About this role
Love working outdoors? Enjoy hands-on work that makes a visible impact in your community? If you take pride in well-kept parks, fresh landscapes, and safe public spaces, we want YOU on our Grounds team!
As a Grounds Laborer, you’ll help keep our parks beautiful, safe, and welcoming year-round—from lush summer fields to winter ice rinks. No two days are the same, and your work will be seen and enjoyed by the entire community.
Schedule: M-F, 8am-4:30pm, some weekends and holidays
You’ll play a key role in maintaining and enhancing park grounds and facilities by:
• 🌱 Mowing, trimming, edging, and weeding park grounds.
• 🌼 Assisting with landscape installation, planting, and mulching.
• 🧹 Performing general park clean-up (leaves, debris, trash removal).
• ⚽ Maintaining turf areas, sports fields, and irrigation systems.
• 🛠️ Completing minor repairs and painting of park structures.
• ❄️ Setting up and maintaining ice rinks, including snow removal and resurfacing.
• 🚜 Operating and maintaining landscaping equipment (mowers, tractors, power tools).
• 🧪 Safely using fertilizers, herbicides, and other materials.
• 👀 Identifying and reporting safety hazards and helping correct them.
• 🎉 Assisting with special events and community programs.
• 😊 Responding to public questions and concerns in a friendly, professional manner.
• 🌎 Supporting sustainability and environmental initiatives.
What We’re Looking For
Education & Experience
• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Two (2) years of landscaping or grounds maintenance experience preferred
Certifications
• Illinois Pesticide Operator’s License (or ability to obtain within one year)
• CPR/AED certification preferred
Skills & Strengths
• Knowledge of grounds maintenance, turf care, landscaping, and irrigation
• Ability to safely operate and maintain maintenance equipment
• Strong commitment to safety and quality work
• Good communication and teamwork skills
• Problem-solver who can work independently or with a crew
• Availability to work weekends and holidays as needed
Other Requirements
• Valid driver’s license and current vehicle insurance
Physical & Working Conditions
This is an active, hands-on role that includes:
• Lifting up to 50 lbs unassisted.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and reaching.
• Working outdoors in all seasons and weather conditions.
• Exposure to loud equipment, chemicals, and varying temperatures.
The Crystal Lake Park District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Please click here for a listing of our benefits.
$16.50/hr