Park Maintenance Worker

Career Guide

A Park Maintenance Worker keeps parks, trails, and public outdoor spaces clean, safe, and welcoming. The role blends hands-on grounds work, basic repairs, and customer-minded service to support daily park operations.

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Key Responsibilities

Pick up litter and empty trash and recycling bins
Mow lawns and trim grass edges
Prune shrubs and remove weeds
Plant and water trees, flowers, and turf
Maintain trails, picnic areas, and playground surroundings
Clean restrooms and park facilities
Perform basic repairs on benches, signs, and fences
Support event setup and teardown
Operate and care for tools and small equipment
Identify safety hazards and report needed repairs
Apply de-icing materials and remove snow where needed
Follow safety procedures and use protective gear

Top Skills for Success

Reliability

Time Management

Attention to Detail

Teamwork

Customer Service

Workplace Safety

Tool Handling

Small Equipment Operation

Groundskeeping

Irrigation Basics

Basic Repairs

Plant Care

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Senior Park Maintenance Worker

Park Maintenance Lead

Crew Supervisor

Groundskeeper

Facilities Maintenance Technician

Transition Opportunities

Landscaper

Arborist Assistant

Irrigation Technician

Recreation Facilities Technician

Public Works Maintenance Worker

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Equipment MaintenanceIrrigation TroubleshootingTree PruningPesticide SafetyWork Planning

Development SuggestionsBuild skills through on-the-job shadowing, short safety courses, and supervised practice. Ask to rotate across tasks such as mowing, irrigation checks, planting, and minor repairs to broaden experience.

Market Intelligence Report

Park Maintenance Worker is part of the Emergency Medical Services category.Explore our market intelligence report to see how AI and hiring demand are shifting for these roles.

See the market intelligence report

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry Level25,000 to 35,000 USD per year

Mid Level35,000 to 45,000 USD per year

Senior Level45,000 to 60,000 USD per year

Growth Trend

Steady demand. Hiring tends to rise with seasonal needs and increases in city, county, and state park use.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

City Parks and Recreation DepartmentsCounty Parks DepartmentsState Park AgenciesSchool District Facilities TeamsUniversities and CollegesProperty Management CompaniesLandscaping and Grounds Services FirmsEvent Venues with Outdoor Grounds

Industry Sectors

Local GovernmentState GovernmentEducationProperty ManagementLandscaping ServicesRecreation and Tourism

Recommended Next Steps

Create a simple resume that highlights outdoor work, tool use, and reliability

Get a first aid certification if available in your area

Complete basic safety training focused on tools, lifting, and heat safety

Practice routine checks for mowers and trimmers and keep a maintenance log

Learn common plant identification used in your local parks

Ask a supervisor for a skills checklist to qualify for lead duties

Apply to seasonal roles to gain experience and convert to permanent roles