Parks Laborer (Part-Time 17 hours/week)

Purpose of the position: The purpose of this position is to provide routine maintenance, custodial, safety, and park support services at Buncombe County Parks & Recreation facilities, with a primary focus on evening and weekend operations. The position is responsible for maintaining clean, safe, and orderly parks through routine park patrols, trash collection, restroom and facility checks, identification of maintenance and safety concerns, and response to routine park needs.

Minimum Education, Training and/or Experience (required at time of hire): Graduation from high school or GED.

License or Certification Required by Statute or Regulation: North Carolina State Driver License

Physical Requirements: The work is primarily heavy work requiring exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 30 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Works in various indoor and outdoor environments and weather conditions which may include seasonal temperature variations. Position requires pulling, pushing, reaching, standing, squatting, and bending on a routine basis. May work in tight spaces occasionally and may include extended periods of walking, standing, or other non-seated activity while conducting park patrols and maintenance duties.

Essential Functions of the position:

• Conduct routine patrols of assigned parks, facilities, parking areas, trails, athletic areas, and other County recreational properties, particularly during evening and weekend hours.
• Monitor assigned parks for safety, security, cleanliness, vandalism, facility damage, hazardous conditions, and other maintenance concerns.
• Report safety, security, maintenance, vandalism, or other operational concerns to the appropriate supervisor or County personnel in a timely manner.
• Perform general trash pickup, litter removal, and disposal throughout assigned parks, including parking areas, shelters, athletic areas, trails, and other public-use areas.
• Inspect and maintain the cleanliness and general condition of public restrooms and other park amenities; report needed repairs or supply deficiencies.
• Perform routine groundskeeping and park maintenance duties, including raking leaves, clearing litter and debris, maintaining pathways, and other general park upkeep. 
• Perform routine cleaning and maintenance of park facilities, equipment, shelters, picnic areas, and other recreational amenities; identify and address minor maintenance needs within the scope of the position and communicate larger or specialized maintenance needs to the appropriate staff.
• Assist with maintaining safe and accessible parking lots, pathways, sidewalks, and other areas used by the public.
• Operate basic maintenance equipment and hand tools, including backpack blowers and other equipment necessary to perform assigned duties, such as weed eater, power drill, and grinder. 
• Assist with preparation and maintenance of athletic fields and other recreational areas as needed.
• Provide assistance during special events, periods of increased park use, emergencies, severe weather, and other situations requiring additional Parks & Recreation staffing.
• Maintain awareness of park activity and notify appropriate County staff or emergency services when situations arise that exceed the responsibilities or authority of the position.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Some knowledge of basic groundskeeping, custodial, and park maintenance practices.
• Some knowledge of safe work practices and applicable safety requirements associated with park maintenance and public facilities.
• Knowledge of basic procedures for identifying and reporting safety, maintenance, vandalism, and facility concerns.
• Skill in the safe use and care of hand tools, groundskeeping equipment, and other equipment used in assigned duties that may include string trimmers, leaf blowers, drills, and pruning shears.
• Ability to conduct routine park patrols and remain attentive to safety, cleanliness, and maintenance conditions.
• Ability to interact professionally with park visitors and respond appropriately to routine questions and concerns.
• Ability to recognize situations that require assistance from supervisors, law enforcement, emergency services, or specialized maintenance staff.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to work independently during evening and weekend shifts while maintaining communication with supervisors and other County staff.
• Ability to perform strenuous work under varying weather conditions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.

Buncombe County Government realizes the importance of a diverse professional workforce and the need to foster a responsive and innovative organizational culture, one that fully engages all of our employees, honoring and building on each employee's unique experiences, opinions, and perspective.

It is the policy of Buncombe County to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, natural hair or hairstyles, ethnicity, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin or ancestry, marital or familial status, pregnancy, veteran status, religious belief or non-belief, age, or disability or any other legally protected class under federal or NC State law. EEO practices and employment decisions regarding recruitment, hiring, assignment, promotion and compensation shall not be based on any of these protected classes. In addition, the County expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment or discrimination.