JOB SUMMARY

Under the general direction of the Parks Maintenance Supervisor and Trail Crew Leader, is responsible for the construction, maintenance, drainage, and evaluation of park trail systems within the City of San Marcos.  Helps support various department maintenance needs, as assigned, and acts on behalf of the Trail Crew Leader in their absence.   Work involves heavy lifting, digging, carrying, brush cutting, chainsaw cutting, and operation of power equipment in the construction and maintenance of trails and natural areas. Position requires hiking, carrying a backpack and hand tools, and working outside in inclement weather and on uneven terrain. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DECISION MAKING

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Protecting natural resources in City natural areas
2. Removing non-native plant species using hand tools, weed whacker, chainsaw and/or herbicide
3. Working in an outdoor environment with a variety of habitat types and terrain in various weather conditions
4. Pick-up and remove litter 
5. Installing, inspecting, and repairing posts, rail fencing, trail markers and signage
6. Trimming trees and removing limbs and brush
7. Maintaining trails, implementing trail construction and erosion control materials, trail drainage, closing unapproved trails and implementing trail plans
8. Duties may include shoveling/raking, brush-cutting, revegetation work
9. Posting signs and updating kiosk information
10. Interacting with public, conservation partners, easement holders and other parties who use or work in the natural areas
11. Cleaning and maintaining public restroom facilities
12. Operating various types of light to heavy maintenance equipment, construction equipment, and/or repair of line mowers, gang mowers, tractors, bucket truck, chipper, and aerator; utilizes chain saws, weed eaters, grinders, cutting equipment and heavy equipment and other power tools
13. Performs plumbing repairs; assists in repairing irrigation systems
14. Map reading and orienteering skills
15. Familiarity using GPS technologies in the field to map existing or new trails
16. Assists the Trail Crew Leader in supervision of other personnel 
17. Other duties as assigned

DECISION MAKING

• Ability to prioritize work effectively and efficiently, apply safety rules and procedures appropriately while planning and conducting work.
• Ability to identify and assess problems and offer solutions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Salary is dependent upon qualifications)

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Five (5) years parks/grounds/trails maintenance and/or other related experience (construction or repair) is required
• Five (5) years operating light to heavy equipment is required
• One (1) year experience as a lead worker is required
• Class B CDL within six (6) months of employment
• Valid Texas Driver’s license with acceptable driving record required

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous trail/land maintenance is desired

CORE COMPETENCIES AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

JOB DIMENSIONS

• Must be able to read and comprehend maintenance documentation and repair manuals.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills are required; must be able to maintain positive working relationships with departmental staff, vendors, and the general public.
• Ability to understand and work towards given objectives with minimal oversight.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical requirements include lifting up to 100 pounds frequently. Subject to standing, walking, lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling, reaching, handling, bending, twisting, balancing, vision, hearing, talking and foot controls frequently. Fine dexterity, kneeling, crouching and climbing occasionally; sitting and crawling rarely. Ability to hike through a variety of habitat types and terrain, walking over uneven ground, climbing over obstacles, and assessing remote locations.

Working conditions involve exposure to variable and/or extreme weather conditions, machinery with moving parts, hazardous materials/chemicals, and infectious diseases is involved; utilizes personal protective equipment as necessary.

Must walk long distances over uneven terrain while carrying tolls and equipment; frequently carries tools and equipment and may be required to lift up to 50 lbs. and push/pull up to 100lbs.; stands for long periods of time in the heat. The work is performed inside and outside and is sometimes, dirty, dusty and greasy. This position requires working in outdoor conditions and may come into contact with dogs, spiders, and snakes; may be exposed to the possibility of electrical shock, burns, cuts or bruises.