HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 09-02-2003-8dORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: September 2, 2003
Action Agenda
Item No. _~~
SUBJECT: Classification Plan Amendment -Conservation Technician
DEPARTMENT: Recreation and Parks and PUBLIC HEARING: (YIN) No
Personnel
ATTACHMENT(S):
Class Specification
INFORMATION CONTACT:
Lori Taft, Recreation and Parks
Management Director, ext 2673
Elaine Holmes, Personnel Director
Personnel Director, Extension 2550
TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
Hillsborough 732-8181
Chapel Hill 968-4501
Durham 688-7331
Mebane 336-227-2031
PURPOSE: To amend the Orange County Classification and Pay Plan by adding the new
class of Conservation Technician at Salary Grade 12. The salary range for Salary Grade 12 is
$28,367 - $45,349.
BACKGROUND: With approval of the 2003-04 budget, the Board of Commissioners
established two new permanent full-time Conservation Technician positions to support
development and maintenance of County parks. The Board approved one of the positions
effective October 1, 2003 to support general County park operations and maintenance. The
Board approved the other position effective January 1, 2004 to support operation and
maintenance of Little River Park.
As planned, the major functions of the Conservation Technician positions include:
• Mowing, trimming and preparing grassy areas, fields, general park grounds, meadows,
athletic fields and play areas.
• Operating, cleaning, and maintaining park inventory, equipment and machinery.
• Evaluating, cutting, clearing, mulching, designing, constructing and installing bridges and
signage for trails.
• Inspecting, cleaning, repairing, painting and building picnic shelters, irrigation systems, park
structures, goals, benches, tables, trash receptacles, courts, signs and play areas.
• Greeting, assisting and interacting with park visitors, interpreting park policies, amenities and
natural attractions, providing a visible presence in the parks.
Personnel reviewed the classification of the Conservation Technician positions. This included
reviewing the assigned duties and responsibilities of the new positions, as well as other
comparable positions within the County. Based on this assessment, Personnel recommends
the positions be classified as Conservation Technician at Salary Grade 12.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None. The two Conservation Technician positions already have been
approved as part of the 2003-04 budget.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve amending the
Classification and Pay Plan by adding the new class of Conservation Technician at Salary
Grade 12.
Attachment
C4031-8/03
CONSERVATION TECHNICIAN
GENERAL DEFINITION OF WORK:
Performs difficult skilled work in the development, operation and maintenance of County parks
and park facilities; does related work as required.
Work is performed under regular supervision. Supervision may be exercised over subordinate
personnel and volunteers.
TYPICAL TASKS:
Applies principles, practices and methods/techniques to basic park management activities;
Maintains the appearance and integrity of park structures and landscapes through mowing,
trimming, planting, emptying trash and cleaning, painting and repairing picnic pavilions, picnic
tables, park benches, rest rooms and trash receptacles;
Renovates athletic fields and repairs court surfaces, goals and nets as needed;
Establishes and maintains turf grass, applying horticultural knowledge and techniques;
Inspects and repairs play areas to assure conformance with national safety standards;
Interacts with park visitors, explains park policies and provides a visible presence;
Constructs park trails and bridges and inspects regularly to assure maintenance and safety;
Records and maintains various statistical data and reports;
Performs related tasks as required.
KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, techniques of operation and maintenance of
parks and parks natural areas; general knowledge of plant and animal life and
agricultural/horticultural/arboricultural practices; general knowledge of routine and specialized
equipment and tool maintenance; ability to operate basic equipment and vehicles; ability to
establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, contractors, vendors and
the general public; ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited
college or university with major course work in parks, natural resources management or related
field and at least 2 years experience in general operations and maintenance of parks, natural
areas or related facilities.