Parks Maintenance Worker I/II

Are you looking for a meaningful career that has a positive impact on the community? If you answered YES, come join the City of Sparks! Aside from working for an organization that is dedicated to the community, you will also receive a generous and competitive salary and benefit package. Some benefits may include tuition reimbursement, bilingual pay (when applicable) and retirement plans. People who come to Sparks, stay in Sparks.

The City of Sparks is currently seeking to hire multiple Parks Maintenance Workers for the Parks and Recreation Department. This posting will close on October 01, 2026 at 4:00 pm PST.

Application Tips:

• COMPLETELY fill out and update your general online application before attaching it to any job posting. HR reviews information listed on the application submitted to the specific job posting. HR does NOT use personnel files in the screening process. 
• Contact information: use an email address you can easily access at any time.
• The Qualifications section below is your guide to understand what the City is looking for on your application, use this to your advantage. It is up to the candidate seeking employment/promotion to include all relevant information for qualification purposes, on the application the candidate submits to be considered for the job.
  • When filling out your work experience for each employer on the application, include and detail your direct responsibilities under "duties" for each employer. Failure to provide detail of qualifying work experience will constitute disqualification.
• DO NOT attach resumes or cover letters. The City of Sparks does not review these items with the application.

Civil Service Testing: This position requires a Civil Service Examination which is tentatively scheduled to occur the week of October 19, 2026. Exact date, time and testing information will be provided to qualified candidates after the posting has closed. Qualified candidates will be notified via email of schedule and testing specifics. Once the exam has been completed, the candidate will receive a score and/or rank depending on their test performance. Upon successfully passing the exam, the candidate will be placed on the eligibility list which will then be used to refer candidates for potential interviews.

If you have any questions, please email hrstaff@sparksnv.gov. The City of Sparks is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Parks Maintenance Worker I

DESCRIPTION

Under supervision, perform and assist with the care and maintenance of City parks, including irrigation systems,  sports fields and other landscaped facilities. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the entry level class in the Parks Maintenance Worker series expected to perform duties under direct supervision.

Parks Maintenance Worker II

DESCRIPTION

Perform skilled work in the care and maintenance of City parks, irrigation systems, sports fields and other landscaped facilities. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the skilled and experienced level of the Parks Maintenance Worker series expected to complete assigned duties with little supervision.

Applicants must clearly demonstrate how they meet the minimum qualifications listed below, on their completed application, to continue in the recruitment process. If there are certifications or degrees that require proof of completion, be sure to attach them to your application before submission:

Parks Maintenance Worker I

Education and Experience:

High School Diploma or equivalent and one (1) year of labor experience in parks maintenance, landscaping, forestry, horticulture, general maintenance, or a related field.

OR

Two (2) years of labor experience in construction, underground utilities, maintenance work or a related field.

Licenses and Certificates:

Must possess within thirty (30) days of hire and maintain throughout employment, the equivalent to a valid Nevada Class C driver's license.

Must possess within ninety (90) days of hire and maintain throughout employment, a valid Forklift Certification.

Must possess within six (6) months of hire and maintain throughout employment, a valid Flagging Certification.

Must possess within one (1) year of hire and maintain throughout employment, a valid Nevada Class A Commercial Driver’s License with tanker and combination vehicle endorsements.

Based on assignment, position may require a Nevada Pesticide Applicator’s Certificate.

Parks Maintenance Worker II

Education and Experience:

High School Diploma or equivalent and two (2) years of labor experience in parks maintenance, landscaping, forestry, horticulture, general maintenance or a related field.

OR

Three (3) years of labor experience in construction, underground utilities, maintenance work or a related field.

 

Licenses and Certificates:

Must possess at time of application and maintain throughout employment, a valid Nevada Class A Commercial Driver’s License with tanker and combination vehicle endorsements.

Must possess at time of application and maintain throughout employment, a valid Flagging Certification. 

Must possess within ninety (90) days of hire and maintain throughout employment, a valid Forklift Certification.

Must possess within six (6) months of hire and maintain throughout employment, a Rain Bird IQ4 Expert certification. 

Must possess within six (6) months of hire and maintain throughout employment, a Rain Bird ESP-LXME2 & ESP-LXD Programming & Operation certification or Rain Bird Residential Controller Programming & Operation certification.

Must possess within six (6) months of hire and maintain throughout employment, a Rain Bird ESP-LX IVM Programming & Operation certification or Rain Bird Commercial Programming & Operation certification.

Based on assignment, position may require: Arborist Certification, Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI), Traffic Control Technician, Nevada Pesticide Applicator’s certificate.

Parks Maintenance Worker I

Safely operate and maintain a variety of hand and power landscaping tools and equipment including but not limited to hand and power mowers, spreaders, edgers, blowers, hedge trimmers, weed eaters, chainsaws, rakes, shovels, hoes, brooms, skid steers, trucks, boom trucks, trailers and tractors with attachments and other tools and equipment. Load and unload equipment from trucks. Inspect, wash and report needed repairs to vehicles. 

Mow, edge, fertilize and irrigate lawns and planted areas. Spray for pest and week control. Prepare soils and transplant seedlings, shrubs and trees. Maintain lawns, ground cover, plants, shrubs, hedges and trees. Install, maintain, and repair drip line and irrigation systems.

Inspect, clean and maintain assigned areas such as grounds, paved areas, walkways, paths, stairways, athletic surfaces and fields, tennis courts, playground equipment, facilities and restrooms. Correct or report safety hazards. Secure tools, materials, and equipment necessary to complete assignments. Pick up litter, garbage, and organic debris. 

Assist with proper traffic control in work zones for employee and citizen safety, including but not limited to appropriate flagging techniques and device layout using signage, barricades and cones, and direct traffic flow at job sites.

Prepare and maintain accurate and detailed records of daily work performed including but not limited to hours, materials, and equipment used.

Respond to questions and complaints from the public. Provide information within the area of assignment. Carry out assignments in a courteous and non-disruptive manner in areas of public use. 

Remove snow from public areas using hand and power equipment including sanders, snow plows, and snow shovels. 

Operate assigned vehicles skillfully and safely. Observe and perform safe driving practices, work methods and overall practices at all times. Use appropriate safety equipment, inspect assigned areas, correct or report safety hazards and attend safety meetings. 

Respond to emergency calls in off-hours, make necessary shift adjustments, and respond to emergencies. 

Mentor and train others in work knowledge, procedures, skills, and abilities. Read and interpret plans, specifications, and maps.

Perform other duties which may be assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of safe work methods and safety regulations pertaining to the work  
• Knowledge of maintenance and techniques of planting, transplanting, cultivating, pruning, and removing plants
• Knowledge of shop math 
• Knowledge of methods, tools, and techniques for painting, plumbing and carpentry
• Knowledge of and ability to use computer applications and software related to the work including but not limited to, Microsoft Office
• Ability to safely use a variety of hand and power tools, construction equipment and vehicles
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective relationships with those contacted during work
• Ability to exercise sound judgment within general policy guidelines
• Ability to train others in work procedures

Physical Demands:

Requires sufficient strength, vision, hearing, manual dexterity, and stamina to perform sustained heavy physical labor, to lift and carry equipment weighing up to ninety (90) pounds, and to work outdoors in varied weather conditions, in medians, roadways, high traffic areas and shoulders with exposure to heavy traffic and other potential hazards. Ability to work underground and in elevated or confined spaces and with possible exposure to unpleasant and potentially hazardous substances such as effluent and chemicals.

SUPPLEMENTAL JOB INFORMATION

• This is a Civil Service position and is Non-Exempt under FLSA guidelines
• This position reports to a Crew Supervisor and receives work direction from a Lead
• Supervision exercised: May provide work direction to others as identified
• Required to work during emergency circumstances or inclement weather conditions
• May be called back, held over, work off-hours, nights, weekends, and holiday shifts as required  
• May be required to pass a pre-placement drug screen and background investigation

Parks Maintenance Worker II

Efficiently and safely operate and maintain a variety of hand and power landscaping tools and equipment including but not limited to hand and power mowers, spreaders, edgers, blowers, hedge trimmers, weed eaters, chainsaws, rakes, shovels, hoes, brooms, skid steers, trucks, boom trucks, trailers and tractors with attachments and other tools and equipment. Transport construction equipment to and from job sites, load and unload equipment from trucks. Safely operate a variety of construction and turf maintenance equipment including but not limited to back-hoes, excavators, front-end loaders, skid steer loaders, skip loaders, trenchers, rollers, fairway mowers and trim mowers. 

Estimate material and labor needs for park maintenance projects, order and purchase tools and supplies when necessary, design and renovate new areas when assigned. Install, maintain and repair playground equipment and schedule needed repairs.

Perform skilled landscape maintenance duties. Mow, edge, fertilize and irrigate lawns and planted areas. Spray for pest and week control. Prepare soils and transplant seedlings, shrubs, and trees. Maintain lawns, ground cover, plants, shrubs, hedges and trees. Install, maintain, and repair dripline systems and irrigation and control systems.

Operate, maintain and repair the Central Control irrigation system, software and hardware. Troubleshoot pump stations and make minor repairs. Test, troubleshoot, install, and repair Backflow Prevention Assemblies.

Inspect, clean and maintain assigned areas such as grounds, paved areas, walkways, paths, stairways, athletic surfaces and fields, tennis courts, playground equipment, and facilities and restrooms. Correct or report safety hazards. Secure tools, materials, and equipment necessary to complete assignments. Pick up litter, garbage and organic debris. 

Provide proper traffic control in work zones for employee and citizen safety, including but not limited to appropriate flagging techniques and device layout using signage, barricades, cones, and direct traffic flow at job sites. Read and interpret traffic control plans, 

Prepare and maintain accurate and detailed records of daily work performed to include but not limited to hours, materials, and equipment used. 

Respond to questions and complaints from the public. Provide information within the area of assignment. Carry out assignments in a courteous and non-disruptive manner in areas of public use. 

Remove snow from public areas using hand and power equipment including sanders, snowplows, and snow shovels. 

Operate assigned vehicles skillfully and safely. Observe safe driving practices, work methods and overall practices. Use appropriate safety equipment, inspect assigned areas, correct or report safety hazards and attend safety meetings. 

Respond to emergency calls in off-hours, make necessary shift adjustments, and respond to emergencies. 

Mentor and train others in your work knowledge, procedures, skills, and abilities. Accurately read and interpret plans, maps, instructions, specifications, blueprints, schematics, and prints. Prepare as-built drawings.

Perform other duties which may be assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of safe work methods and safety regulations pertaining to the work
• Knowledge of methods and techniques of planting, transplanting, cultivating, pruning, and removing plants
• Knowledge of shop math 
• Knowledge of methods, techniques, and tools of painting, plumbing and carpentry 
• Knowledge of equipment and methods used for weed, pest, insect control and treating plant diseases
• Knowledge of and ability to use computer applications and software related to the work including but not limited to, Microsoft Office
• Ability to safely use a variety of hand and power tools, construction equipment and vehicles
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions 
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective relationships with those contacted during work 
• Ability to exercise sound independent judgment within general policy guidelines
• Ability to train others in work procedures

Physical Demands:

Requires sufficient strength, vision, hearing, manual dexterity, and stamina to perform sustained heavy physical labor, to lift and carry equipment weighing up to ninety (90) pounds, and to work outdoors in varied weather conditions, in medians, roadways, high traffic areas, and shoulders with exposure to heavy traffic and other potential hazards. Ability to work underground and in elevated or confined spaces and with possible exposure to unpleasant and potentially hazardous substances, to include effluent. 

SUPPLEMENTAL JOB INFORMATION

• This is a Civil Service position and is Non-Exempt under FLSA guidelines
• This position reports to a Crew Supervisor and receives work direction from a Lead.
• Supervision exercised: May provide work direction to others as identified.
• Required to work during emergency circumstances or inclement weather conditions 
• May be called back, held over, work off-hours, nights, weekends, and holiday shifts as required  
• May be required to pass a pre-placement drug screen and background investigation

The City of Sparks requires that prior to the first examination for the position, necessary documentary evidence be submitted for fitness of any qualification. Any requirement not met for the advertised position prior to the first examination for that position, will be cause for the City of Sparks to decline to examine, certify or hire the applicant.

Recruitment Communication

Human Resources will contact you at various stages of the recruitment process via email only, even if you have chosen U.S. mail for prior application processes or for applications with other agencies. Please ensure your email address is up to date, accurate, and accessible by you. 

Reasonable Accommodation

Human Resources will make efforts to provide reasonable accommodations to disabled applicants in the selection process. If you have special needs, please notify the Human Resources office when you turn in your application or at least three (3) business days prior to the examination/interview by calling (775) 353-2345.

Disclaimer

The City of Sparks hires and promotes applicants based on a competitive merit selection process, which may include any or all of the following: screening for minimum qualifications, written examinations, supplemental training and experience questionnaires, assessment centers, interviews (oral or written), physical tests or any combination which the Sparks Civil Service Commission may order.
 
Scoring in the top five (5) for promotion or top ten (10) for entry level in any part of the selection process merely advances the applicant to a higher round of examination, which may consist of additional interviews and other evaluations. Scoring in the top five (5) or ten (10) gives no right to be selected for the position. The City of Sparks reserves the right to select applicants who demonstrate the best combination of qualifications for the position.

Applicants moving forward in the selection process are subject to submitting for a background check that may include review of criminal records. Applicants with criminal records should note that a conviction will not necessarily bar the applicant from employment. When considering the applicant’s background and criminal record, the length of time that has passed since the offense, the age of the applicant at the time of the offense, the severity and nature of the offense in relation to the position for which the applicant has applied, and evidence of the rehabilitation of the applicant will be considered prior to an employment decision can be made.