How to Be Park Custodian - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Sep 25, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Being a Park Custodian can have a positive effect on the environment. Park Custodians are responsible for managing and maintaining parks and other green spaces, so they play an important role in ensuring the health and beauty of these areas. This includes tasks such as cleaning up trash, removing weeds, planting and maintaining vegetation, and landscaping.

Park Custodians are responsible for making sure that safety and security measures are in place, such as posting signage and conducting regular inspections. By properly maintaining these areas, Park Custodians can promote the preservation of natural habitats, reduce erosion and water pollution, and help promote healthy ecosystems. In doing so, they can have a lasting impact on the environment and ensure that these green spaces stay safe and enjoyable for years to come.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Many park custodian positions require applicants to have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Gain experience in custodial work. Most park custodian positions require applicants to have at least one year of custodial experience. Consider volunteering or taking on an entry-level custodial job.
Become certified. Some parks require applicants to have certifications in custodial work or grounds keeping. Various organizations offer certification programs, such as the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification.
Apply for the job. Check with your local parks and recreation department or search online for open park custodian positions.
Complete an application. As part of the application process, you may need to provide references, a resume and other documents that are relevant to the position.
Participate in an interview. During the interview, you will be asked questions about your experience and skills. Be prepared to answer questions and provide examples of how you have performed similar duties in the past.
Complete a background check. Many parks require applicants to complete a criminal background check prior to being hired.
Pass a drug test. Some parks also require applicants to pass a drug test prior to being hired.

The key to being a reliable and competent park custodian is to be organized, dedicated, and professional. Organization is essential in order to plan and prioritize tasks, ensure that all areas of the park are clean and safe, and to prevent potential issues from occurring. Dedication is also necessary in order to remain motivated and to complete tasks in a timely manner.

Professionalism is needed to interact properly with staff, visitors, and the public; to maintain a positive attitude; and to ensure that all safety standards are followed. With these qualities combined, a park custodian can successfully provide a clean, safe, and enjoyable environment for everyone to enjoy.

You may want to check Park Gardener, Park Planner, and Park Service Worker for alternative.

Job Description

Clean and maintain park grounds, including mowing lawns, trimming trees and shrubs, and raking leaves.
Repair and maintain park structures, such as benches, fences, and playground equipment.
Collect garbage and debris in the park and dispose of it in the proper receptacles.
Monitor and report any safety hazards or maintenance needs to the appropriate personnel.
Ensure that all park visitors follow park rules and regulations.
Provide general assistance to park visitors, such as giving directions and providing information about park attractions and activities.
Assist in organizing special events in the park, such as festivals and concerts.
Set up and take down event equipment as needed.
Perform minor maintenance tasks, such as painting and minor repairs.
Perform routine checks of the park to ensure it is secure and in good condition.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of janitorial equipment, supplies and cleaning materials.
Ability to lift heavy objects and climb ladders.
Ability to work independently and efficiently with minimal supervision.
Ability to work in extreme temperatures for extended periods of time.
Ability to interact effectively with park visitors.
Ability to follow instructions and adhere to safety regulations.
Knowledge of basic safety practices and procedures.
Knowledge of hazardous waste disposal procedures.
Knowledge of landscaping and general maintenance duties.
Ability to perform basic repairs and maintenance on park facilities.
Knowledge of local laws and regulations regarding park management and maintenance.
Ability to respond quickly in emergency situations.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills.

The role of a Park Custodian is to maintain a safe and clean environment for visitors to enjoy. Having the necessary skill set is essential in order to successfully carry out this job. An effective Park Custodian must be organized, have good communication skills, be able to work independently, and have a strong attention to detail.

Organization is key in order to manage the tasks involved in this job, such as maintaining the grounds, cleaning facilities, and handling visitor inquiries. Good communication skills are also essential to ensure that visitors are provided with information in a timely and professional manner. Working independently is important to be able to complete tasks on time and efficiently.

Lastly, having a strong attention to detail is important to make sure that the park is kept in top-notch condition and is safe for everyone to use. With these skills, a Park Custodian can ensure that visitors have an enjoyable experience in the park.

Park Maintenance Supervisor, Park Superintendent, and Park Maintenance Worker are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in park custodian work?
How do you handle working alone in a public area?
What do you think are the most important aspects of being a park custodian?
How do you ensure a safe and secure environment in the park?
Describe a time when you had to handle an unexpected situation while performing park custodian duties.
How do you handle challenging park visitors?
What steps do you take to ensure that the park is clean and well-maintained?
How do you prioritize your tasks as a park custodian?
What techniques do you use to deal with difficult people?
How do you manage stress when performing park custodian duties?

Common Tools in Industry

Broom. Used for sweeping floors and clearing debris (e. g. leaves).
Dust Mop. Used for mopping and cleaning floors (e. g. sweeping sidewalks).
Pressure Washer. Used for cleaning hard surfaces such as sidewalks, benches, and other park fixtures (e. g. washing away dirt and grime).
Lawn Mower. Used for cutting grass and maintaining landscaping (e. g. trimming hedges and mowing lawns).
Rake. Used for collecting leaves, debris, and other materials from the ground (e. g. gathering sticks and leaves).
Shovel. Used for digging, transferring, and moving soil, dirt, and other materials (e. g. planting shrubs or spreading mulch).
Pruner. Used for trimming trees and shrubs (e. g. cutting branches or shaping shrubs).
Leaf Blower. Used for blowing leaves, grass clippings, and other debris (e. g. clearing walkways of leaves).
Chainsaw. Used for cutting down trees and large branches (e. g. trimming large trees).
Weed Trimmer. Used for trimming grass and weeds in hard-to-reach places (e. g. edging around sidewalks).

Professional Organizations to Know

International Facility Management Association (IFMA)
Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA)
Association of Physical Plant Administrators (APPA)
International Association of Exposition Management (IAEM)
International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM)
Council for Facility Management and Maintenance (CFMM)
National Association of Grounds Management (NAGM)
Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS)
International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA)
International Association of Parks and Recreation Administration (IAPRA)

We also have Park Educator, Park Ambassador, and Park Maintenance Specialist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Groundskeeping. The process of caring for, maintaining, and improving the grounds of a property, such as a park or other recreational area, to ensure it is kept in good condition.
Landscaping. The art of designing and creating outdoor spaces, such as gardens and parks, that are aesthetically pleasing and functional.
Maintenance. The act of keeping a property in good condition by regularly performing repairs and upkeep.
Cleaning. The process of removing dirt, debris, and other unwanted materials from a property.
Weed Control. The process of preventing weeds from growing in an area by using various techniques such as herbicides, mulching, and manual removal.
Lawn Care. The practice of caring for lawns, including mowing, fertilizing, aerating, and reseeding.
Irrigation. The practice of providing water to plants and grass to support their growth.
Pest Control. The process of managing and controlling the population of pests on a property to prevent damage or nuisance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the job of a Park Custodian?

Park Custodians are responsible for keeping parks and recreational areas clean, safe and functional. This includes maintenance of grounds, buildings, facilities and equipment, and providing general custodial services.

How much does a Park Custodian typically earn?

The salary for Park Custodians varies depending on location and experience, but typically ranges from $20,000 to $40,000 per year.

What are the typical duties of a Park Custodian?

Typical duties of a Park Custodian include cleaning and maintaining recreational areas and facilities such as parks, playgrounds, walking trails, restrooms, and picnic areas; removing trash and debris; performing minor repairs; and providing customer service and information to visitors.

What qualifications are required to become a Park Custodian?

Most employers require Park Custodians to possess a high school diploma or equivalent. Some employers may also require experience in custodial or maintenance work.

What skills are important for a Park Custodian?

Important skills for a Park Custodian include physical fitness, customer service, problem-solving, communication, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.