PT Parks Seasonal Aide - Forestry (2026)

Sourcing candidates for Spring 2026.

This is a maintenance position within the Urban Forestry Division of the Parks and Recreation Department.  Primary work activities include the planting, maintenance and care of city owned trees and natural areas within the parks system, public rights-of-way, and city owned property.  The majority of daily work activities are conducted outdoors and occasionally during inclement weather conditions.  Regular work hours will be scheduled Monday through Friday from 7:00am to 3:30pm with occasional weekend shifts.  3-month and 6-month positions are available.

Job Title: PT Seasonal Aide

Department: Parks & Recreation

Reports to Position: City Arborist

Location: Parks Locations

Overtime Status: Hourly

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

JOB SUMMARY

This is a maintenance position within the Parks and Recreation Department.  Work involves the maintenance and care of parks, playgrounds, cemeteries, and related areas.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES/WORK PERFORMED

Supports the Departmental work plan implementation and divisional performance goals.

Performs general maintenance activities in and around city facilities such as the cemetery, City Hall, the Library, and other city departments.

Assists with young tree care and seasonal tree watering.

Adjusting support systems and tree protection supplies, mulching and weeding around trees.

Assists with tree planting projects, including volunteer supported projects and organized outreach.

Assists with regular tree maintenance activities such as pruning and removing public trees.

Physically carry brush and move plant materials to collection sites and/or chipper location for processing or hauling.

Utilizes ropes and rigging devices, chainsaws, pole saws, blowers, brush cutter/trimmers, handsaws, pruners, hand tools and other related equipment involved with tree maintenance.

Set up and removal of traffic control barricades, cones, and other safety devices in and around work zones.

Operates a variety of powered equipment used in tree maintenance including aerial bucket/lift trucks, brush chippers, dump trucks, loaders, tractors, skid steers and stump grinders.

Perform daily vehicle inspections, regular maintenance and repair of city equipment.

Assists with natural area management including seeding, maintenance, mowing, herbicide application, invasive plant cutback and prescribed burning.

Assists in snow shoveling and blowing as necessary.

Other related tasks performed as necessary. 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Ability to understand oral and written instructions.

Ability to maintain and care for the city's equipment.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees and the general public.

Knowledge of occupational hazards and the necessary safety precautions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & PHYSICAL ABILITIES

Ability to perform a variety of physical labor activities as needed including using a variety of hand and power tools, stooping, bending and climbing.

Ability to lift up to 75 pounds at one time and ability for repetitive lifting of up to 50 pounds.

Ability to climb using ladders to perform various duties, including but not limited to, trimming trees, checking ceilings, roofs, etc.

Ability to work long hours outdoors, occasionally under adverse weather conditions.

Ability to traverse variable terrain conditions not accessible by vehicle including but not limited to steep slopes, unlevel grades and heavily vegetated areas. 

Ability to operate all department power equipment including driving all non CDL trucks.

Ability to perform a variety of physical labor activities continuously, including sawing, pruning, roping, dragging, shoveling, raking, using a variety of hand and power tools

Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace or citizens encountered during work. 

QUALIFICATIONS

Completion of the tenth grade. 

Valid Iowa Operator's License. 

High school diploma is desirable.

Knowledge of basic plant and tree biology and species identification is desirable

WORKING CONDITIONS

Works outdoors and may be exposed to adverse weather

Scheduled hours may change based on staffing needs and workload

REQUIRED BACKGROUND CHECKS

Sex Offender Registry

Drug Screening

Driving Record

Pre-Employment Physical