Groundskeeper (Parks) - Okaloosa County, FL : Job Details

Salary: $16.98 - $18.67 Hourly Location : Fort Walton Beach, FL Job Type: Full-Time Job Number: 25-188 Department: Facility & Parks Maintenance Opening Date: 08/07/2025 Closing Date: 8/20/2025 11:59 PM Central GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB Performs grounds maintenance, custodial, and landscaping tasks; provides safe, attractive, comfortable and clean places in which to engage in business or recreation. EXAMPLES OF WORK • Repairs and maintains grounds by cleaning, planting, fertilizing, mowing and pruning. • Operates manual, electrical and gas-powered tools and equipment (i.e., lawn mower, chainsaw, weed-eater, blower, hedger, etc.). • Sweeps and polices sidewalks and doorways; empties ashtrays and urns; removes weeds. • Assists in installing landscaping and irrigation elements. • Performs ornamental spraying with designated chemicals; meets all EPA standards and guidelines. • Cleans equipment with assigned cleaning supplies; maintains cleanliness and order in assigned storage rooms. • Prepares areas for sodding; repairs public safety hazards (i.e., ground holes, loose turf). • Performs maintenance checks on custodial and grounds equipment and vehicles; performs repairs (i.e., small engine and electric motor overhauls, fuel system replacement, wiring, welding); reports equipment malfunctions and facility maintenance needs to supervisor. • Ensures assigned facility is opened each day and secured upon completion of tasks. • Moves furniture and other equipment. • Operates county vehicle in the performance of duties. • Performs other duties as assigned. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education, Training and Experience: High school diploma or GED preferred; supplemented by a minimum of six (6) months' experience performing landscaping or grounds maintenance tasks, preferably in a commercial or similarly institutional environment; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities Licenses and/or Certifications: : Requires a valid driver license. Must obtain ornamental pest control certification within eighteen (18) months of hire. OTHER REQUIREMENTS Physical Requirements: Must be able to operate a variety of manual, electrical and gas-powered equipment and tools, including mowers, blowers, edgers, etc. Must be able to exert 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, or 50 pounds of force frequently, or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Must be able to complete work tasks by bending spine at the waist, requiring full use of the lower extremities, back muscles and spine. This position requires the ability to work for sustained periods of exposure to outside atmospheric conditions. Prolonged periods of walking and/or standing frequently are required in this position. Physical demands are in excess of those for sedentary work. Language Ability: Requires the ability to communicate effectively in English, including the ability to convey, record and exchange information; requires the ability to explain procedures and to give, receive and follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to read and interpret a variety of technical data, policy and procedure manuals, codes, professional journals. Requires the ability to prepare forms and reports using prescribed formats, and adhering to all rules of grammar, spelling, diction and punctuation. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of technical and/or professional languages used within the parameters of the job and with a broad array of individuals from various professional backgrounds Intelligence: Requires the ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; to interpret a variety of technical instructions in written, mathematical or diagrammatic form; to learn and understand relatively complex principles and techniques; to make independent judgments in absence of supervision; to acquire knowledge of topics related to primary occupation. Numerical Aptitude: Must be able to add and subtract totals. May require the ability to multiply and divide. Interpersonal Temperament: Requires the ability to deal with people beyond receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under moderate levels of stress, imposed by frequent deadlines, peak workloads, or public contact. Requires the ability to exercise consistent tact and courtesy when in frequent contact with various professionals, county staff, and the general public. 01 Please indicate which best describes your highest level of completed education.

• No formal education completed, but I have relevant experience
• High School Diploma or GED
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree or above
• None of the above

02 Do you possess any commercial landscaping or grounds maintenance experience?

• Yes
• No

03 How many years of experience do you possess performing landscaping or grounds maintenance tasks, preferably in a commercial or similarly institutional environment?

• None
• At least 6 months
• At least 1 year but less than 2 years
• At least 2 years but less than 4 years
• At least 4 years but less than 6 years
• At least 6 years but less than 8 years
• 8 years or more

04 Do you have any outside labor experience?

• Yes
• No

05 Please describes your outside labor experience (if none, please enter N/A ) in the space provided. 06 Do you possess an ornamental pest control certification or can you obtain one within eighteen (18) months of hire?

• Yes, I possess an ornamental pest control certification.
• No, I do not possess an ornamental pest control certification but CAN obtain one within eighteen (18) months of hire.
• No, I do not possess an ornamental pest control certification and CANNOT obtain one within eighteen (18) months of hire.

07 Please indicate which type(s) of lawn maintenance equipment you have experience operating.

• Zero Turn Mower
• Small Tractor
• Dingo
• Other
• None

08 If you selected Other in the previous question, please list the lawn maintenance equipment you have experience with (if none, please enter N/A ) in the space provided. 09 Please select the days that you are available to work.

• Sunday
• Monday
• Tuesday
• Wednesday
• Thursday
• Friday
• Saturday

10 Do you possess a valid driver license?

• Yes
• No

Required Question