chemical application and other accepted practices. • Diagnoses turf diseases and requirements and develops plan of action to address deficiencies or needs. • Identifies, directs and performs necessary maintenance and preparation practices on assigned athletic facilities including raking, watering, chalking, painting, water removal, dragging, grading, field layout, equipment installation and other necessary preparation and maintenance practices. • Identifies and assists with improvements, construction, repairs and maintenance on buildings, structures and other associated components of assigned facilities. • Identifies and recommends facility operational policies and procedures. • Works with members of public, contractors, other City staff and utility companies relative to division projects and needs. • Schedules use of athletic fields, prepares and plans for tournaments, determines the readiness and suitability of athletic facilities for use by the general public. • Operates and supervises the operation of various equipment, including power mowers, trucks, tractors, loaders, aerators, chemical spray equipment, and other specialized equipment related to ball diamond maintenance and turf care. • Compiles and maintains required records, reports and operational data relating to assigned work items. • Assists other divisions, contractors and agencies as needed. • Assists in monitoring and preparing the annual operating budget. Updated: August 2025 (Admin Review) • Responds to storms and other emergencies. • Develops divisional goals and objectives. • Supervises and performs snow and ice removal for trails, pedestrian areas and parking lots, storm damage clean-up and ice rink maintenance. • Performs duties in a safe manner and participates in safety training, ensures safety protocol is followed. • Conducts self in a professional manner which demonstrates courtesy and respect for all community members and coworkers. • Performs other duties as assigned. Minimum Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other • Associate’s degree from an accredited educational institution and one year of experience; or three years of related experience and/or equivalent combination of education and experience. Degree in Turfgrass Management or related. Experience in turfgrass management or related field. • State of Iowa Ornamental and Turf Pesticide Applicator’s Certification and forklift and backhoe certification within 6 months of hire. Satisfactory driving record. Valid State of Iowa commercial driver’s license instruction permit upon first day in position. Valid State of Iowa Class A commercial driver’s license with air brake endorsements within 6 months of hire. Meet federal drug testing requirements. Requires a pre-employment drug screen is. Must be 18 years of age. Must pass criminal background check. Preferred Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited educational institution; or four years of related experience and/or equivalent combination of education and experience. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities • Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. • Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public. • Ability to establish and maintain effective public relations and relationships with supervisors and other employees. • Ability to evaluate results and make suggestions for improvements. • Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. • Ability to lead, supervise and evaluate the work of subordinate employees. • Ability to perform heavy manual labor which may require heavy lifting, continuous standing, extensive digging and other manual tasks under a variety of environmental conditions. • Ability to plan, organize and perform daily maintenance schedules to provide for efficient operations. • Ability to prepare and maintain clear and accurate records. Updated: August 2025 (Admin Review) • Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. • Ability to receive oral and written assignments and carrying out instructions. • Ability to reliably and predictably carry out duties. • Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. • Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. • Knowledge of modern irrigation techniques and theories, operating and maintaining automatic and manual irrigation systems. • Knowledge of propagation, planting, cultivation, watering and care of grasses, plants and trees. • Knowledge of the field and layout standards associated with soccer, baseball and softball. • Knowledge of the occupational hazards involved and safety precautions necessary in equipment operations. • Knowledge of the specialized methods, equipment and materials used in the maintenance and preparation of athletic fields and sports turfgrass. • Knowledge of turf diseases and insects and the methods used in their control. • Skill in general maintenance and repair of municipal grounds, facilities and equipment. • Skill in mixing and applying pesticides and fertilizers, in a safe and professional manner. • Skill in operating and maintaining tools and equipment commonly used in this work. • Skill in planting and caring for flowers, shrubs and trees. • Skill in the use and care of a variety of hand and power tools. • Skill in using computers and applicable software applications (Microsoft Office – Word, Excel, Outlook). Supervision Involves leadership role such as regularly guiding, training, and providing direction to permanent staff in completing basic, entry-level daily tasks and assignments. Does not carry out disciplinary action, does not hire or fire, is not responsible for writing or delivering performance review. Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. The employee regularly lifts and/or moves 25 pounds and will occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds Updated: August 2025 (Admin Review) with or without assistance. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts, high or precarious places, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, vibration, confined space, and traffic hazards. The employee is frequently exposed to outside weather condition, dampness, direct sunlight, dust, pollen, insect stings, and animals. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. Involves more than moderate exposure to dangerous situations. Involves more than moderate exposure to stress due to the work environment and/or crisis situations. Iowa City is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as Amended, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. Reviewed/Approved by: Juli Seydell Johnson, Parks & Recreation Director (4/2024) I have read and understand the duties and requirements of this job description, and I agree that I can perform the duties of this position with or without reasonable accommodation. Employee Date ________________________________ __________________