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Park Specialist 1/2 - Natural Area Operations

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Park Specialist 1/2 - Natural Area Operations

Salary

$52,270.40 - $65,124.80 Annually

Location

Eugene, OR

Job Type

Full-Time Regular

Job Number

04175

Department

Public Works Department

Division

Parks & Open Space

Opening Date

07/02/2025

Closing Date

7/25/2025 5:15 PM Pacific

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+ Benefits

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General Statement of Duties

Application Deadline: Friday, July 25, 2025, at 5 p.m. P.D.T.

Accepting Online Applications Only

Information on How to Apply (https://www.eugene-or.gov/674/How-to-Apply)

Eugene’s parks and open space system provides outdoor spaces in which to play, run, hike, bike, view wildlife or simply relax in. In addition, many of these spaces provide important habitat, water quality functions, and flood control. The park system is an essential part of the community’s quality of life. Eugene’s Parks and Open Space Division is currently seeking individuals to fill one entry-level park specialist position. Folks who are interested in an exciting career opportunity to help us maintain and enhance waterways throughout the City are encouraged to apply. Our division is responsible for over 60 miles of roadside ditches and 30 miles of waterways; all which are maintained by Waterways Operations Team. The primary duties of this position will involve the following tasks in the City’s urban waterways: maintaining plantings, improving habitat, maintaining stormwater conveyance through vegetation management and debris removal, controlling invasive species, cleaning up litter and debris, and maintaining trails and recreational amenities in natural areas. This entry-level position provides work outdoors year-round in a fun and rewarding team environment.

Department/Division: Public Works Department / Parks and Open Space Division

Salary Range: $23.15 - $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) (https://www.oregon.gov/boli/workers/pages/equal-pay.aspx) . You can learn more about our process at our How to Apply (https://www.eugene-or.gov/674/How-to-Apply) page.

Benefits: Please click the Benefits Tab to view the City of Eugene’s competitive package options.

Work Schedule: **Work hours will vary by crew and season and are subject to change.

** Employees hired into Natural Area Operations will typically work a Monday- Friday, 7:00am- 3:30PM schedule unless work demand dictates a change.

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

NOTE: Employees hired in Park Specialist 1-2 positions are required to participate in a two-year 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 a basic level of knowledge and skills required of a journey-level employee for the job in which they were hired, an employee's position will be eligible to flex to the semi-skilled/skilled Park Specialist 2 level.

Examples of Duties Performed - Duties may include but are not limited to the following

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

Primary Job Duties Include: Performs maintenance work on waterways and roadside ditches under City jurisdiction. Operates equipment and performs manual work to restore conveyance on roadside ditches and conduct bank repairs on waterways. Inspects and maintains waterways assets, water control structures, debris racks, and outfalls. Performs invasive weed management using integrated pest management principles, riparian planting, and other habitat management tasks. Performs maintenance on trails, benches, and signs. Performs litter pickup, garbage can-emptying. Assists in unhoused property cleanup and storage, and performs graffiti abatement. Documents work and reports accomplishments. Acts in capacity of other qualified positions as assigned. May direct the work of seasonal employees.

Other duties performed by staff in this classification may include:

Natural Area Operations duties: Maintains natural areas and open space areas such as wetlands, waterways, natural and undeveloped park lands, and the ridgeline trail system. Examples of duties include vegetation removal and channel clearing, mowing, weeding, planting, trail maintenance, and tree work.

Park infrastructure and janitorial duties: Maintains and repairs park fixtures such as benches, tables, play structures and surfaces, signs, and trash cans; responsible for cleaning park restrooms and amenities.

Landscape management duties: Maintains planting areas in and around City parks and facilities, street medians, floral gardens and bio-swales. Examples of duties include: weeding, mulching, planting, pruning, brush chipping, traffic control and work zone setup, and litter pick up.

Turf management duties: Responsible for maintaining the developed parks’ turf and irrigation systems, sports fields, medians, bio-swales and floral gardens. Examples of duties include: mowing, edging, blowing, sprinkler adjustments and minor repairs, sports fields layout and marking, and garbage and litter patrol.

Tree maintenance duties: Responsible for maintaining trees in the City’s right-of -way areas; responds to service requests and hazardous trees and limbs. Example of duties include: brush chipping, traffic flagging, raking limbs, and assisting with trimming trees.

Emergency storm response and on-call duties: Operate 5 or 10-yard dump trucks, cutting, hauling, and/or chipping tree limbs in the right-of-way, operate snow plow, snow removal on walks and paths, traffic flagging, and tree felling. May be asked to extended work night and weekend shifts in emergencies. This position will be required to be on-call for emergency response for at least one weekend per year.

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 transferrable skills from a variety of sources and experiences.

The City will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

One year manual work experience maintaining or restoring waterways, riparian areas and/or park land.

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).

Possession of, or ability to obtain, and ability to maintain, a valid Oregon State Class "A" commercial driver's license with appropriate endorsement(s) within one year of hire date.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, and ability to maintain, a Flagger certification within one year of hire date.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, and ability to maintain, a Public Pesticide Applicator License – Forestry category within one year of hire date.

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

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

Knowledge of:

Basic principles of natural area or waterway maintenance and stewardship.

Safety rules and identification of safety hazards.

Equipment and practices involved in park grounds, landscape, or building maintenance.

Basic principles and practices of horticulture.

Ability to:

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

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

Work independently, or as part of a crew.

Follow oral and written instructions.

Assign, lead, train, and review work of seasonal employees; as Park Specialist 2, plan, assign, and review work of Park Specialist 1 staff.

Gain voluntary compliance of park rules from members of the public.

Perform limited mechanical, plumbing, and carpentry repairs.

Read maps and construction drawings.

Select, propagate, and care for plants.

Maintain accurate records.

Use computers and mobile devices for time and task tracking, email, etc.

Recognize noxious and invasive plants.

Learn new tasks and equipment operations as required.

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

Identify hazards and perform all work to established safety practices.

Provide and wear personal protective equipment as required.

Communicate effectively and courteously with City employees and the public; establish effective working relationships.

Be available and respond to emergency call-backs as necessary.

Interact with members of the public to answer questions, inform them of rule violations, and improve user experience.

Supplemental 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 transients, smoke/fumes/odors, gases, cramped quarters, inclement weather conditions, slippery surfaces, toxic/caustic chemicals, and biological waste. Use and operation of City vehicle, variety of hand/power tools, back pack blowers, pressure washers, chain saws, hoses, irrigation equipment, mowers, carts, gators, sweeper, 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.

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.

If a job posting indicates this position is temporary (not limited duration) then the employee serves at will. Temporary employees do not receive benefits through the City of Eugene unless required by City, State or Federal code/statute.

Representation

Employees in this classification are represented by American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), and their salaries may be subject to a monthly payroll deduction after 31 days of employment.

Salary and Benefits

The normal starting salary is the first step shown on the posting. Other placement in the salary range may be considered depending on qualifications and experience. Periodic advancement through the salary range is dependent upon merit. The City provides a full range of benefits, including holidays, vacation, sick leave, retirement benefit, and life insurance. Health, dental, and vision benefits are available.

To view a summary of benefits (http://www.eugene-or.gov/DocumentCenter/Home/View/1813) , benefit premium rates (http://www.eugene-or.gov/DocumentCenter/Home/View/1811) , and/or the AFSCME contract (http://www.eugene-or.gov/index.aspx?NID=1966) click the respective link. Click here to view information about Total Worker Health (https://www.eugene-or.gov/3955/Total-Worker-Health) .