Parks Caretaker/Aquatic Specialist
City of Fort Atkinson- Parks and Recreation

Job Description 

The Parks Caretaker/Aquatics Specialist is responsible for performing the maintenance, repair,and operation of all areas related to the Fort Atkinson Parks & Recreation Department with anemphasis in daily Aquatic Center operations and maintenance.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Aquatic Center operations including water testing and balancing water, pool and building cleaning and maintenance; understanding filter, pumps, backwash, disinfectant mechanicals, and operations; preventative maintenance and operations of heaters; and proper preparation and winterizing of the facility.
• Records and maintains documents as required by Wisconsin Department of Health pertaining to swimming pools.
• Performs general parks maintenance including ball fields, painting, restrooms, and landscaping.
• Performs masonry, plumbing, painting, welding, and carpentry related to maintenance of construction tasks.
• Operates tractor, skidsteer, mowers, endloaders, backhoe, bucket truck, jetter, power woodworking equipment, trucks, etc. to complete a wide variety of parks maintenance projects.
• Performs forestry duties including planting, pruning, removal, and mulching.
• Operates and maintains irrigation systems.
• Performs tasks related to project preparation (saw cut, forming, rebar), installation, and maintenance of concrete and blacktop.
• Performs ice/snow removal on the Glacial Drumlin Bike Trail, in park parking lots, and sidewalks, and select City owned parking lots.
• Effectively communicates with civic groups, volunteers, public, and staff to maintain excellent working relationships.
• Attends training institutes to keep informed of current park techniques, trends, and requirements.
• Assists in supervising the work of part-time staff.
• Repairs and maintains building and recreational areas, including the Municipal Building.

Qualifications 

• Graduation from High School or equivalent.
• Maintain a valid Driver’s License.
• Certified Pool Operator (CPO or AFO) certification required or ability to obtain within 10 months of hire.
• Ability to operate mechanical equipment and tools, and working knowledge of methods and practices used in parks and building maintenance.
• Previous experience in testing/maintaining water quality, and building and parks maintenance related work.
• Working knowledge of the mechanical operations of a swimming pool, including water quality and maintenance required by the Wisconsin Department of Health.
• Ability to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License.
• Ability to supervise the work of others.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions; to establish positive public and working relations; and to operate a variety of light and heavy equipment.

• Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI)
• Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP)

• Language Ability and Interpersonal Communication
• Ability to direct seasonal employees and assist in directing all park staff.
• Ability to assist in training others.
• Ability to utilize information such as invoices, catalogs, purchase orders, personnel policies, maps, athletic field manuals, rule books, operating manuals, procedures, and guidelines.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing with customers, department staff and volunteers, city officials, school personnel, vendor representatives, civic clubs, sports organizations, consultants, and the general public.
• Mathematical Ability
• Ability to calculate percentages, fractions, decimals, volumes, ratios, and present values and spatial relationships.
• Ability to interpret basic descriptive statistical reports.
• Judgment and Situational Reasoning Ability
• Ability to use functional reasoning in performing influence functions such as supervising, managing, leading, teaching, directing, and controlling.
• Ability to assist in exercising the judgment, decisiveness, and creativity required in situations involving the direction, control, planning, and managing of projects.
• Physical Requirements
• Ability to operate, maneuver and/or steer equipment and machinery requiring simple but continuous adjustments such as motor vehicle, recreation/athletic equipment, computer terminal and printer, telephone, calculator, and photocopier.
• Ability to coordinate eyes, hands, feet, and limbs in performing skilled movements such as operating heavy equipment.
• Ability to exert moderate but not constant physical effort, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling.
• Ability to recognize and identify similarities or differences between characteristics of colors, shapes, sounds, odors, and textures associated with job-related objects, materials, and tasks.
• Environmental Adaptability
• Ability to work under generally safe and comfortable conditions where exposure to environmental factors such as temperature variations, odors, toxic agents, noise, wetness, machinery, electrical currents, disease and/or dust may cause discomfort and poses a risk of injury.

Salary/Salary Range
This is a full-time, non-exempt position with a hiring range of $23.54 to $29.42/hour, and a full wage range of $23.54 to $35.31/hour. The City of Fort Atkinson offers a competitive benefits package. Starting employees receive 80 hours of vacation (prorated from start date), 10 holidays, sick leave, and 2 personal days. This position is also eligible for overtime and comp time opportunities. The City participates in the Wisconsin Retirement System, one of the top public retirement programs in the country, and offers health, dental, vision, life insurance, and deferred compensation options.

Apply To
Click Here to Apply Online or interested candidates can submit a completed City application, resume, and three professional references to Parks and Recreation Director Ben Dayton at [email protected].

Closing Date
07/14/2026