Park Specialist I - Athletic Field Specialist

Job Purpose:
As an Athletic Fields Specialist (Park Specialist I) at Skokie Park District, you will be the go-to person for keeping our sports fields in top-notch condition. Your primary mission is to make sure athletes have the best playing surface possible, from soccer fields to baseball diamonds. You will lead a team to maintain, repair, and beautify our athletic fields, ensuring they are safe, clean, and ready for action.

Key Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the condition of all assigned athletic field areas. 
• Trains, supervises and monitors the work of assigned staff. 
• Schedules and coordinates field preparation for games, practices, and special events.
• Inspect fields regularly to identify any issues or repairs needed and take corrective action promptly.
• Operates and maintains equipment such as mowers, aerators, line markers, backhoes and loaders. 
• Manage inventory of supplies and materials needed for field maintenance.
• Coordinates athletic field schedules with the Recreation Athletic Supervisor to ensure athletic fields are ready for play. 
• Implement safety protocols to ensure a safe environment for staff and field users.
• Work on rotational snow removal crew; includes plowing, blowing, shoveling, and salting walkways and parking lots. 
• During winter months, assist Parks Department staff with pruning, mulching, painting, garbage removal, park clean-up and other duties as needed. 
• Assist the Turf specialist with turf repairs, sodding and seeding at various park locations. 
• Act as crew leader during special events and Landscape Supervisor, when needed. 
• Foster a positive and fun work environment, encouraging teamwork and a love for sports and the outdoors.

Qualifications

Required Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent.

Required Experience:

• Two to three years of experience in groundskeeping or athletic field maintenance.
• Familiarity with the operation and maintenance of athletic field and landscaping equipment.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Knowledge of turf management and field marking techniques.
• Good communication skills for interacting with team members and park visitors.
• Basic understanding of safety protocols and procedures.
• Ability to troubleshoot and solve problems on the spot.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends and evenings, as needed.

** This job falls in paygrade FT2. The target hiring range for this position is beginning at $20.00 per hour depending on qualifications.

A link to our full-time wage scale can be found here: 

https://www.skokieparks.org/full-time-wage-scale/

Additionally, a list of our benefits for staff can be found here:

https://www.skokieparks.org/employee-benefits/

https://www.skokieparks.org/assets/1/6/SPD-InternalBenefitsChart-20251.pdf

At the Skokie Park District, we believe in fostering a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcome people of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment where all employees can thrive. We encourage applicants of all races, genders, ages, abilities, and identities to apply and join our team.