Grounds Technician

Department: Parks and Recreation

Reports to: Grounds Supervisor

Classification: Full Time – Grade 3

Effective Date: September 2026

SUMMARY

The Grounds Technician is under the supervision of the Grounds Supervisor. The Grounds Technician performs ground maintenance of City parks, playgrounds and athletic fields that includes mowing, weed eating, raking leaves and general manual labor. These responsibilities include preparing athletic fields for games and turf maintenance. The Grounds Technician also works to maintain the cleanliness of parks and ballfields including garbage collection and cleaning park bathrooms. This position monitors the grounds for safety concerns and performs various services and repairs to maintain the sports field and park facilities.

EXAMPLES OF RESPONSIBILITY

• Performs ground maintenance of City parks, greenways, playgrounds, baseball, softball, soccer, football and high school band field including mowing, raking leaves and maintenance of playground covers.
• Performs ground maintenance of civic organizations, downtown area and community centers as required.
• Operates light and heavy equipment including mowers, tractors, weed eaters, sprayers, spreaders and aerators in a safe and responsible manner.
• Picks up and disposes of trash and monitors City grounds for safety concerns.
• Cleans park bathrooms, removes trash and maintains restroom inventory of operating supplies.
• Performs daily preventive maintenance on equipment.
• Snow removal, if required, from center driveways and parking lots.
• Assist Grounds Supervisor with scoreboard, restroom, pavilion or playground repairs as assigned.
• Directs and assists with training of seasonal employees.
• Performs general manual labor as requested to support other divisions of Parks and Recreation.
• Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of materials and equipment used in general maintenance and landscaping.
• Knowledge of safe equipment operation and proper use of appropriate chemicals.
• Knowledge of City and department rules, regulations and procedures.
• Skill and ability to use light equipment and common hand tools.
• Ability to understand and follow instructions.
• Ability to report for work promptly and properly prepared at the time and place required.
• Ability to demonstrate an understanding, consideration, in respect of cultural, religious, and gender differences when interacting with the public and colleagues
• Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with associates, representatives of other agencies and the general public.
• Able to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends.
• Valid Tennessee driver’s license.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Experience in manual labor required including the ability to safely operate mowers, tractors and weed eaters.
• Two (2) years’ experience in grounds maintenance or landscaping preferred.
• Any combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

ADA REQUIREMENTS

Physical Requirements - Physical demand requirements are at levels for those of active work. Regular performance of heavier tasks such as walking over rough or uneven surfaces; bending, kneeling, stooping, reaching above shoulder level and working in confined spaces; lifting or carrying weights of twenty to fifty pounds; may require the complex operation of gasoline, electric or diesel-powered machinery or shop equipment requiring the manipulation of multiple controls, fine adjustments or both.

Sensory Requirements - Tasks require visual perception and discrimination including color and depth. Tasks require perception and discrimination of odor and sound.