Groundskeeper - Utilities Department

The City of Yuma, Arizona, offers an exceptional opportunity for individuals passionate about community service and environmental stewardship through its full-time Groundskeeper position within the Utilities Department, specifically at the Figueroa Avenue Water Pollution Control Facility. The City of Yuma is a vibrant municipality known for its commitment to professionalism, accountability, integrity, and responsiveness—principles that guide its city staff in serving the diverse needs of its residents and maintaining the community's infrastructure effectively and sustainably. With a strategic focus on maintaining public spaces and city facilities, the Utilities Department plays a vital role in ensuring the cleanliness, safety, and operational excellence of Yuma’s wastewater treatment and water pollution control systems. This role sits at the intersection of community service and environmental care, providing a meaningful career path for those dedicated to public works and landscape maintenance. The position offers an hourly wage range of $17.35 to $22.55, reflecting the city's commitment to fairly compensating those who contribute to the well-being and proper functioning of city services. This full-time role is embedded within the Wastewater Treatment-51 Division, highlighting its specialized focus and critical place in the city’s operational ecosystem.

As a Groundskeeper, you will be an essential member of Team Yuma, engaging actively in maintaining the outdoor areas and landscapes that support the operational capacity and aesthetic appeal of the city's utilities facilities. Your daily responsibilities will include routine and semi-skilled grounds maintenance tasks at various city locations, such as parks, recreational fields, roadways, medians, and infrastructure directly linked to the Utilities Department facilities. This multi-faceted role requires physical endurance and a hands-on approach to tasks, ranging from mowing lawns and trimming shrubbery to repairing vandalized equipment and clearing debris. Safety is paramount, as you will operate power tools and specialized groundskeeping equipment while adhering rigorously to safety protocols to prevent accidents and create safe work environments. Additionally, you may be called upon to handle chemical applications such as herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers, requiring knowledge of proper usage and storage to maintain environmental standards and public safety.

Beyond physical maintenance, the Groundskeeper position involves collaboration and community interaction where professionalism and courteousness are valued. You will support the City’s public relations objectives by demonstrating cooperative behavior and upholding city values, promoting the "Yuma Way" in your daily interactions with visitors, residents, and city staff alike. The role also promises the opportunity to participate in special city events through setting up and tearing down equipment for tournaments, leagues, and community activities, thereby deepening your engagement with the community beyond routine maintenance.

This position demands a minimum of a high school diploma or GED equivalent, complemented by at least one year of experience in grounds and landscaping maintenance or an equivalent combination of training and education. The ability to operate and maintain a utility tractor equivalent to the Massey Ferguson Series 4600, maintain irrigation systems, and manage basic repairs on power equipment are critical for success in this role. Holding a valid Arizona State Driver's License is mandatory, underscoring the necessity for mobility and operational readiness.

The City of Yuma supports its employees with a robust benefits package, including enrollment in the Arizona State Retirement System, long-term and short-term disability insurance, medical, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, and tuition reimbursement. Paid leave options, including general leave, sick leave, paid parental leave, and recognized holidays, ensure a balanced work-life environment conducive to personal and professional growth. In addition, employees benefit from programs like worker's compensation, unemployment insurance, an employee assistance program, and deferred compensation plans. Working at the City of Yuma means joining a smoke-free workplace committed to health and safety. Overall, this role presents not just a job but a career dedicated to public service, environmental care, and community enrichment with comprehensive support and opportunities for ongoing development.