Golf Grounds Specialist

Open until filled The Agency The Wheaton Park District (WPD) was established by the citizens of Wheaton in 1921 and has a rich history of elevating the quality of community life through its parks, facilities, programs and services. Today, citizens enjoy active and passive parks owned and leased by the district across fifty-four (54) sites totaling nearly 900 acres. Recreational facilities owned and/or operated by the District include the Ray Morrill Community Center, Parks Plus Fitness, Central Athletic Complex, Northside Park Family Aquatic Center, Rice Pool and Water Park, Arrowhead Golf Club, Lincoln Marsh Natural Area, Mary Lubko Center, Memorial Park Bandshell, Clocktower Mini Golf Course and Skate Park, Cosley Zoo, and DuPage County Historical Museum. The Wheaton Park District is an Illinois Distinguished Accredited Agency and is a recognized leader in the delivery of parks and recreation services in Illinois. WPD is a four-time winner of the NRPA Gold Medal Award for excellence in the field of park and recreation management. Since Arrowhead Golf Club’s historic opening in 1926, it has continued to offer a superb golf experience to its guests. The course is comprised of three nine-hole courses where guests can experience the feel of a private club at one of the finest municipal courses in the state. Arrowhead Golf Club has been Audubon Certified since 2020. District mission, vision and core values Mission: To create vibrant, welcoming spaces and activities that inspire fun, foster connection, strengthen the community, and enrich well-being for all. Vision: To be the community leader in offering fun and inclusive experiences inspired by nature, powered by creativity, built on collaboration, and guided by integrity. Values: Community, Respect, Excellence, Adventure, Teamwork, Equity The Position This position is responsible for timely chemical applications to golf course properties and fertilizer applications to tees, greens, fairways, and rough areas. Other routine golf course maintenance as assigned. Essential Functions Apply fertilizers and chemicals to grounds as directed. Demonstrate ability to correctly calibrate specialized turf equipment. Assist with maintaining accurate written pesticide use records. Responsible for reading, understanding, and keeping current with Safety Data Sheets (SDS). Maintain chemical inventory and chemical storage and mixing areas in compliance with county, state, and federal regulations; responsible for safety and direction of chemical handlers and/or helpers. Assist with the design, planting and maintenance of horticultural displays and planting beds. Assist mechanic with maintenance and repair of application equipment including mechanically pressurized spray equipment, tractor-driven spreaders, hand-operated spray equipment, hand-operated rotary spreaders, hand-operated drop spreaders, utility tractors. Understand operation of all equipment/vehicles to maintain course. Demonstrate proper use of all safety equipment provided for the job function and wear all personal protective equipment as required. Maintain timely two-way communication with the Golf Course Superintendent and Assistant Golf Course Superintendent on all golf course concerns. Contribute to a feedback rich environment. Provide a high quality of customer service in a professional manner to the internal customer that will facilitate team building and exceptional customer service to the external customer. Follow the Wheaton Park District and Arrowhead policies, procedures, and guidelines. Proactively support the Districts Mission, Vision, and Values. Maintain good safety awareness and follow all safety guidelines and procedures. Why You Should Apply Arrowhead is owned and operated by the Wheaton Park District. Park districts are all about leisure, recreation, and conservation. If this interests you, we offer the following: Health (HMO, PPO, or HSA), with very low employee contribution for employee, spouse, and dependents. 100% employer paid dental insurance for employee, spouse, and dependents. 100% employer paid vision insurance for the employee. 100% employer paid life insurance at 1.5 times your annual salary. Health insurance waiver incentive up to $4,500 per year. FSA and Dependent Care pre-tax via payroll deduction. Pension Plan through the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund, including employer contributions. Paid time off including 12 sick days per year, 12 vacation days, 2 personal days (pro-rated first year), 12 ½ holidays. Free use of fitness center, two pools, golf, and entrance to Cosley Zoo to employees and family members eligible for insurance coverage. Tuition Reimbursement, discounts on merchandise, professional memberships, and other voluntary benefits. Position Salary Range Min Mid Max $20.24 $25.30 $30.35 The Qualifications To be considered for this position, we are looking for: Degree or certificate in turf management/soil science, or related field preferred. Minimum of two (2) years’ experience with increasing responsibilities in turf management or similar position. Working knowledge of the golf course maintenance practices. Understanding of characteristics and use of various fertilizers and soil conditioners; herbicide control methods and materials; drainage control methods; and irrigation system, including wells, pumps, and automatic controls. Must have great problem solving, analytical, organizational, interpersonal, and verbal communication skills. Must be able to multi-task and work calmly and effectively under pressure. Must be familiar with Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record. CPR/AED certified or obtain within 90 days of employment. Illinois Pesticide Applicator’s License or obtain within 90 days of employment. Physical and Environmental Demands Physical Must be able to: occasionally remain in a stationary position with repetitive use of hands/arms/fingers and eyes while using a computer, frequently position ones' self to repair equipment, with repetitive use of hands/arms, grasping, and hand/eye coordination when working with tools; occasionally climb onto equipment, and stairs/ladder, work with vibrating equipment and tools, move equipment, tools, etc. weighing up to 50 lbs. and items over 50 lbs. with assistance; move over uneven ground. Must be able to drive a vehicle and operate all golf maintenance equipment and tools. Must be able to work long hours during peak season. Environmental While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to chemicals, fumes, or airborne particles; potential toxic items; grease and oil; moving mechanical parts; and occasional vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to extreme weather conditions and insects; loud noise levels of running equipment; and slippery surfaces. Hours Hours may vary based on the needs of the facility The Wheaton Park District is an equal opportunity employer. EOE/M/F/D/V