Position: FMR
Department: Parks & Recreation
Division: Grounds Maintenance

Rate of Pay: $16.25/hour

This position performs full-time outdoor manual labor focused on park grounds, landscaping, public right-of-way maintenance, and event cleanup. Work is physically demanding and performed primarily outdoors in extreme summer heat and humidity, cold winter temperatures, rain, and other seasonal weather conditions common in Mississippi.

Employees in this position should expect prolonged exposure to the elements; frequent lifting, bending, stooping, and walking on uneven terrain; and regular handling of landscaping equipment and hand tools. Evening, weekend, early morning, and holiday work may be required, particularly following community events or storms.

The following duties are normal for this position. These duties are not exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Park Grounds & Landscape Maintenance
• Performs routine and seasonal landscape maintenance in City parks and public spaces including mowing, edging, weed eating, trimming, pruning, planting, mulching, and debris removal.
• Maintains landscaped beds, trees, shrubs, turf areas, playground surroundings, pavilions, walking paths, and open green spaces.
• Assists with minor landscaping installations including soil preparation and planting.
• Picks up litter and debris throughout parks and grounds; empties trash receptacles and disposes of waste according to City policy.
Right-of-Way Maintenance
• Maintains City right-of-way areas including roadside mowing, weed control, brush cutting, trimming around signage, and debris removal.
• Ensures public corridors are clean, safe, and free of overgrowth.
• Assists with storm cleanup including removal of fallen limbs and scattered debris from parks and right-of-way areas (using hand tools and approved equipment).
Event Cleanup & Support
• Provides event-related sanitation and cleanup services before, during, and after festivals, parades, tournaments, and community gatherings.
• Collects and disposes of trash, food waste, boxes, and other debris generated during events.
• Performs post-event cleanup including litter removal along parade routes and in public spaces.
• Assists with placement and removal of trash receptacles and liners for events.
Cleaning & Facility Support
• Cleans and maintains park restrooms and related facilities; cleans toilets, sinks, fixtures, floors, and surfaces.
• Performs pressure washing of sidewalks, pavilions, park structures, and other surfaces as needed.
• Assists with general cleaning of park amenities to maintain safe and sanitary public spaces.
Equipment Operation & Maintenance
• Safely operates City-owned vehicles such as pickup trucks and utility vehicles.
• Operates landscape equipment and hand tools including zero-turn mowers, push mowers, string trimmers, blowers, hedge trimmers, rakes, shovels, and similar tools.
• Performs routine maintenance on assigned equipment including checking fluids, cleaning equipment, sharpening blades, and reporting mechanical issues.
• Follows all local, state, and federal safety regulations and City safety procedures.

Working Conditions
• Work is performed primarily outdoors in all weather conditions, including extreme heat, high humidity, cold temperatures, and rain.
• Frequent lifting of 50+ pounds.
• Prolonged standing, bending, kneeling, climbing, and walking on uneven or sloped terrain.
• Exposure to insects, environmental allergens, dust, noise, and debris.
• May be required to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Qualifications
High school diploma or GED preferred; supplemented by 2 – 4 years of experience in landscaping, grounds maintenance, right-of-way maintenance, sanitation, or general outdoor labor; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Working knowledge of landscaping practices and safe equipment operation.
• Ability to perform strenuous physical labor outdoors year-round.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Mississippi driver’s license.

This position plays a critical role in maintaining the cleanliness, safety, and appearance of City parks and public spaces.