Job Description

City of Chicopee

Position Title: Grounds Maintenance Craftsman

Department: DPW- Parks
Employment Status Non-Exempt; Full-Time

Salary: Grade 6L, Step 5, $18.36 per hour + plus license incentives
Certifications/Licenses: CDL License required (Class B preferred), Pesticide Applicator's License (or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire)

SUMMARY
The City of Chicopee's Department of Public Works | Parks Division is hiring a Grounds Maintenance Craftsman who will be responsible to maintain and landscape all aspects of the Parks and Cemetery properties, including ground cover, shrubs, flowers, and trees. Performs a wide variety of tasks to include but is not limited to manual labor and operating machinery, vehicles and tools. Must request, maintain, and order the supplies needed for maintaining the grounds. Able to keep appropriate and accurate records manually or digitally. Must keep all required licenses up to date.

SOME ESSENTIAL DUTIES INCLUDE
Responsible for turf maintenance in parks or other parcels used for active or passive recreation: Responsible to top dress, seed, fertilize, and aerate various fields. Knowledge of turf and insect diseases and the ability to apply proper herbicide and pesticide treatments. Knowledge of when and how much chemicals to apply and the ability to store the chemicals properly. Maintenance of turf equipment and attachments. Planning of turf maintenance schedules, ordering necessary agricultural supplies and appropriate record keeping.

Performs miscellaneous manual duties such as raking, shoveling, digging, hammering, painting, climbing ladders, lifting, bending, crawling, pulling, pushing, and using manual tools, in the maintenance and renovation of parks, recreation areas, athletic fields, and playgrounds in preparation for active and passive recreational use or preservation as open space.

Drives and/or operates machinery, vehicles and tools safely and effectively in order to cut and trim grass, cut and remove brush, groom, line and repair sport fields, including but limited to power tools, chain saw, mower, snow/leaf blower, groomer, seeder, painting machine, sprayer, spreader, weed whip, truck, cart, pallet jack, skid steer and compressor.

Works in cold or foul weather to create safe and usable facilities including snow removal, ice removal, plowing, shoveling, removing debris or downed tree limbs and to prepare facilities such as parks, ice rinks, sidewalks, parking lots and streets for use.

Performs custodial duties including removing trash, cleaning floors, washing windows, and washing equipment

Completes assigned paperwork or computer-based forms accurately to reflect tasks accomplished, inventory, preventative maintenance log, field observations, field treatment performed, request for quotes, requests for use of earned time, or for other reasons.

All other related tasks as assigned by the Superintendent of Parks and Recreation and/or Superintendent of Public Works.

QUALIFICATIONS
To be minimally qualified for this position, one must meet the following criteria:

High School Diploma or Equivalent and experience in turf maintenance (three (3) years direct experience with turf management and landscape design)

Massachusetts CDL Driver's License required (Class B preferred)

Must possess a Massachusetts Pesticide Applicator's License, or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.

Some experience working outdoors in adverse weather conditions and experience in general municipal park maintenance.

SCHEDULE & COMPENSATION
The City of Chicopee provides its employees (contingent upon employment status) with a robust benefits package which include: Medical, Dental, Vision, Sick-Time, Life Insurance, Holiday Pay, Personal Time, Vacation Time, Retirement Saving Plans, a Pension Plan, Employee Discounts, and more.

How To Apply

If this opportunity aligns with your skills, experience and employment goals, apply today by one of the following: - Apply online by selecting ‘Apply Now’ on the City of Chicopee website - Select ‘download application’ and either email it or deliver it along with your resume to resume@chicopeema.gov or the Department of Human Resources, located at Chicopee City Hall, 274 Front Street, 1st Fl. Chicopee, MA. 01013.