Open Space Technician

Summary

Under direction, performs a variety of semi-skilled and skilled maintenance work in the District land and open space areas and facilities. Responsible for semi-skilled and skilled maintenance tasks, including, but not limited to, construction, modification, maintenance, restoration, and repair. Leads and trains lower-level staff; ensures open space areas are available for use and consistently maintained in a safe and clean condition; and performs related work as required.

Supervision Received And Exercised

Receives direction from higher-level supervisory staff. Leads and directs lower-level staff.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is the advanced journey-level classification responsible for ensuring open space areas and facilities are maintained in a safe and effective working condition to provide the highest level of safety for staff and the public. Performance requires ability to work independently with initiative and discretion within established guidelines. This classification is distinguished from the Chief Ranger in that the latter has overall administrative and operational responsibility for open space programs and services.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

  • Performs a variety of semi-skilled and skilled maintenance work in the District land and open space areas and facilities, including, but not limited to, trail brushing, clearing downed trees, and erosion control; maintaining and constructing drainage systems, trail bridges, culverts, fences, and gates.
  • Performs resource management tasks, including identifying, controlling, and removing non-native invasive plants, pest control, identifying habitat concerns, and enhancing wildlife areas.
  • Oversees and participates in facilities and structure construction and maintenance, including semi-skilled and skilled carpentry, painting, and plumbing tasks, as well as landscaping and water system installation and maintenance.
  • Adheres to fire prevention policies; provides support for controlled burns and various emergency services, such as wildland fire suppression, search and rescue, and medical response; controls traffic and monitors affected areas to ensure the safety of the public and staff as needed.
  • Provides lead direction and training to lower-level staff; reviews completed work to ensure quality and completeness; provides input to the supervisor on staff performance.
  • Evaluates assigned work projects, including materials and staff resources needed to perform the work; estimates time, materials, and equipment necessary for the successful completion of the project; acquires necessary resources as appropriate.
  • Inspects facilities and grounds for safety and security; identifies and reports hazardous conditions and facility maintenance needs to supervisor.
  • Provides recommendations for contracted services; oversees the work of contracted services to ensure compliance with service agreement and work quality consistent with District standards and expectations.
  • Follows safe working practices and makes appropriate use of related safety equipment as required.
  • Performs custodial tasks.
  • Monitors inventory, orders supplies, and maintains purchase records within authorized budget.
  • Maintains records and logs of daily activities.
  • Assists with District special events as needed.
  • Performs related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

  • High School Diploma or GED;
  • Four years of relevant work experience, with at least one year in a lead capacity.
  • Any combination of training, education, and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Knowledge of:

  • Principles and practices of leadership, positive reinforcement, and team dynamics.
  • Principles and practices of skilled trades areas, including carpentry, plumbing, painting, and irrigation work.
  • Methods and techniques of inspecting maintenance and repair work to ensure compliance with safety requirements, District standards, and quality requirements.
  • Local flora, fauna, cultural, and geological resources.
  • Methods and techniques of wildland resource protection and restoration.
  • District land, boundaries, and geography.
  • Proper cleaning methods and the safe use of cleaning materials, disinfectants, paints, oils and stains, custodial tools, and equipment.
  • Safety practices and equipment related to the work.
  • Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
  • Principles and practices of recordkeeping.
  • Principles and practices for providing high level of customer service.
  • Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications.

Ability to:

  • Effectively provide leadership and work direction to staff.
  • Perform semi-skilled and skilled maintenance and repair work in a diverse range of trade areas.
  • Oversee and evaluate the work of contracted services.
  • Review work to be performed and identify resources necessary to complete the work.
  • Monitor and enforce relevant laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
  • Safely and effectively use, operate, and maintain tools and equipment.
  • Maintain open space areas, facilities, and equipment in a clean, safe, and secure manner.
  • Perform work as directed in an efficient, effective, safe, and timely manner.
  • Maintain accurate records and reports.
  • Respond appropriately to changing situations.
  • Independently organize work, set priorities, meet deadlines, and follow up on assignments.
  • Demonstrate strong customer service skills and establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships.
  • Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.

Licenses and Certifications:

  • At time of appointment, California Driver’s License with a satisfactory driving record maintained throughout employment.
  • Completion of American Red Cross First Aid, CPR, and AED training within six months of hire and maintain certification throughout employment.
  • Completion of the Basic Wildland Firefighting course within one year of hire and maintain certification throughout employment.
  • Relevant professional certifications are desirable.

Physical Demands

Must possess: mobility to work in various parks and open space areas: strength, stamina, and mobility to perform medium to heavy physical work, to work around machines, to climb and descend ladders, to operate a variety of tools and equipment, and to operate a motor vehicle; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen and to distinguish colors in wiring; hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio. Frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards. Finger dexterity needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard and/or calculator and to operate tools and equipment. Incumbents in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and inspect work sites. Incumbents must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 50 pounds or heavier weights with assistance and/or the use of proper equipment.

Environmental Elements

Incumbents work in both indoor and outdoor environments with moderate to loud noise levels. May work in controlled temperature conditions, cold and hot temperatures, or inclement weather conditions. Exposure to a variety of plant and animal species. Exposure to chemicals, mechanical and electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Incumbents will interact with individuals in interpreting and enforcing rules, policies, and procedures.

Working Conditions

Incumbents may be assigned an on-call and irregular work schedule, including weekends, early mornings, evenings, and holidays.

Pre-Employment Conditions

  • Department of Justice fingerprint clearance.
  • Medical exam and drug testing clearance.

Classification Details/History

Date Adopted: 5/31/17 Job Code: 7454L FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Supersedes: Open Space Technician I and II