Howard County Government
Parks Maintenance Specialist- Rec and Parks, Parks & Program Services/Horticultu
Howard County Government, Columbia, Maryland, United States, 21046
Howard County
Conveniently located in the heart of central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, Howard County offers the charm of a historic past mixed with the excitement of a cosmopolitan community.
Howard County Government Howard County Government is a leader in innovation, sustainability, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2025, Howard County Government received a record‑breaking 85 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) – the highest number of annual NACo awards achieved in the history of the State of Maryland, and the highest number of awards out of any county in the State of Maryland which received a collective 136 awards. NACo is the leading organization representing county‑level government operations. These awards recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policymaking.
What are we looking for? We are looking for outstanding individuals to join our team and contribute to excellence in Howard County operations.
What you’ll like most about working at Howard County Government
We are committed to workplace excellence in every area of County government.
We have a highly talented, diverse, and inclusive workplace. Your input will not only be heard, but it will be encouraged!
We offer competitive compensation and great benefits including medical, retirement, and wellness programs.
As a member of the Howard County Government team, you’ll be helping drive our culture and directly impact what makes us an amazing place to work.
Position Summary Performs skilled grounds maintenance and construction tasks as assigned. Also serves as crew leader on projects involving lower level workers.
Starting Salary Hiring Range $23.65 – $25.46 per hour (approximately $49,192 – $52,957 annually).
Class Description This is specialized park maintenance which typically involves skilled manual work at the crew leader level in the maintenance of park lands, government properties and related facilities and structures, however, some positions may be assigned to park security. Work involves operating equipment and vehicles and the use of a variety of tools and the application of regulated horticultural and landscaping practices. Work includes performing skilled grounds maintenance tasks and directing subordinate crew members or outside contractors as assigned by the supervisor. Operates dump trucks, tractors with attachments, a small motor grader, and other medium‑duty construction equipment in the completion of parks and grounds maintenance.
Work is performed with general supervision from a technical superior. Assignments are stable in nature and are carried out in accordance with accepted laboring and equipment operation standards and applicable regulations. An employee in this class provides park security services or operates equipment and oversees others to accomplish an assigned part of park or grounds operations in grounds maintenance, sports field preparation, construction or park‑site management. Work may include considerable public contact.
Other Related Duties May Be Assigned
Works and cooperates with co‑workers and supervisors at all levels.
Learns and performs all essential job functions accurately.
Operates a variety of equipment including large 16‑foot and zero‑turn mowing units, trucks with trailer, front loaders, backhoes, skid loaders, tractors with miscellaneous attachments such as flail mowers, aerators, seeders, spreaders, line trimmers/brush cutters, chainsaws, blowers, edgers, chippers, leaf vacs, various power hand tools; operates at heights of 70 feet in bucket trucks; operates Class “A” vehicles; may operate motor vehicles with trailers that exceed 10,000 pounds GVWR or with a combined GVWR exceeding 26,000 pounds.
Operates a chainsaw properly and safely according to ANSI safety and industry standards.
Performs preventative maintenance and repairs on assigned equipment and vehicles and completes repair forms.
Performs and follows proper horticultural practices in turf maintenance tasks such as turf aeration, fertilization, pesticide application, sodding, seeding, and top‑dressing.
Performs and follows proper horticultural practices with landscape maintenance, tree removal, pruning, planting, mulching, watering, chipping, and tree felling and removal.
Directs a crew performing a broad variety of park maintenance operations.
Administrative duties include incident reports, timesheets, department requisitions, park and playground inspection forms, pesticide and nutrient application records, utility forms, work order forms, vehicle logs, repair requests, daily park reports, and pavilion and vandalism journal entries.
Has basic computer skills including completing timesheets, reconciling PDQ card statements, sending and receiving emails, creating and saving Word documents, submitting Facility Max requests and monthly reports.
Estimate supplies and materials for maintenance tasks and jobs; develops requisitions for supervisor approval; keeps an inventory of tools, supplies, materials, and chemicals current.
Leads and assists with trail maintenance, field and meadow mowing, vandalism repair and other park maintenance tasks such as trash removal, fence and sign installation and repair, and snow removal.
Leads and directs in various construction projects requiring significant carpentry/construction skills.
Prepares drawings/plans for various construction projects.
Utilizes a GPS device and interprets information.
Might be required to schedule and oversee work of outside contractors.
Handles traffic control by flagging and properly setting up minor road control systems.
Position is considered essential and will be required to work emergency situations.
Performs snow removal duties and assists during inclement weather conditions to include working for Public Works if needed.
Serves on committees as assigned.
Attends trainings as assigned.
Responsible for identifying and applying good sustainability practices into all aspects of Department operations.
Supervisory Responsibilities This job has no formal supervisory responsibilities. This person may act as a lead worker of subordinate staff, or positions with similar grades on the same work shift and volunteers.
Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Completion of the 12th grade plus two (2) years of experience in landscaping, park maintenance, or a related field; or completion of an associate’s degree program in horticulture or park/resource management plus some experience requiring the use of hand tools and motor equipment.
Parks/landscape experience is preferred and experience in the operation of various pieces of landscaping/maintenance equipment.
Physical Demands and Work Environment The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must frequently lift and/or cause to move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or cause to move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and distance vision.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions (rain, wind, snow, cold, heat, poor air quality, sun, etc.) and wildlife (snakes, bees, ticks, rodents, poisonous plants, etc.). The employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts and vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to high, precarious places; toxic or caustic chemicals; and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is frequently loud. Ability to handle heights of 70 feet in a bucket unit.
Language Skills, Mathematical Skills, and Reasoning Ability Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one‑on‑one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.
Possession of a valid driver’s license. This license must be valid as long as the individual is employed in this class.
Possession of a Maryland Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is required and must be obtained within Department time frames and maintained during tenure of employment.
Certified or County trained in CPR, First Aid, forklift, bucket lift, chainsaw, and van passenger training or the ability to obtain certification within time limits specified by the County.
Possession of State Roadside Tree Expert certification or the ability to obtain within time limits specified by the County.
Possession of State Certified Nutrient Applicator certification or the ability to obtain within time limits specified by the County.
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Howard County Government Howard County Government is a leader in innovation, sustainability, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2025, Howard County Government received a record‑breaking 85 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) – the highest number of annual NACo awards achieved in the history of the State of Maryland, and the highest number of awards out of any county in the State of Maryland which received a collective 136 awards. NACo is the leading organization representing county‑level government operations. These awards recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policymaking.
What are we looking for? We are looking for outstanding individuals to join our team and contribute to excellence in Howard County operations.
What you’ll like most about working at Howard County Government
We are committed to workplace excellence in every area of County government.
We have a highly talented, diverse, and inclusive workplace. Your input will not only be heard, but it will be encouraged!
We offer competitive compensation and great benefits including medical, retirement, and wellness programs.
As a member of the Howard County Government team, you’ll be helping drive our culture and directly impact what makes us an amazing place to work.
Position Summary Performs skilled grounds maintenance and construction tasks as assigned. Also serves as crew leader on projects involving lower level workers.
Starting Salary Hiring Range $23.65 – $25.46 per hour (approximately $49,192 – $52,957 annually).
Class Description This is specialized park maintenance which typically involves skilled manual work at the crew leader level in the maintenance of park lands, government properties and related facilities and structures, however, some positions may be assigned to park security. Work involves operating equipment and vehicles and the use of a variety of tools and the application of regulated horticultural and landscaping practices. Work includes performing skilled grounds maintenance tasks and directing subordinate crew members or outside contractors as assigned by the supervisor. Operates dump trucks, tractors with attachments, a small motor grader, and other medium‑duty construction equipment in the completion of parks and grounds maintenance.
Work is performed with general supervision from a technical superior. Assignments are stable in nature and are carried out in accordance with accepted laboring and equipment operation standards and applicable regulations. An employee in this class provides park security services or operates equipment and oversees others to accomplish an assigned part of park or grounds operations in grounds maintenance, sports field preparation, construction or park‑site management. Work may include considerable public contact.
Other Related Duties May Be Assigned
Works and cooperates with co‑workers and supervisors at all levels.
Learns and performs all essential job functions accurately.
Operates a variety of equipment including large 16‑foot and zero‑turn mowing units, trucks with trailer, front loaders, backhoes, skid loaders, tractors with miscellaneous attachments such as flail mowers, aerators, seeders, spreaders, line trimmers/brush cutters, chainsaws, blowers, edgers, chippers, leaf vacs, various power hand tools; operates at heights of 70 feet in bucket trucks; operates Class “A” vehicles; may operate motor vehicles with trailers that exceed 10,000 pounds GVWR or with a combined GVWR exceeding 26,000 pounds.
Operates a chainsaw properly and safely according to ANSI safety and industry standards.
Performs preventative maintenance and repairs on assigned equipment and vehicles and completes repair forms.
Performs and follows proper horticultural practices in turf maintenance tasks such as turf aeration, fertilization, pesticide application, sodding, seeding, and top‑dressing.
Performs and follows proper horticultural practices with landscape maintenance, tree removal, pruning, planting, mulching, watering, chipping, and tree felling and removal.
Directs a crew performing a broad variety of park maintenance operations.
Administrative duties include incident reports, timesheets, department requisitions, park and playground inspection forms, pesticide and nutrient application records, utility forms, work order forms, vehicle logs, repair requests, daily park reports, and pavilion and vandalism journal entries.
Has basic computer skills including completing timesheets, reconciling PDQ card statements, sending and receiving emails, creating and saving Word documents, submitting Facility Max requests and monthly reports.
Estimate supplies and materials for maintenance tasks and jobs; develops requisitions for supervisor approval; keeps an inventory of tools, supplies, materials, and chemicals current.
Leads and assists with trail maintenance, field and meadow mowing, vandalism repair and other park maintenance tasks such as trash removal, fence and sign installation and repair, and snow removal.
Leads and directs in various construction projects requiring significant carpentry/construction skills.
Prepares drawings/plans for various construction projects.
Utilizes a GPS device and interprets information.
Might be required to schedule and oversee work of outside contractors.
Handles traffic control by flagging and properly setting up minor road control systems.
Position is considered essential and will be required to work emergency situations.
Performs snow removal duties and assists during inclement weather conditions to include working for Public Works if needed.
Serves on committees as assigned.
Attends trainings as assigned.
Responsible for identifying and applying good sustainability practices into all aspects of Department operations.
Supervisory Responsibilities This job has no formal supervisory responsibilities. This person may act as a lead worker of subordinate staff, or positions with similar grades on the same work shift and volunteers.
Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Completion of the 12th grade plus two (2) years of experience in landscaping, park maintenance, or a related field; or completion of an associate’s degree program in horticulture or park/resource management plus some experience requiring the use of hand tools and motor equipment.
Parks/landscape experience is preferred and experience in the operation of various pieces of landscaping/maintenance equipment.
Physical Demands and Work Environment The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must frequently lift and/or cause to move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or cause to move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and distance vision.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions (rain, wind, snow, cold, heat, poor air quality, sun, etc.) and wildlife (snakes, bees, ticks, rodents, poisonous plants, etc.). The employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts and vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to high, precarious places; toxic or caustic chemicals; and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is frequently loud. Ability to handle heights of 70 feet in a bucket unit.
Language Skills, Mathematical Skills, and Reasoning Ability Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one‑on‑one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.
Possession of a valid driver’s license. This license must be valid as long as the individual is employed in this class.
Possession of a Maryland Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is required and must be obtained within Department time frames and maintained during tenure of employment.
Certified or County trained in CPR, First Aid, forklift, bucket lift, chainsaw, and van passenger training or the ability to obtain certification within time limits specified by the County.
Possession of State Roadside Tree Expert certification or the ability to obtain within time limits specified by the County.
Possession of State Certified Nutrient Applicator certification or the ability to obtain within time limits specified by the County.
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