Lead Maintenance Specialist - Park District 

(Full Time, Non-Exempt)

Application Closing Deadline: For best consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. November 25, 2026

Hiring Range is $46,184 to $53,183 annually based on qualifications, education and experience as it relates to the position.

Position Summary:

Under the direction of the Parks Maintenance Supervisor, this position assists in the oversight of daily activities of a park maintenance crew including full-time, part-time, and seasonal staff. The Lead Maintenance Specialist responsible for the operation, maintenance, repair and performance of daily inspections to assigned District maintained Parks. Assists in identifying, planning, prioritizing, scheduling, coordinating, assigning and evaluating projects and personnel associated with all aspects of park maintenance, including turf, irrigation, shrub and tree care, and facility maintenance. May be required to work weekends, evenings, holidays, and be on snow watch as well as work shifts deviating from this position’s normal work days and/or with other work groups.

Essential Duties:

• Performs all cultural maintenance practices inherent to maintaining irrigated turf grass parks including mowing, aeration, fertilization, and irrigation.
• Properly plant, prune, weed, mulch and perform general horticulture maintenance within park and facility landscapes.
• Assists with training and oversight of trash and recyclables removal operations cleaning and clearing park grounds and facilities of litter and debris, operation of a trash and recyclables removal truck, common hand tools, installation and removal of waste receptacles and dog waste station maintenance.
• Assists with training and oversight of maintaining public shelter facilities including roof repair, picnic table repair, trash receptacle repair, stocking of supplies, painting, staining, restroom cleaning, sanitizing, grill maintenance.
• In the absence of the Park Maintenance Supervisor this position schedules, assigns and dispatches crews and equipment to maintain District parks to respective locations.
• Performs routine inspections of all grounds to ensure proper maintenance.
• Conducts training of personnel in techniques for safe and efficient operation of equipment, tools, machinery, work methods and chemical applications.
• Maintains, operates, and cares for assigned hand tools and equipment including trenchers, pickup truck, trailer, skid steer, stump grinder, compressor, small engines, etc. Maintains and routinely inventories parts and materials used while performing maintenance duties.
• Exercises good judgment and proper safety precautions and practices at all times.
• Reads water meters, activates irrigation systems and fountains at the beginning of the season and winterizes all systems, fountains, and shelters at the end of the season.
• Assist as needed with the installation of new irrigation systems and the extension of existing systems.
• Performs daily maintenance on parks’ drinking and ornamental water fountains as assigned including filter cleanings and repairs to timers, pumps, lights, nozzles and liners.
• Keeps accurate records of daily activities and provides lists of materials for cost tracking. Responsible for providing accurate information for preparing purchase orders.
• Performs maintenance and repairs on play equipment as needed.
• Assist Staff with District sponsored events, making deliveries of materials and supplies necessary to meet the requests of facility rentals and work orders.
• This position requires the setting up and disassembly of event tents, tables, picnic benches, and chairs.
• Responds tactfully, respectfully and in a timely fashion to inquiries and problems in person, by email, phone and mail providing helpful information and explanations in-line with District policies and procedures. Thoughtfully handles confrontational or stressful interactions.
• Responds to emergency callbacks on a 24-hour basis.
• Performs snow and ice removal in your assigned area.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings, trainings, and orientations.
• Attend work on a regular, reliable and punctual basis.
• Assists Park Maintenance Supervisor with establishing pruning objectives and pruning prescriptions to protect the health, vigor and structural development of shrubs and trees. Prune certain species to avoid the spread of disease, excessive sap bleeding and to enhance flowering.
• Monitor landscapes for pests (weeds, insects, and diseases) and perform pesticide applications associated with the proper integrated pest management for annuals, perennials, roses, shrubs, and irrigated turf grass.
• Assist in designing and renovating shrub or annual/perennial flower beds.
• Assist in hiring, training, scheduling, supervising and evaluating assigned staff; provide or coordinate staff training; and work with employees to correct deficiencies.
  This job description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive duties of the position. Incumbents may be required to follow any other instructions, and to perform any other related duties, as may be required.

Education and/or Experience:

Must be eighteen (18) years of age with a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Any combination equivalent to three (3) years progressive skilled labor experience that is inherent to park or related grounds maintenance with an emphasis on turf care, installation and maintenance of irrigation systems, playground equipment, park facilities, urban forestry, and horticulture.
A combination of experience and education may be considered.

Licenses, Certifications, and Other Requirements:

Colorado Pesticide Applicator’s License as a Certified Operator or Qualified Supervisor in the Turf and ornamental categories or the ability to obtain within one (1) year from the date of hire.
Must possess a valid Colorado Driver License or the ability to obtain upon hire and maintain an acceptable driving record.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of modern landscaping principles, methods, and best management practices.
Knowledge of operations and maintenance of irrigation systems.
Knowledge of work-place safety procedures and the ability to adhere to safe work practices and procedures.
Knowledge of laws, regulations, and methods of pesticide application and the safe and proper use of pesticides and appropriate personal protective gear.
Knowledge of modern horticulture principles, methods, and best management practices, operations and activities of a horticulture program.
Knowledge in the proper maintenance and care of park assets.
Knowledge in reading and understanding landscape design plans and documents, and the ability to interpret sketches, diagrams, maps and plans.
Must have the ability to read and understand irrigation blueprints and instructional materials.
Knowledge in the use and general maintenance of hand, power and motorized tools associated with landscape maintenance.
Knowledge in the safe and proper operation of snow plows and snow blowers.
Ability to train and supervise subordinate employees, community service workers, and volunteers.
Ability to exercise good judgement and practice proper safety precautions at all times. Comply with District and Departmental vision, mission, rules, regulations, safety protocols, policies, and procedures.
Ability to adapt to changing priorities, weather events, and special work requests.
Ability to interact tactfully, clearly, concisely, and appropriately with the public, District administration, co-workers, and other agencies or contractors.
Must be highly motivated and take direction well with excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbally.
Ability to work independently and with a team in a fast-paced and high volume environment with emphasis on accuracy and timeliness.
Ability to provide outstanding customer service and get along with coworkers, patrons, and supervisors and interact with employees and vendors in a professional manner.
Knowledge of methods and processes related to establishing and maintaining trees and knowledge of the International Society of Arboriculture Best Management Practices and District policies and procedures.
Material and Equipment Used :

Pick-up trucks with manual or automatic transmissions; snow plow trucks, ATV's or out-front mowers with snow plows; trailers for towing equipment or materials; tractors, skid steers with various implements, mower, trimmer, various hand tools, trencher, tractor and implements, gas torch, irrigation pipe and fittings, electronic testing, locating equipment, Pesticide Application equipment including high or low pressure sprayers and backpack sprayers, Pesticides, fertilizers, and De-Icing salts, personal computer and other standard office equipment. This position will drive a District vehicle and/or a personal vehicle for business purposes.

Working Environment :

Regularly requires strenuous work outdoors with exposure to a variety of weather conditions, ecosystems, and landscapes; regular exposure to adverse conditions such as dust, noise, chemicals, and extremes in temperature, ultra-violet radiation exposure, and precipitation, including unlit or low light night-time activities.

Physical Requirements :

Stand, walk, sit, manually manipulate, reach outward, reach above shoulder, bend, lift up to 50 pounds. May occasionally climb, crawl, squat, kneel and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull/drag objects weighing up to 75 pounds unassisted; to operate assigned equipment and vehicles while exercising good hand/eye and foot/eye coordination; occasionally climb stairs and ladders; work in uncomfortable positions for short periods of time. Ability to tolerate exposure to dust, fumes, and odors. The employee must communicate clearly and effectively, must understand and be understood. The employee must be able to see close up and at a distance with vision acuity and the ability to adjust focus allowing a broad field of vision.

This list is not all-inclusive and represents examples of the work environment and physical demands.

We’ve Got You Covered!

South Suburban Offers:

Competitive medical, dental and vision plans
Disability and life insurance
Flexible spending accounts (FSA’s)
 

Happy Employees Are the Best Employees

South Suburban provides an employee assistance program at no cost that includes: counseling, financial planning, legal assistance, and much more!
Our Employee Wellness Program gives covered staff the ability to reduce their medical premium by $390 annually
 

Take Time Away to Do What You Enjoy

10 paid holidays per year
4 personal days per year
Earn 11.5 paid vacation days per year 
Paid sick leave to rest, recover, and take care of yourself
 

We’ve Got Your Back 

Up to 9% 401(a) Employer contribution/match that vest after 3 years of service
Trainings to grow your professional and personal skill set
Tuition Reimbursement Program that covers up to $2,500 per year
 

Play Where You Work

Employee engagement is a priority at South Suburban. Staff gatherings have included: pictures with the Stanley Cup, Chili Cook-Off, Ice Cream Social, Shuffleboard Tournament, Employee Appreciation Luncheon, just to name a few
Monthly wellness challenge opportunities and staff recognition honors
 

We LOVE Our Facilities and So Will You:

Free daily admission to recreation centers, tennis courts, ice rinks and swimming pools
50% off food at South Suburban restaurants
$5 to $10 for nine holes of golf at four different courses
 

SSPRD offers an excellent comprehensive benefit package including but not limited to: Medical/Dental/Vision. For a more detailed overview please view the Benefits Guide for Full-Time Employees

About Us

Our mission is to foster healthy living through stewardship of the environment, parks, trails, and open space by providing recreational services and programs.

We serve residents in Bow Mar, Columbine Valley, Centennial west of I-25, Littleton, Lone Tree and Sheridan and unincorporated portions of Douglas, Jefferson and Arapahoe counties. We operate four full-service recreation centers, golf courses, outdoor pools and restaurants, two ice centers and miniature golf courses, and a BMX track, a sports dome, batting cages, an entertainment center, a hotel and a nature center. In addition, we maintain nearly 3,800 acres of developed and open space land, including 119 multi-purpose athletic fields, more than 100 parks, nearly 80 miles of trails, 60 playgrounds, 56 tennis courts, and the 880-acre South Platte Park.