Grounds Maintenance Worker - Landscape Crew

Company: Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Location: West Chicago
Posted on: May 16, 2022

Job Description:

Job DescriptionThe Forest Preserve District of DuPage County provides opportunities for people to connect with nature. We offer to the public 60 forest preserves, 145 miles of trails, 47 miles of rivers and streams, and 6 nature and cultural centers. We have 6 million visitors each year. The District's mission is, "to acquire and hold lands containing forests, prairies, wetlands and associated plant communities or lands capable of being restored to such natural conditions for the purpose of protecting and preserving the flora, fauna and scenic beauty for the education, pleasure and recreation of it's citizens. This position is assigned to a specific crew; however, this position can potentially be transferred to various crews temporarily as needed. Every effort will be made to put personnel in areas of their preference, yet maintaining the balance of crew sizes and proper function of the department shall remain the prime objective.Job PurposeWork involves operating equipment and performing manual labor in the installation and maintenance of turf, trees, roads, parking lots, streams, trails, and storm sewer systems in District preserves. Proper maintenance practices ensure the safety of all forest preserve users while maintaining healthy natural and recreational areas for all to enjoy.Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesLandscape Crew• Performs all aspects of landscape maintenance and landscape installation on District land• Fine and rough mowing of general use areas and trails including pre-mowing cleanup• Tree and shrub planting, mulching, irrigation, and maintenance• Maintenance and installation of annual and perennial planting beds including both ornamental and native landscapes including edging, mulching, and herbicide application• Debris and leaf collection in general use areas• Fertilization and aeration of fine mowed areas• Turf restoration utilizing industry best management practices• Installation and maintenance of various types of hardscaping and water features• Assist all other departmental crews as necessary• Perform other duties as requiredHours: Monday - Friday 6:45 am - 2:45 pm, may include weekends.Emergency response to winter weather events, including snow plowing and deicing. On call scheduling required for some weekends between November and March.Education and Experience RequiredRelated Experience: One (1) year experience in the operation and maintenance of equipment that relates to grounds maintenance.Special training or other license, certification, etc.: Illinois Department Of Agriculture Pesticide Operators License; Blood Borne Pathogen training; First Aid / First Response certification, CPR training, ability to obtain Midwest Ecological Prescribed Burn Certification or equivalent within 2 years of employment, ability to obtain a Class A (CDL) Commercial Driver's License (with air brakes and tanker endorsements) within six (6) months of employment. Ability to obtain ISA Arborist Certification within 1 year of employment. Pursuant to OSHA 1910.134, physicals are required for job assignments that fall under the District's Respiratory program. Valid driver's license required.Knowledge of: Landscape maintenance, construction, and installation; turf management; maintenance and construction of asphalt and gravel surfaces; occupational hazards and proper safety precautions; safe handling of herbicides and pesticides; GPS/GIS applications.Skills In: Identification of trees, shrubs, native grasses, wild flowers, and exotic weeds for horticulture aspects of preserve management; safe and proper operation and maintenance of a variety of grounds equipment; performing manual labor tasks; understanding and following verbal or written instructions; maintaining effective working relationships.The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is an EEO employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Keywords: Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, Chicago , Grounds Maintenance Worker - Landscape Crew, Professions , West Chicago, Illinois