Park Maintenance Worker - Parks (SARB)

Full Job Description

Park Maintenance Worker assigned to the Santa Ana River Bottom (SARB) will be responsible for:

• Collecting and properly disposing of garbage and debris throughout the river corridor to maintain a clean, safe, and environmentally sound landscape. This includes manual collection and safe transport to designated disposal sites.
• Protecting native plant life by removing invasive species through labor-intensive efforts, including raking, digging, and applying herbicidal treatments in accordance with environmental and safety guidelines.
• Operating heavy equipment, such as dump trucks, to haul large volumes of debris and materials from the riverbed and surrounding areas, supporting habitat restoration and site cleanup efforts.
• Utilizing track loaders and mini-excavators to safely and efficiently load waste and natural materials into roll-off containers for proper removal and recycling or disposal.
• Installing and repairing fencing and gates, including in remote or rugged areas, to ensure restricted zones remain secure and to protect sensitive habitats from unauthorized access.
• Conducting preventive maintenance and minor repairs on a variety of small-engine equipment, including tractors, riding mowers, small trucks, chainsaws, weed-whippers, and blowers, to keep tools in optimal working condition and minimize downtime.
• Assist in emergency situations, such as responding to accidents, coordinating with emergency responders, and helping to safely evacuate visitors if necessary. Workers are expected to remain calm, follow established protocols, and provide first-response support until additional help arrives.

• A valid Commercial California Class A Driver License
• Experience operating heavy equipment such as John Deere tractors and Skid-Steer Loaders
• Experience using ArcGIS for plotting areas such as abandoned encampments and/or GPS tools
• Knowledge of herbicide and pesticide applications (QAL or QAC certification preferred)
• Knowledge in welding fabrication

Requirements

• Perform maintenance work on reserve lands throughout western Riverside County
• Construct, install, and repair fences and gates, including in remote and rugged areas
• Perform vegetation management activities, including string trimming, tractor mowing, herbicide application, and weed abatement, including string trimming, tractor mowing, herbicide application, and weed abatement
• Assist with installation and long-term maintenance of restoration projects
• Remove trash, mitigate illegal dumping, and clean up encampments associated with unhoused individuals
• Operate tractors for grading and maintaining dirt roads
• Complete other semi-skilled maintenance tasks as needed
• Collaborate with other agencies on Code Enforcement, Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) issues, and illegal dumping enforcement
• Provide assistance during emergency situations
• Respond to public inquiries and complaints related to reserve operations and maintenance

Qualifications

OPTION IIExperience: Two years as a Park Attendant with the Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District.

License: Possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License at the time of application is required, as the incumbent will be driving a County vehicle to various locations.

A valid California Class A Commercial Driver’s License is preferred.

Physical Exposures: The Park Maintenance Worker – Parks position involves extensive physical activity, including hiking, standing, kneeling, bending, climbing, and the use of hand tools and machinery, as well as lifting and moving heavy objects such as 60-pound bags of concrete and tools.

Work is performed in a variety of weather conditions, including inclement weather, and may include exposure to chemicals, high noise levels, welding safety requirements, and occasional strong or unpleasant natural and environmental odors such as decaying vegetation, wildlife, or refuse.

The incumbent may also encounter wild and domestic animals, as well as hazardous plants and wildlife, including rattlesnakes, bees, wild boar, mountain lions, dogs, poison oak, and stinging nettles, while working in outdoor park environments.

Knowledge of: Common tools, equipment, and materials used in maintenance work; basic vehicle preventive maintenance techniques.

Ability to: Read and follow written instructions and write simple reports; perform a variety of routine grounds, building, equipment, and vehicle preventive maintenance and repair; operate equipment, and learn procedures and safety techniques used in performing maintenance and minor construction projects; deal courteously and tactfully with the general public.

Some Regional Park and Open-Space District Park Maintenance Worker - Parks positions are designated by the Department of Transportation (DOT) as safety-sensitive.

For positions which been designated by the DOT as safety-sensitive, applicants are required to complete a DOT mandated alcohol and drug-screening.

(A positive test or refusal to test during the past two years will disqualify an applicant from consideration for County employment).

Reference checks from former DOT regulated employers are also required.

Employees in safety-sensitive positions are subject to DOT alcohol/drug testing in the following situations: random, reasonable suspicion/cause, return-to-duty, and post-accident.

For detailed requirements, visit DOT Requirements.

Additional Information