Job Title: Park Maintenance Lead
Department: Public Services
Status: Full-time regular position, Non-Exempt
Benefits: Qualifies for full-time benefits date of hire
Reporting Relationship: Reports to Park Maintenance Supervisor
Supervisory Duties: This position will oversee the seasonal positions. The Park Maintenance Lead will provide work direction and assignments to Park Maintenance Workers.

Position Details: Under the direction of the Park Maintenance Supervisor, the Park Maintenance Lead serves as a working lead responsible for coordinating daily operations of the Park Maintenance Division. This position provides field leadership, supports hiring and training of seasonal staff, oversees division work within the City’s asset management system, and helps ensure efficient, safe, and high-quality maintenance of the City’s parks, facilities, and related infrastructure. The Park Maintenance Lead works alongside staff in the field while helping plan, schedule, and guide division activities to meet operational goals.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Leadership & Operational Oversight
• Provide daily work direction, task assignments, and field leadership to park maintenance staff.
• Assist with hiring, onboarding, training, and performance oversight of seasonal employees.
• Support planning, scheduling, and coordination of park maintenance operations.
• Review upcoming projects and forecast equipment, material, and staffing needs.
• Lead division documentation and reporting within the City’s asset management system.
• Ensure staff compliance with all safety standards, policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Assist with development of long-term plans for parks, equipment, and infrastructure improvements.
• Manage on-site operations for City-sponsored events as assigned.

Park & Infrastructure Maintenance
• Participate in and coordinate seasonal park maintenance activities including turf care, mowing, irrigation, ice rink flooding, athletic field preparation, tree planting and pruning, and facility opening/closing.
• Maintain playgrounds, trails, boulevard trees, rain gardens, stormwater assets, and landscape amenities.
• Perform general building and facility maintenance including painting, carpentry, plumbing, welding, electrical, and minor construction.
• Operate light and heavy equipment including mowers, loaders, backhoes, dump trucks, plow trucks, and related machinery.
• Assist with snow and ice control operations.
• Support Streets operations including snowplowing, ice removal, blacktopping, and catch basin maintenance.
• Assist with City Code Enforcement activities such as weed inspections and sidewalk snow/ice compliance.

Coordination & Customer Service
• Coordinate with contractors, subcontractors, and inspectors to ensure efficient project completion.
• Respond to resident inquiries, service requests, and complaints professionally and promptly.
• Partner with City staff to provide information for website and social media communications regarding park projects.
• Collaborate with other Public Services divisions including Streets, Utilities, Facilities, and Mechanics.
• Provide on-call coverage and backup assistance as assigned.
While these are the primary focus of the position, we believe strongly in teamwork and employees will be called upon to perform a variety of duties as part of their role with the City.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Thorough knowledge of municipal park maintenance methods, construction standards, and public infrastructure practices.
• Knowledge of environmental regulations and stormwater management practices.
• Ability to safely operate light and heavy equipment and a variety of hand and power tools.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and establish priorities.
• Proficiency in computer systems including word processing, spreadsheets, and asset management software.
• Ability to communicate effectively with staff, contractors, residents, City officials, and outside agencies.
• Ability to attend meetings or training sessions during or outside normal working hours as required.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality.

Normal Working Hours: Monday – Friday, 6:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Evening, weekend, holiday work required at times. Part of every six-week on-call rotation.

Minimum Qualifications
• High school diploma or GED.
• Five (5) years of experience in public works, construction, or related field, including at least three (3) years in park construction or maintenance; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Horticulture, native grass, and plant identification experience.
• Proficient in work zone setup and flagging.
• Ability to successfully pass aptitude testing.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to obtain required endorsements.
• Successful completion of background check, driving check, physical, and DOT drug and alcohol testing requirements.
• Ability to perform all essential job functions under described working conditions.
• Ability to be on call.

Required Certifications and Licenses
• Public Works Certificate (or ability to obtain within five full semesters of hire).
• Class A CDL with Tanker and Air Brake endorsements (or ability to obtain within six months).
• Non-commercial pesticide applicator license (turf and ornamental) within one year.
• Minnesota Tree Inspector Certification within one year.
• National Playground Safety Certification within six months.
• ICS 100 and 700b training within two years.
• Certified Arborist designation preferred.

Physical Demands
This position requires frequent standing, walking, climbing, kneeling, crouching, and lifting up to 75 pounds. Work involves operating equipment, exposure to loud noise, outdoor weather conditions, and potential hazards including mechanical parts, chemicals, confined spaces, and temperature extremes.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Work Environment
Work is performed both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions. The position regularly works near mechanical equipment and occasionally in confined spaces or elevated locations. Personal protective equipment is required as appropriate.

Equal Employment Opportunity
The City of Waconia is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, or status regarding public assistance.

Recruitment Timeline
Application Open: Wedensday, March 4 - Monday, March 23 at 12:01 am
Applicant Review: Week of March 23
First Round Interviews: Tuesday, March 31 (morning)
Final Interviews, Wednesday, April 8 (morning)
Position Start Date: May 2026