Grounds Maintenance Foreman

The Zion Park District is seeking an experienced Grounds Maintenance Foreman that will make a valuable contribution to the District’s maintenance team. This is an excellent opportunity to join the Parks and Recreation industry and develop a meaningful career. The Zion Park District is a local government entity located in Zion, Illinois that encompasses ten square miles, manages over eight hundred acres of park land, operates six major facilities, including two golf courses, and proudly serves a community of over 24,000 residents. Under the direction of the Superintendent of Parks, the full-time Grounds Maintenance Foreman provides hands-on leadership in the field to ensure that Zion Park District residents and patrons experience safe, well maintained, and welcoming parks. This role assigns, performs, and oversees daily grounds operations including turf care, tree maintenance, pesticide application, playground inspections and repairs, along with inventory management for supplies and equipment. The Foreman effectively solves problems, coordinates contractors, and adapts job assignments in response to changing weather, needs, and unexpected emergencies, using sound judgment to reprioritize work and allocate staff and resources. Responsibilities also include coordinating with Recreation staff on special events, setups of rooms and shelters, and ensuring that projects are completed on time and according to safety standards. Additional duties include snow removal, garden plot preparation, and other tasks assigned. This hands-on position leads by example with a high degree of integrity and professionalism. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• At least ten years of related experience with comprehensive knowledge of methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in grounds maintenance, including turf and soil management, athletic field preparation and maintenance, and hardscape maintenance, etc.
• Broad knowledge of lawn care practices such as fertilization, pest control, irrigation, and seasonal maintenance.
• Prior supervisory experience with demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and develop staff while fostering teamwork and a positive work environment is preferred.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to assess situations, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple tasks, projects, and deadlines in a dynamic environment with shifting priorities.
• Ability to operate a wide variety of equipment, including trucks, mowers, tractors, backhoes, skid steers, chippers, chainsaws, snow removal equipment.
• Demonstrated safety awareness and sound judgment in all aspects of park operations. 
• Effective verbal and written communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills. 
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office, work order systems, online research, and the ability to learn additional software applications. 
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with general direction from the Superintendent of Parks. 
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and commitment to high quality results. 
• Ability to maintain organized records, logs, and reports. 
• Capacity to perform the essential physical functions of the position including lifting, moving, or carrying up to 75 pounds; working outdoors in a variety of weather conditions; and standing, walking, bending, or performing repetitive tasks for extended periods of time. 
• Moderate exposure to dust, pollen, fertilizers, pesticides, grease, gasoline, paint, chalk, cleaning solvents and other common environmental elements both indoors and outside. 
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends 
• Illinois Pesticide Applicator License, or ability to obtain within 18 months. 
• Valid Illinois Driver's License required 
• CPSI (Certified Playground Safety Inspector) certification a plus 
• Bi-lingual a plus 

Salary & Benefits:
This full-time position is eligible for an excellent benefits package including BCBS PPO health insurance, FSA, IMRF pension, life insurance, vacation, sick, and personal time in addition to 8 paid holidays along with usage of District facilities including its fitness center, pool, and golf courses. Salary range is between $55,000 - $60,000. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to ebradley@zionparkdistrict.org and rchirchirillo@zionparkdistrict.org