Parks Maintenance Worker I

This position is a classified civil service and United Steelworkers of America union position.  Civil service testing for this position will include:

  • Multiple-choice exams: The multiple-choice test is a written test used to measure general abilities and/or specific job knowledge of one or more subjects. Candidates are required to choose the correct or best answer from a list of three (3) to five (5) possible responses. The examinations will be held in person.
Qualified applicants will be contacted by a representative from the Human Resources Department and invited to the exam.  Additional information about the examination will be provided for qualified applicants once test dates are released and confirmed.

The anticipated start date for this role will be May 1, 2026.  

For more information, please contact  hr@gahanna.gov .

Job Summary:
Under general supervision, performs a variety of semi-skilled landscape and grounds maintenance work, including operating tractor mowers and related equipment, at city parks, athletic fields, golf courses, and other work locations; performs related duties as required.

  • Works in the construction, maintenance, and repair of City facilities.
  • Maintains routine records and reports.
  • Operates a light truck or similar vehicle, tractor mower, aerator, seeder, hand and power mower, stump remover, snowplow, weed eater, edger, chain saw, and various hand and power tools;
  • Performs street tree maintenance, turf and ball field maintenance, and landscaping and mowing activities as directed.
  • Assists Equipment Operators in the maintenance and repair of water line and fire hydrants, water and sewer lines, water line flushing, water main valve, curb boxes and stormwater catch basins, street potholes, lift stations, and PRV pits, clear lines with vacuum truck and easement machine.
  • Mows R.O.W., litter pickup, debris removal from streets and streams, carcass removal, street sign repairs, paints fire hydrants, raises sanitary sewer and stormwater manholes, and assists with installing water meters.
  • Performs general ground maintenance tasks; excavates and backfills trenches; shovels by hand to perform maintenance tasks; landscapes/repairs properties as needed, and cleans equipment. 
  • Reads and understands blueprints and utilizes G.I.S. 
  • Performs daily customer service, dealing directly with the public.
  • Handles equipment safely and appropriately; uses appropriate safety equipment when performing essential job functions.
  • Participates in snow removal when necessary.
  • Performs janitorial and custodial tasks related to restroom and park facilities.
  • Handles equipment safely and appropriately; uses appropriate safety equipment when performing essential job functions.
  • Participates in snow removal when necessary.
  • This is heavy work requiring occasional exertion of 100 pounds of force, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
  • Performs related tasks as required.
  • **Regular, predictable, and punctual attendance is required.

Any combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Education: High school diploma or GED required

Other: Minimum 18 years of age; Specialized building trade training and/or certifications preferred; Current and valid Ohio driver’s license with an acceptable driver’s abstract to meet criteria for insurability established by the City of Gahanna.

  • Interacts with vendors and citizens.
  • May apply pesticides and herbicides to park grounds using various spray equipment 
  • Will regularly be in contact with the Parks & Recreation Director, Parks & Facilities Superintendent, Foreman, Coordinators, and Team Members.  
  • Interacts with vendors and citizens.
  • The worker may be called to work during emergencies 24 hours/day, 7 days/week.
  • The worker is required to wear specialized personal protective equipment.
  • Set up work zones, including cones and signs. 
  • Flag traffic as necessary.
  • Perform related tasks as required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of:
  • Tools, materials, and equipment used in the essential job functions.
  • Methods and practices of equipment and tools, construction, repair, and maintenance in the area assigned.
  • Maintenance and manual tasks involved in the installation maintenance and repair of water, sewer, and stormwater lines along with street department work as directed.
  • Hazards of the work and the necessary safety precautions.
  • Common hand and power tools include jackhammers, concrete saws, hand drills, sawzalls, string trimmers, and other construction equipment.
  • Management principles and practices.
  • The occupational hazards and safety precautions of the work and related equipment operation.
Skill in:
  • Use of the equipment and tools.
  • Basic experience in the maintenance, repair, and/or construction of water, sewer, and storm lines & Street work.
  • Operation of trucks, sewer trucks, air hammers, and other equipment in connection with the above tasks.
Ability to: (Mental and Physical Abilities)
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, contractors, and the general public.
  • Communicate effectively.
  • Understand and follow specific oral instructions.
  • Perform manual labor for extended periods, often under unfavorable weather conditions.
  • Apply problem-solving skills and perform critical thinking.
  • Read and write numbers and letters.
  • Read blueprints.
  • Work independently and under direct supervision.
  • Exert 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
  • Climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, stand, walk, push, pull, lift, finger, grasp, and perform repetitive motions.
  • Hear and see to the extent that is necessary to perform the essential functions of this job. Determine the accuracy and thoroughness of work and observe general surroundings and activities.
  • Speak and write effectively both orally and in written form.
  • Determine the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observe general surroundings and activities.
Working Conditions:
  • The worker is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions, extreme cold, extreme heat, noise, vibration, hazards, and atmospheric conditions. The worker may be called to work 24 hours/day, 7 days/week.  The worker may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment.  
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