Grounds Maintenance Specialist

Under general supervision performs skilled work in the maintenance and care of golf course grounds, landscaped areas, irrigation systems, and related facilities at WildHawk Golf Club. The position performs general greenskeeping duties and serves as a lead worker over assigned staff when directed. This classification also specializes in one or more technical areas including irrigation management, pesticide and fertilizer application, and golf course improvement projects. Maintenance Specialist II level is distinguished from Maintenance Specialist I level by a greater degree of authority, responsibility and experience. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS General Golf Course Maintenance Performs daily golf course maintenance including mowing, trimming, edging, raking, blowing, and debris removal. Maintains greens, tees, fairways, rough, bunkers, and landscaped areas to established standards. Operates tools, light, and heavy maintenance equipment including mowers, tractors, utility vehicles, aerators, sprayers, and other specialized machinery necessary to perform job duties. Assists with course setup including cup cutting, tee placement, and bunker preparation. Performs routine maintenance on tools, equipment, and facilities. Purchases and maintains inventory of parts, supplies and equipment. Allocates expenses to proper accounts and exercises fiscal responsibility in regards to budget. Works and operates equipment following safety procedures and uses safety equipment. Performs operation of motor vehicles and/or power equipment with intermittent vibration. Prepares and maintains written daily records including required documentation reflecting parts and labor needed to maintain irrigation system equipment. Irrigation Management Plan, schedule, perform, train, and assign irrigation system related work. Inspect, repair, and maintain golf course irrigation systems including valves, heads, controllers, and pumps. Supervise and assist in the install, repair, and maintenance of irrigation systems by digging trenches, laying pipe, and connecting sprinkler heads and other related equipment in order to make water more efficient. Monitor water usage and adjust irrigation schedules for turf health and water conservation. Hand water dry areas as needed to supplement automatic irrigation system. Troubleshoot electrical, hydraulic, and control system issues. Manage, operate and maintain central control irrigation database & programming. Pesticide and Fertilizer Application Apply pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and fertilizers in accordance with label requirements and state regulations. Maintain required application records and safety documentation. Mix and load chemicals safely and accurately. Monitor turf health and report pest, weed, and disease conditions. Maintain required licensing for pesticide application. Course Improvement Projects Participate in construction and renovation projects including grading, drainage, sod installation, and bunker work. Assist with landscaping, tree work, and turf renovation. Operate specialized equipment related to construction and improvement work. Coordinate project tasks with supervisory staff. Lead Worker / Team Leader Responsibilities Provide direction and guidance to assigned maintenance staff. Lead small crews during daily assignments or weekend shifts. Assist in training new employees on equipment and procedures. Ensure work is completed safely and according to District standards. Report maintenance issues, safety concerns, and equipment needs to supervisory staff. May serve as acting lead in the absence of the Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent. General Responsibilities Complies with Southgate Recreation & Park District Occupational Injury & Illness Prevention Program. Reports safety and sanitary hazards to the Golf Course Superintendent. Follows oral and written instructions. Works harmoniously and cooperatively with fellow employees and the public. Performs heavy physical labor, lift, carry, push and pull heavy objects, such as cement and fertilizer bags, (up to 50 lbs.) Walk, stand, stoop and crouch for long periods; climb ladders; dig ditches and post holes. ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES Greets public, cooperates with other departments and provides information to public or directs them to proper office. Other duties as assigned. Knowledge of and Skilled in: Effective oral and written communication skills; methods, tools, and equipment used in golf course maintenance; turfgrass care, irrigation systems, and landscape maintenance; electronic and computerized irrigation systems operation and maintenance and repair. Knowledge of hazards and safety precautions of the profession; occupational safety procedures; safe operation of maintenance equipment; proper handling and application of pesticides and fertilizers. Ability to: Follow and understand oral and written instructions and schedules; work harmoniously and cooperatively with fellow employees and the public; maintain neat and appropriate appearance; effectively communicate orally and in writing; lead and direct the work of others; work independently with minimal supervision; analyze situations and adopt effective courses of action; perform physically demanding work in varying outdoor weather conditions. Read and understand schematic diagrams and manuals; maintain technical, statistical and historical documents and databases; interpret technical information and exercise expertise in the field; operate tools and equipment necessary for performance safely in the field; diagnose and repair equipment problems; learn new computer programs and customer information systems, including computerized irrigation system; make presentations; submit written reports; work early mornings, weekends, and holidays as required. Physical Requirements: Must be able to perform heavy physical labor, lift, carry, push and pull heavy objects such as cement and fertilizer bags (up to 50 lbs.); walk, stand, stoop and crouch for long periods; climb ladders; dig ditches and post holes. Operation of motor vehicles and/or power equipment with intermittent vibration.