Discussion and Consideration of Adding a Parks & Grounds Specialist to the Wage Study Scale, Approve the New Job Description and Approve the Memorandum of Understanding updating the Wage Scale – Motion to Approve

AGENDA ITEM # K-4 AGENDA INFORMATION TIFFIN CITY COUNCIL COMMUNICATION DATE: January 16, 2026 AGENDA ITEM: Discussion and Consideration of Adding a Parks & Grounds Specialist to the Wage Study Scale, Approve the new Job Description and Approve the Memorandum of Understanding ACTION: Motion Background The City of Tiffin continues to experience significant population growth, expanded recreational offerings, and increased demand for maintenance of parks, trails, sports fields, and public grounds. As these assets grow, the need for dedicated staffing has become increasingly urgent. Currently, general park maintenance responsibilities are absorbed by Public Works staff whose workload no longer allows for consistent, proactive maintenance of outdoor assets. The absence of a dedicated parks/grounds professional has resulted in deferred maintenance, reduced capacity for seasonal operations, and limited ability to support community events, facility preparation, and grounds-related service requests. Following review of operational needs, workload data, and benchmarking with comparable Iowa communities, staff recommends creation of a Parks & Grounds Specialist position housed within the Parks Division and supervised by the Public Works Director. Position Summary The Parks & Grounds Specialist is responsible for the daily maintenance and enhancement of Tiffin’s parks, trails, sports fields, landscaped areas, and public grounds. Core duties include: • Groundskeeping, landscaping, and beautification • Playground and facility inspection and maintenance • Seasonal responsibilities (snow removal, athletic field prep, fall cleanup) • Operation of light-to-heavy equipment • Safety monitoring and public-facing interaction • Supporting community events • Performing minor repairs and coordinating with Public Works for major work The position is full-time, non-exempt, and requires: • CDL with endorsements (within 6 months) • Iowa Pesticide Applicator Certification (within 90 days) • Heavy physical work • 24/7 snow duty availability Funding & Budget Impact The position is intended to be added to the City’s FY26 Operating Budget. Final wage recommendations will be to incorporate this position into the current wage scale and pair with Public Works Worker II. Depending on Council action, the position may be posted immediately following union approval. 1