Parks Maintenance Specialist
About Us
The Downers Grove Park District offers quality parks, facilities, and programs for people of all ages to enjoy and explore. Home to 48 parks, a recreation center, history museum, nature center, golf course, community center, and more, there is something for everyone. Learn more at dgparks.org.
The Role
As a Parks Maintenance Specialist, you'll play a key role in keeping our parks and facilities beautiful, safe, and ready for the community to enjoy. This is a hands-on position that includes grounds and turf work, athletic field preparation, equipment operation, general repairs and maintenance across our park system.
Pay & Benefits
$23.00 - $26.00 per hour (depending on qualifications)
Full-Time position – Monday through Friday 7:00 am to 3:00 pm with assigned on-call schedule
- We offer a competitive benefits package for full-time employees:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Pension through the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF)
- 401(a) plan, life insurance, disability coverage
- Paid time off (vacation, sick leave, and holidays)
- Credit for prior years of service with other employers toward vacation accrual
- Facility discounts and professional development opportunities
What You'll Do
Grounds & Turf Management
- Mow using proper techniques (height, patterns, frequency)
- Perform aeration, seeding, fertilization, and weed control
- Identify turf diseases and pests and follow seasonal maintenance schedules
Athletic Field Maintenance
- Prepare ballfields and complete line marking for a variety of sports
- Groom infields, manage clay maintenance, and support drainage needs
- Install goals and athletic equipment and complete regular field safety inspections
Irrigation & Water Systems
- Operate and maintain irrigation systems (valve adjustments, winterization)
- Detect leaks and complete basic repairs while practicing water conservation
- Work with backflow prevention knowledge and best practices
Carpentry, Construction & Finishing
- Repair and install benches, bleachers, fences, and picnic tables
- Maintain decks and boardwalks and assist with basic structural assessments
- Complete surface prep, priming, and painting (including court and parking lot striping)
Equipment Operation & General Maintenance
- Safely operate equipment such as zero-turn mowers, tractors, blowers, edgers, and pressure washers
- Perform basic small engine maintenance
- Handle trash removal, pathway cleaning, and playground inspections
What We're Looking For
Experience & Education
- Formal training from an accredited technical school, college, or university OR at least five (5) years of occupationally specific training/experience beyond high school.
- Working knowledge of grounds maintenance, athletic field preparation, and equipment operation
- Ability to follow equipment safety protocols and complete incident reporting
Skills & Abilities
- Safety-focused and able to work efficiently in changing outdoor conditions
- Able to prioritize tasks, respond to urgent needs, and work independently or as part of a team
- Strong communication skills and a service-oriented attitude
- Comfortable learning and using basic software tools as needed (work orders, email, etc.)
- Reliable, self-motivated, and detail-oriented
Required Licenses/Certifications
- Valid Illinois Driver's License required
- Must obtain an Illinois pesticide operator’s license or be willing to obtain within six months of hire.
Working Conditions
This role includes regular outdoor work with exposure to all weather conditions. You may be exposed to moving mechanical parts, noise, fuel, oils, cleaning chemicals, pesticides, dust, pollen, and other allergens.
Candidates should be able to lift and move objects up to 50 lbs and perform frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, squatting, pushing, and pulling.
Equal Opportunity
Consistent with its obligations under the law, the Park District will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.