Mark Yaklich
Princeton,IL
Summary
Dynamic leader and avid outdoorsman with a proven track record of enhancing park and recreational spaces, notably with Princeton Park District. Excelled in planning large-scale events and maintaining critical equipment, demonstrating a keen ability to manage both projects and teams effectively. Achieved Eagle Scout rank, underscoring a strong work ethic and exceptional interpersonal skills.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Park Maintenance Coordinator
Princeton Park District
11.2023 - Current
- Oversee day to day operations of four parks and two forest preserves within park district
- Plan weekly duties and projects for employees at each park location
- Supervise up to ten seasonal staff and full-time employees
- Manage team budget
- Plan and execute large scale outdoor events for the park district, including the Homestead Festival, Fourth of July celebration, and Shadows of the Blue and Grey
- Service and maintain park district equipment including mowers, gators, and tractors
- Work collaboratively with Executive Director and Superintendent of Parks on all park projects and initiatives
- Design, implement, and maintain landscaping around parks
- Monitor priorities and liaised between maintenance team and management, delegating tasks to complete on time
- Interface with vendors to ensure timely delivery of parts and services, ensuring smooth operations within the park district
- Maintain detailed records of all maintenance activities performed, allowing for effective tracking of progress over time
Watersports Operations Intern
Quest Watersports
05.2023 - 10.2023
- Organize and execute various watersport operations, including boat rentals, kayak rentals and storage operations
- Service onsite equipment and provide support on detailing projects
- Promote a positive work environment with colleagues and customers by being proactive in addressing concerns and offering assistance
- Operate a variety of watersport vehicles including jet skis, pontoon boats, and 35' cruisers
- Lead water safety trainings for all customers prior to water sport rentals
Volunteer
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge
08.2022 - 12.2022
- Work collaboratively with Youth Conservation Corps Leader to support the day to day operations of the Wildlife Refuge
- Support engaging, fun, and smooth-running environmental education activities by helping with organization and planning
- Use strong interpersonal communication skills to convey information to others through visitor services and environmental education sessions
- Assist with grounds and equipment maintenance projects
Volunteer
SIU Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center
12.2020 - 12.2022
- Enhance the lives of all visitors through outdoor experiences in the Shawnee National Forest
- Coordinate immersive outdoor educational programming in partnership with full-time staff
- Represent organization positively and professionally while providing educational sessions to visitors
- Promote environmental awareness with educational workshops and hands-on activities
- Mentor new volunteers, fostering a supportive and inclusive team environment
- Improve visitor experience by assisting with grounds maintenance
Seasonal Facilities and Grounds Staff
St. Bede Academy
05.2019 - 08.2022
- Join facilities and grounds team as a full-time staff member during summer breaks
- Maintain 100 plus acre school grounds through mowing, brush clearing, tree removal and thinning, and other onsite projects
- Support construction projects by preparing grounds, removing debris, and assisting with site clean-up tasks
- Contribute to overall property functionality through daily maintenance tasks and detail-oriented approach to groundskeeping
- Reduce equipment downtime via regular maintenance checks and timely repairs as needed
- Cultivate a positive work environment through effective communication with team members and supervisors
Summer Intern
Clarence Davids Landscaping
06.2016 - 06.2019
- For over 20 years, Clarence Davids has been the exclusive provider of landscape design and maintenance at the U.S. Open on behalf of the United States Golf Association
- Assist in preparation and execution of landscaping projects throughout the course at the2016, 2017, and 2019 U.S. Open Championships
- Maintain a strong work ethic and positive attitude while working collaboratively with landscaping team
- Interface with other onsite vendors to ensure partnership was successful and client needs were satisfied
- Service international clients at the tournament such as Deloitte, Rolex, and American Express
Senior Patrol Leader
Boy Scouts of America
06.2014 - 02.2018
- fill spot
- fill spot
- Complete Community Service Eagle Scout project for the Princeton Chamber of Commerce and achieve rank of Eagle Scout in November 2017
Education
Bachelor of Science - Outdoor Recreation Management
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Carbondale, IL12-2023
High School Diploma -
St. Bede Academy
Peru, IL05-2019
Skills
- Avid outdoorsmen
- Cultivate positive rapport and further relationships
- Capacity to relate to all levels of management, staff, and customers
- Motivated and driven
- Able to work independently
- Experienced in facility and equipment maintenance
Awards
Recipient, Allison Hiller Scholarship, 2022
Eagle Scout, Boy Scouts of America, 2017
Timeline
Park Maintenance Coordinator
Princeton Park District
11.2023 - Current
Watersports Operations Intern
Quest Watersports
05.2023 - 10.2023
Volunteer
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge
08.2022 - 12.2022
Volunteer
SIU Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center
12.2020 - 12.2022
Seasonal Facilities and Grounds Staff
St. Bede Academy
05.2019 - 08.2022
Summer Intern
Clarence Davids Landscaping
06.2016 - 06.2019
Senior Patrol Leader
Boy Scouts of America
06.2014 - 02.2018
Bachelor of Science - Outdoor Recreation Management
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
High School Diploma -
St. Bede Academy
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