Title:  Operations Technician I (Open Spaces)

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF JOB:

Under general supervision the Operations Technician I (Open Spaces, Parks & Trails) serve as a staff member within their functional area(s) and provides assistance and support to the Operations Team. This position performs a variety of semi-skilled work in the maintenance and repair of open spaces, parks, turf, landscapes, trails, and associated equipment, facilities, and public properties.

DUTIES:

• Completes a variety of field activities associated with the Operations maintenance programs. Implements plans to carry out maintenance tasks and projects. Supports the safety and performance of Operations Team.
• Assists Operations Team and divisional contractors in meeting maintenance and services standards and efficiency requirements. Provides information to support work planning.
• Performs maintenance, stewardship and land management duties on Arapahoe County open space owned and managed properties, trail corridors and trailheads, parks, turf, irrigation systems, sports fields, landscape beds, Heritage Areas, and other related public use facilities and equipment.
• Performs restoration of native grasslands and riparian areas, including native grass seeding operations, the planting, establishment and maintenance of trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants, and the management of noxious weeds on open space properties parks, trailheads, and trail corridors.
• Performs parks, turf, forestry, and landscape duties including but not limited to pruning, mowing, blowing, edging, fertilizing, weed management, aerating, top-dressing verticutting, power raking, over-seeding, soil amending, sodding, planting, and irrigation maintenance.
• Repair and maintain open space, trailhead, and park amenities; amenities include but not limited to fences, drainage systems, restrooms, shelters, benches, trash cans as well as graffiti / vandalism damage, playground equipment, athletic equipment, and other related equipment and facilities.
• Safely operate and maintains equipment including but not limited to County vehicles, mowers, blowers, string trimmers, sprayers, hand tools, power tools, and snowplows.
• Supports the removal of debris and snow from parks, trailheads, parking lots, trails, and sidewalks using pick-up trucks and trailers as well as blowing, sweeping and snow removal equipment. Supports County level snow removal and emergency management operations when necessary.
• Supports the operations and logistics associated with special events occurring at the 17 Mile House Farm Park, the Fairgrounds Event Center or through Departmental partnerships.

REQUIREMENTS:

Skills, Abilities and Competencies:

• Knowledge related to vegetation management related to turf, ornamental and native plants, ecological systems, agricultural areas, and weed science. Basic ground’s maintenance and safety knowledge of landscape equipment.
• Knowledge of the basic principles, practices, methods and techniques of parks, playground, and landscape maintenance. Basic knowledge of horticulture to include annuals, perennials, plant identification and basic landscape design and installation.
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions which includes communicating in a clear and concise manner, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work collaboratively and show good judgement.
• Ability to apply pesticides/herbicides as part of an integrated pest management program.
• Ability to work safely by utilizing applicable PPE’s and adhering to all safety protocol/procedures.

Behavioral Competencies (these are required for all positions at ACG):

• Accountability
• Accessibility
• Inclusivity
• Integrity

Education and Experience:

• High School diploma or GED equivalent
• 0-1 years of experience in open space, parks/turf, trails, and/or landscape maintenance/repair.
• Equivalent combination of education and work experience that satisfy the requirements of the job may be considered.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Training or certification in landscaping, horticulture, grounds maintenance or another related field.
• Class B CDL
• Landscape Industry Certified Technician or Certified Grounds Technician or Certified Native Plant Master.

Pre-Employment OR Post Employment (within time frames listed) Requirements:

• Must successfully pass pre-employment testing which includes an acceptable motor vehicle record (MVR) and background check.
• Possession of a valid Class “R” or the ability to obtain one within two weeks of appointment.
• Ability to obtain Class A CDL within 12 months. Must be able to pass CDL medical exam.
• CPR/1st Aid/AED or ability to obtain within 3 months.
• Ability to operate the following equipment: 4x4 pickup truck, assorted sprayers or spray rigs, assorted mowers, hand and power tools, blowers, edgers, and assorted snow removal equipment.
• Ability to perform preventive maintenance.

Post-Employment Requirements:

• Position is deemed essential, and incumbents must be available for winter storm and other emergency events and available to work on-call on a rotational basis including evenings, holidays, and weekends.
• Work locations, facilities and hours are subject to change based on business need.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Employee works indoors and out-of-doors, most of their time spent in the field often in extreme weather conditions and over rough terrain. May occasionally be exposed to confine workspace or working at height.
• Employees in this position may be exposed to all the dangers associated with working outside, including but not limited to, pollen, animal dander, peanuts and other allergens, snakes, insects, bites and stings and similar hazards.
• Available to work on-call hours in rotation, as needed.
• Available to work the County Fair, including preparations and take down as well as other Open Spaces special events.
• Available to work during evenings, weekends, irregular hours, as needed. Serves as County essential personnel.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The following are some of the physical demands commonly associated with this position.

• Spends 20% of the time sitting and 80% of the time either standing or walking.
• Occasionally lifts, carries, pulls or pushes up to 40 lbs.
• Occasionally uses cart, dolly, or other equipment to carry in excess of 40 lbs.
• Occasionally climbs, stoops, kneels, balances, reaches, crawls and crouches while performing office or work duties.
• Verbal and auditory capacity enabling constant interpersonal communication through automated devices, such as telephones, radios, and similar; and in public meetings and personal interactions.
• Constant use of eye, hand and finger coordination enabling the use of automated office machinery or equipment.
• Visual capacity enabling constant use of computer or other work-related equipment.

Definitions:

• Occasionally: Activity exists less than 1/3 of the time.
• Frequently: Activity exists between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time.
• Constantly: Activity exists more than 2/3 of the time.