Park Specialist 1 / 2 - Stormwater and Median Maintenance Team

Full Job Description

Public Works Parks and Open Space Division are looking to hire!

City of Eugene’s parks and open space system provides spaces to play, run, hike, bike, commute or simply relax in. One can even say the park system is an essential thread of the community’s quality of life. The green spaces along Eugene’s transportation system include over 50,000 street trees, 200 medians, and 600 vegetated stormwater quality facilities which are part of and maintained by the Parks and Open Space Division. Our division is currently seeking an individual to fill an entry-level park specialist position who are interested in an exciting career opportunity working outdoors, advancing clean water initiatives, and reducing environmental impacts to the urban landscape while keeping our green spaces safe, clean and green.

The primary duties of this position will perform routine landscape maintenance tasks and be responsible for the landscaped medians and stormwater quality facilities throughout Eugene. Maintenance tasks include vegetation management, mowing, pruning, mulching, irrigation, litter, and debris pick-up within safe work zones in the public right of way. Must have the ability to perform strenuous manual work under varying weather conditions. Successful candidate must demonstrate positive attitude, customer service, compassion, and dependability in their daily performance of this work. This entry-level position provides a chance to work in a fun and rewarding team environment.

Application Deadline: Friday, March 6, 2026, at 5 p.m. P.T.
Accepting Online Applications Only
Information on How to Apply

Classification: Park Specialist 1

Department/Division: Public Works Department / Parks and Open Space Division
Salary Range: $25.13 - $31.31/ hourly; $52,270.40 - $65,124.80/ annually.
The City of Eugene determines starting pay within the range based on relevant education and experience as provided by the applicant in their application materials. This process is consistent with the Oregon Equal Pay Act (OEPA). You can learn more about our process at our How to Apply page.
Benefits: The City of Eugene offers robust and competitive benefits. For more information, select the Benefits Tab, or view benefits summaries as well as see information about all employee benefits.
Living & Working in Eugene: Information about living in Eugene, how the City of Eugene operates, and more can be found on our website.
Location:1820 Roosevelt Blvd, Eugene, OR 97402
Work Schedule: Typically, M-F 7:00-3:30. There is some flexibility to shift work schedule seasonally. This position may also require occasional weekend shift work and the ability to respond to emergency callouts.**Employees hired into Stormwater and Landscape Medians Team will typically work a Monday-Friday schedule unless work demand dictates a change**

Must maintain an active telephone number and be available and respond to emergency callbacks, as required.

NOTE: Employees hired in Park Specialist 1-2 positions are required to participate in a two-year cross-training program. During this period, employees will rotate to other operation crews within the Parks & Open Space Division. After an employee has successfully completed all rotations and demonstrated basic proficiency levels in each skill area, an employee's position will be eligible to flex to the semi-skilled/skilled Park Specialist 2 level.

** Please note: actual assigned duties will depend on the skill level of the employee**

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Requirements

Primary Job Duties Include: These work programs typically work in the public right of way maintaining vegetation.

The Medians team maintains specialty landscape planting areas including median islands and roundabouts.

The Stormwater team maintains public rain gardens, grassy swales, stormwater planters and detention ponds for conveyance of stormwater and removal of pollutants and sediment.

Performs routine grounds keeping, building maintenance, graffiti removal, illicit activity clean-up and related janitorial duties.

Maintains median and rain garden landscapes by pruning, raking, fertilizing, weeding, invasive species removal and mulching. Assists with caring for, planting and transplanting perennials, shrubs, and trees.

Maintains turf by trimming and mowing, edging and fertilizing, monitors watering of turf and grounds.

Assists with repairs and maintenance of irrigation components such as sprinklers, lateral pipes, and valve boxes.

Performs routine, manual duties such as assisting with pruning and/or removal of trees, chipping brush, raking limbs and brush, sawing felled trees into logs or firewood, invasive species removal, open channel clearing and maintenance.

Operates and services small and medium-sized equipment used in median and stormwater facility maintenance.

Assists with renovation of landscaped medians, specialty landscape rights-of-way, and vegetated stormwater treatment areas; tills ground, plants seeds and perennials, applies mulch.

Equipment used may include, but is not limited to: tractors, chain saws, hydraulic saws, blowers, line trimmers, edgers, chippers, front end loader, stump grinders, mowers, dump trucks and trailers, hand and power tools.

Perform janitorial duties to maintain park facilities such as cleaning restrooms and picnic shelters, mopping floors, washing windows; arranging furniture and equipment for meetings.

May lead the work of seasonal employees and volunteers at work site.

Actively supports and respects diversity in the workplace.

Emergency storm response duties: Operate 5- or 10-yard dump trucks, cutting, hauling, and/or chipping tree limbs in the right-of-way, operate snowplow, snow removal on walks and paths, traffic flagging, and tree felling. May be asked to work extended night and weekend shifts in emergencies.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description.

We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes with relevant transferable skills from a variety of sources and experiences.

If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

When screening your application, the City will consider an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to meet minimum qualifications for this position.

Experience:

One year of professional, manual work in grounds keeping, parks and/or natural area maintenance, vegetated stormwater facility maintenance, and/or building maintenance.

License or Certificate:

Valid Oregon driver's license, or ability to obtain by date of hire; must pass driving records check and, if hired, maintain a

driving record that meets the City's standard. Oregon law requires that an out-of-state license holder must obtain a valid Oregon license (with appropriate endorsements) within 30 days of becoming domiciled in the state (ORS 803.355).

Ability to obtain, and maintain, a valid Oregon State Class "A" commercial driver's license with appropriate endorsements within one year of hire date.

Valid Flagger Certification, or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.

May require additional technical and/or specialized certification(s) to perform the assigned duties.

Background:

Must pass a background check.

The Ideal Candidate will possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

Knowledge of:

Landscape and grounds maintenance principles, practices, supplies, materials, and equipment. Equipment and practices involved in park grounds, vegetated stormwater facility, landscape or building maintenance.

Basic principles and practices of horticulture.

Planting and transplanting process. Safety rules and identification of safety hazards.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Ability to:

Perform manual parks-maintenance related duties in areas of assignment.

Safely operate vehicles, trailers, and other specialized equipment involved in parks maintenance.

Work independently, or as part of a crew.

Provide quality customer service. Follow oral and written instructions. Select, propagate, and care for plants.

Plan, assign, lead, train, and review work of seasonal employees. Perform limited mechanical, plumbing, painting, and carpentry repairs. Read maps and construction drawings.

Learn new tasks and equipment operations as required.

Perform strenuous physical work outdoors in varied weather conditions, sometimes in confined spaces and uncomfortable conditions.

Identify hazards. Work safely around the public, transportation corridors, and in parks.

Problem solve. Work efficiently and effectively.

Provide and wear personal protective equipment as required. Employees must supply ANSI approved safety toe work boots.

Communicate effectively and courteously with City employees to establish effective working relationships. Utilize various kinds of mobile and desktop software to find, track, and organize information.

Be available and respond to emergency callbacks as necessary.

Communicate and respectfully interact with members of the public to answer questions, inform them of rule violations and to gain voluntary compliance, and improve user experience.

Use computers and mobile devices.

Maintain accurate records.

Additional Information

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions

Work is typically performed outdoors in field environment with exposure to all weather conditions including travel from site to site and indoors within various building facilities.

May be exposed to sharp objects/needle sticks, insect/dog bites, moving objects/vehicles, dust/noise/vibration, hostile people, smoke/fumes/odors, gasses, cramped quarters, inclement weather conditions, slippery surfaces, toxic/caustic chemicals, and biological waste.

Use and operation of City vehicles, variety of hand/power tools, backpack blowers, pressure washers, chain saws, hoses, irrigation equipment, mowers, carts, gators, sweepers, equipment trailers, tractors, backhoe, and dump truck.

As needed will be required to wear respirator, goggles, face shield, safety shoes, gloves, rain gear, hearing protection, dust mask, hard hat, and other PPE equipment as needed. and mobile devices.

Maintain accurate records.

What to Expect from our Selection Process

Applicants are screened based upon their relevant knowledge, abilities, skills, experience, and training.

The selection process varies according to the position and can include such things as screening of supplemental questionnaires, written or skill tests, ability or fitness tests, interviews, and assessment processes.

In addition, background investigations and records checks may be required.

Some positions also require applicants to have a psychological evaluation and/or physical examination and a drug test prior to employment.

Marijuana use is evaluated consistent with current state law regulations. PLEASE NOTE: Once the posting closes, the process can take 4-6 weeks to complete.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The City of Eugene is committed to a respectful work environment. We value the cultural, educational, and life experiences of each employee.

We believe that a diverse workforce enables us to deliver culturally responsive services to all members of our community.

As part of our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion we desire to welcome, respect, and create a sense of belonging for a wide range of identities and experiences in our workforce.

Women, people with disabilities, and persons of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

The City of Eugene complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Any applicant with a qualified disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request accommodation by contacting an employment coordinator at (541) 682-5061.

In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the City of Eugene will request all eligible candidates who accept employment with the City to provide documentation to prove they are eligible for employment in the United States.

NOTE: The City of Eugene does not participate in the E-Verify program; therefore, candidates requiring E-Verify for employment authorization will not be eligible for employment with the City.