Parks & Landscape Inspector I

Description and Essential Functions

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The City of Murrieta is accepting applications for the position of Park & Landscape Inspector I to fill one (1) current vacancy in our Municipal Services Department . The eligibility list established may be used to fill upcoming vacancies within this classification for up to one (1) year.

DESCRIPTION
Under immediate supervision, performs field inspections on contract landscape maintenance, parks, and parkways construction projects, and irrigation systems operations; performs a variety of duties relating to the City's parks, facilities, parkways, medians, public grounds and City right-of-way including planting, mowing, watering, and performing minor irrigation system repair, tree clearance, trimming shrubs, and cleaning and maintenance of facilities; identifies hazards with regard to the safety of parks and facilities; learns and demonstrates a full understanding of all applicable policies, procedures, and work methods associated with assigned duties.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direction from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff. May provide technical and functional guidance to contracted staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This entry-level classification allows the incumbent to develop journey-level knowledge and abilities. Initially, under immediate supervision, incumbents perform the more routine and less complex assignments within an established procedural framework, with minimal error consequences. As experience is gained, there is greater independence of action within established guidelines.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and make reasonable accommodations where appropriate so that qualified employees can perform the job's essential functions.

• Learns to perform and performs field inspections of work assigned to contractors and vendors to ensure compliance with City guidelines and compliance with contracts concerning landscape maintenance, tree maintenance, janitorial maintenance, vendor services, construction projects, and irrigation systems operations. Prepares written and photo documentation of such inspections
• Performs skilled and semi-skilled tasks and work activities in the Parks & Parkways Division of the Municipal Services Department, including maintenance, repair, inspection, and operational work in parks, parkways, medians, maintenance districts, public grounds, sports fields, and recreation areas
• Communicates with City staff, vendors, and contractors through various means, including via telephone, text messaging, photographs, and email
• Maintains turf, recreation, and play areas; operates, maintains, and repairs irrigation systems; operates and maintains vehicles and a variety of power-driven equipment, such as tractors, mowers, blowers, edgers, chain saws, weed eaters, etc.; maintains and prepares sports fields; may mix and apply fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides
• Plants shrubs, trees, and flowers; trims hedges, trees, shrubs, and flowers; lays sod; picks up trash and debris; removes graffiti and weeds; repairs vandalism, signs, and fences
• Performs routine custodial work, which may include sweeping, mopping, and disinfecting surfaces and stocking restrooms with supplies
• Performs routine facility maintenance duties, such as painting, light plumbing, carpentry, electrical, lighting, and mechanical tasks; operates vehicles and various power equipment in the maintenance of job areas
• Inspects parks, parkways, medians, public grounds, City right-of-way, sports fields, City parking lots, and the maintenance districts for safety issues, and turf, weed, trash and debris, traffic sight distances, lighting, irrigation, and tree concerns; checks all playground equipment and safety surfaces on a very frequent basis; responds to work requests from various City departments
• Completes a variety of forms, including incident reports; maintains daily work log
• Demonstrates a full understanding of applicable policies, procedures, and work methods associated with assigned duties, including the use of personal protective equipment; estimates time, materials, and equipment necessary for the successful completion of projects; acquires necessary resources as appropriate; tracks purchases; acquires vendor quotations, assists in the development of work plans, procedures, and schedules
• Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state/ local agencies, City management and staff, and the public
• Performs other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Parks & Landscape Inspector I

• High School Diploma or equivalent (GED)

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Parks & Landscape Inspector I

• Possession of or ability to obtain and maintain a valid California Driver’s License
• Possession of a Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) certification from the National Recreation and Park Association is required within six months from the time of appointment

Desirable

• Possession of a Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) certification from the National Recreation and Park Association
• Possession of a California commercial or agricultural pesticide applicator license

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Physical Demands and Environmental Conditions

KNOWLEDGE OF

• Materials, methods, principles, and practices used in the maintenance, operation, and repair of parks, facilities, and grounds
• Principles and practices of public works, parks, and landscape inspection
• Operational characteristics of standard repair and maintenance tools and equipment, traffic control methods, and regulations
• Practice and procedure used in weed abatement; plant pests and diseases, and the methods of control and eradication; safety requirements for operation of trucks and other equipment
• Methods and techniques of scheduling work assignments; methods and techniques for record keeping; occupational hazards and standard safety practices
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and procedures relevant to assigned areas of responsibility
• Safely and effectively operate a variety of maintenance equipment, tools, and materials
• Methods and techniques for estimating materials and project costs
• Mathematical principles and theories
• Technical report writing and preparation of correspondence
• Principles and procedures of record keeping
• Principles of providing functional direction and training to contract staff
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed

ABILITY TO

• Perform maintenance and repair of facilities, recreation and play areas, and irrigation systems
• Perform heavy manual labor
• Respond to after-hours callouts as assigned
• Work independently and as part of a team; make sound decisions within established guidelines
• Observe safety principles and work in a safe manner; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to the work performed
• Respond to complaints or inquiries from citizens, staff, and outside organizations
• Make accurate mathematical computations
• Prepare clear, effective, and accurate reports, correspondence, and other written materials
• Establish and maintain accurate logs, records, and written records of work performed
• Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with other departments, public and private organizations, and individuals
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow up on assignments
• As assigned, direct the work of contracted staff
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

When working within an office environment, one must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone; ability to stand and walk between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.

When working in the field environment, one must possess mobility to work in changing site conditions; possess the strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; to reach, twist, turn, kneel, and bend, to climb and descend ladders; and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various sites; vision to inspect site conditions and work in progress. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards, with exposure to hazardous materials in some site locations. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects, averaginga weight of 40 pounds.

Environmental Elements

Employees work partially in an office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions and primarily work in a field environment where they are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives and contractors in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Supplemental Information

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

A City application form and resume must be submitted online. Applicants can apply online at www.MurrietaCA.gov .

SELECTION PROCESS
Candidates must clearly demonstrate through their application materials that they meet the employment standards outlined above. All properly completed applications will be reviewed, and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. Examinations for the position may consist of any combination of appraisal interview, performance test and writing exercise to evaluate the applicant's skill, training, and experience for the position. Successful applicants will be placed on an eligibility list. The City may also merge lists. The selected candidate(s) must successfully complete pre-employment clearances which may include a physical, drug screen, and Live Scan background screening.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The City of Murrieta is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. All employment practices such as recruitment, selection, and promotions are administered in a manner designed to ensure that employees and applicants for employment are not subjected to discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age (over 40), marital or veteran status, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, medical condition, disability, or any other basis that is inconsistent with federal, state or local laws.

THE COMMUNITY
Located just north of San Diego County, the city of Murrieta is home to approximately 116,000 people. Central to all of Southern California, residents of Murrieta live in one of the safest cities in the U.S. With top-ranked schools, 52 parks, and 1,300 acres of trails, it is consistently ranked the top place to live in Southwest Riverside County. Murrieta has a dynamic business environment, an educated population, and a high median income. All of these attributes support the exceptional quality of life residents enjoy and the engaged and connected community that sets Murrieta apart from the rest.

MURRIETA GENERAL EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION
The following is a summary of the provided benefits to full-time employees in the represented unit. For further information, please refer to the unit's Salary Resolution or Memorandum of Understanding .

• RETIREMENT : The City participates in the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS).
  • Tier 1 (Classic Members hired prior to 12/30/2012)
    • Final Compensation: Highest twelve (12) consecutive month period
    • Member Contribution: 8.0% of compensation
    • Formula: 2.7% at 55
  • Tier 2 (Classic Members hired on or after 12/30/2012)
    • Formula: 2.0% at 60
    • Member Contribution: 7.0% of compensation
    • Final Compensation: Highest thirty-six (36) consecutive month period
  • Tier 3 (New Members)
    • Formula: 2.0% at 62
    • Member Contribution: 50% of normal cost (currently 8.0% of compensation)
    • Final Compensation: Highest thirty-six (36) consecutive month period
• MEDICAL INSURANCE : The City contributes up to $1,891.28 per month toward medical insurance for employees and their eligible dependents.
• RETIREE MEDICAL INSURANCE : Please refer to the unit's Memorandum of Understanding for details.
• DENTAL INSURANCE : The City pays for 100% of the premium for the employee and their eligible dependents.
• VISION INSURANCE : The City pays for 100% of the premium for the employee and their eligible dependents.
• LIFE INSURANCE : The City pays 100% of the premium for a $50,000 life insurance policy. Additional life insurance is available.
• SHORT-TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE: The City pays 100% of the premium for the employee.
• LONG-TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE : The City pays 100% of the premium for the employee.
• DEFERRED COMPENSATION : Employees are eligible to participate in a deferred compensation plan through Nationwide Retirement Solutions. The City shall contribute a matching amount not to exceed $2,000 per year.
• SPANISH LANGUAGE PAY : 2.5% of base pay for eligible members of the association who are fluent in Spanish. Eligibility is based on business necessity.

Note: The provisions of this summary do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this summary may be modified or revoked without notice. The types and levels of employee benefits provided, including City contributions toward benefit costs, are subject to change as a result of periodic contract negotiations between the recognized employee association and the City of Murrieta.

Closing Date/Time: 6/18/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

• 

• City of Murrieta

• (951) 461-6087

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