Park Specialist II

King County   Auburn, WA   Full-time
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Summary

This recruitment will be used to create an eligibility pool to fill current and future career service,  term-limited temporary positions and special duty assignments in the Park Specialist II classification through 2022.
 
King County Parks is recruiting Park Specialist IIs to join our growing team that provides excellent service to all King County residents and park users. Park Specialist IIs perform a variety of maintenance duties involving grounds, facilities, athletic fields, natural resource areas, and trails in assigned County park areas, and provide a clean and safe park environment for visitors. Work is performed outdoors, in all types of weather conditions. Individuals interested in joining our team must be committed to racial, social and economic equity for ALL people in King County. We welcome applications from people who will help us consistently demonstrate the values of equity, respect and partnership.

Individuals interested in joining our team must be committed to racial, social and economic equality for ALL people in King County. We welcome applications from people who will help us consistently demonstrate the values of equity, respect and partnership.  
 
About the Division: Be a part of King County Parks! King County Parks has evolved from 150 acres in 1938 to more than 32,000 acres. Today, our system consists of more than 205 parks, 175 miles of regional trails, and 250 miles of backcountry trails. Our mission is to steward, enhance and acquire parks to inspire healthy communities. We seek to cultivate strong relationships with community partners to enhance park amenities for all King County residents to enjoy today and for generations to come.
Learn more at www.kingcounty.gov/parksAnd check us out on the socials at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Flickr.
 
Who is Eligible:  The position is open to all qualified candidates.
 
Work Schedule: This position works 40 hours per week and is overtime eligible. Work weeks vary depending on work assignment, some shifts include weekend and/or evening work.
 

Job Duties

  • Maintain parks, trails, and natural open space areas by pruning, trimming, landscaping, and mowing. 
  • Maintain and prepare athletic fields, play areas, picnic shelters, restrooms and other park furnishings.
  • Steward natural areas by removing invasive and noxious weeds, restore properties by planting native species and plants and maintaining backcountry trails.
  • Plan and direct work projects for seasonal workers and volunteer/community groups.
  • Perform minor repairs of walkways, fences, gates, and other parks fixtures. Perform minor plumbing, electrical, carpentry, and painting.
  • Construct, renovate and repair hiking trails, trail structures, bridges, and other structures; install signage and fencing.
  • Operate and maintain park maintenance vehicles and equipment such as riding mowers, tractors, weed-eaters, edgers and chain saws. 
  • Provide for the welfare and safety of park visitors by giving assistance and information, including park rules and regulations.
  • Provide exceptional customer service and promote good relationships with public and user groups. 

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

Required Qualifications:

  • At least 24 months of full-time park maintenance work experience or similar construction/technical/landscaping experience.  
  • The ability to perform heavy physical labor with weights up to 50 pounds. 
  • The ability to work on uneven slopes, surfaces, grades and terrain in inclement weather and other adverse conditions.
  • The ability to safely use power tools and operate equipment on a continuous basis.
 Our Ideal Candidate Will Have the Following Competencies:
  • Action oriented and takes on new opportunities and challenges with a sense of energy and enthusiasm.   
  • Values differences by recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to a project.  
  • Optimizes work processes by knowing the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, with a focus on continuous improvement.
 The Most Competitive Candidates Will Have demonstrated skill in the following areas: 
  • Knowledge of park maintenance operations and procedures including trail maintenance and construction, landscaping and grounds-keeping and facilities.
  • Knowledge of building, craft and mechanical trades; skill in performing minor repairs as needed.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all co-workers and supervisors.  
  • Ability to work effectively in a team environment by building rapport and promoting cooperation among team members.
  • Skill in communicating clearly and respectfully, orally and in writing.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with customers and to handle difficult situations daily.
  • Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions and to prioritize work tasks.
  • Skill in leading, directing and training others is highly desirable.
  • Some positions may require obtaining a Class A CDL and/or a spray license within 90 days of hire (some on-site training may be available).
  • Basic computer skills in Outlook, Excel, Word desired.
 Necessary Special Requirement
  • Possession of a valid Washington State Driver's license at the time of appointment required. 
  • The ability to work at ground level and roof-top heights and all levels in between.  
  • An offer of employment will be contingent on successfully passing a pre-employment physical and background (criminal and driving history) and references checks. 

Supplemental Information

Application and Selection Process: Application materials will be screened for clarity, completeness including online application, cover letter and resume, and responsiveness to the list of qualifications, skills, and abilities. The most competitive candidates may be invited to the interview process. Applications without the following required materials may not be considered for this position.

  • King County application.

  • Cover Letter detailing your background and what you can bring to this position.

  • Responses to supplemental questions.


Please note: we primarily use e-mail to communicate with candidates. Please be sure to check your email for updates in the recruitment process.
 
Union Affiliation:  This position is represented by Service Employees International Union, Local 925.

For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact: Patty Jurgens at patty.jurgens@kingcounty.gov or (206) 477-4572.
 
Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.

Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.

Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles--we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement

King County Executive Branch employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are the successful candidate for the position you applied for, the County will send you a conditional offer letter.

As a condition of employment, prior to a final offer of employment, you will be required to:
  • submit proof of vaccination, or
  • have an approved request for medical or religious exemption and an approved accommodation. Philosophical, political, scientific, or sociological objections to vaccination will not be considered for an exemption or accommodation.
People are considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19 two weeks after receiving the final dose of a vaccination approved by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The Executive Branch includes employees in the Executive branch, the Assessor's Office, Elections, the King County Sheriff's Office, and the Executive Office.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

To Apply

If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.

King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being.  Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:

  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage: King County pays 100% of the premiums for eligible employees and family members
  • Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
  • Retirement: King County employees are eligible to participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
  • Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
  • 10 paid holidays each year (plus 2 personal holidays)
  • Generous vacation and paid sick leave
  • Paid parental leave, family and medical leaves, and volunteer leave
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Wellness programs
  • Onsite gyms and activity centers
  • Employee giving program
  • Employee assistance programs
  • Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
  • Training and career development programs
For additional information about employee benefits please visit our Benefits, Payroll, and Retirement Page.

This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy.  If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.  Also, in the event of any incorrect information in this document, applicable laws, policies, rules, CBAs, or official plan documents will prevail.
 
NOTE:  Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.
 
For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.

01
Are you applying to this position as an eligible current or previous King County Employee Priority Placement Program Participant? Is this position the same or lower percentage of full-time when compared to the position held at the point of the notification of layoff? Do you possess the skills and abilities to qualify for this position?
  • Yes, I was given a layoff notice from my role at King County and I am within two years of the effective date of my layoff. Additionally, the position I was laid off from was the same or a higher percentage of FT status when compared to this one.
  • No.
02
If you answered yes to the question above and you are applying for this position as a Priority Placement Participant, to be considered, you must provide the following three pieces of information in the space provided: 1. The title you held when you received your layoff notice 2. The department you worked in 3. The effective date of your layoff
03
Do you have at least 24 months of full time park maintenance work experience or similar maintenance experience?
  • Yes
  • No
04
Describe your park maintenance work or similar maintenance experience. Be specific and include employer's names, your job title and how long you worked there. If you don't have that experience, please indicate "N/A"
05
Tell us why you are interested in working for King County Parks. What interests you about the work? What relevant or unique skills do you possess to qualify you for this position?

Required Question

This job is no longer available.

King County

Auburn, WA