"Athletic Field Groundskeeper"

Objective

Perform skilled and semi-skilled labor in the various aspects of Athletic Field Maintenance including turf and skinned areas maintenance, irrigation, construction and related service activities for the college's sports fields. Directly participate in the daily maintenance and preparation of all playing surfaces. Follow operational procedures to optimally maintain the playing surface of the field. Experience, special skills, knowledge, and abilities to maintain athletic fields at the highest competitive levels are required.

Required Quals Summary

At least four years of experience in groundskeeping is required, where knowledge of the methods, materials and equipment used in planting, cultivating, and trimming a variety of types of trees, shrubs, ground cover, flowers and grasses has been gained; any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities shall be considered. Knowledge of the use and proper disposal of chemicals used in groundskeeping (horticulture, turf management, and floriculture) is preferred.

Special Notes To Applicants

This is a 12 month, benefits-eligible position. Blinn College pays 100% of health insurance for full-time employees, 50% for dependents, and two times your annual salary in life insurance benefits. Optional coverage can begin on your first active duty date. If you would like to review insurance benefits in advance, you can access the New Employee Benefits Guide online, http://www.ers.state.tx.us/New-Employee/Insurance/.

Yearly leave time includes: 96 hours vacation, 40 hours discretionary, 16 hours personal, 8 hours sick each month, and paid leave for college designated holidays, spring break, Thanksgiving, and Christmas break (approx. 25 days per year).

Principal Accountabilities

1. Perform athletic field and grounds maintenance including mowing, aerifying, topdressing, seeding, sodding, trimming, field painting, irrigation and turf care, fertilizing; spray chemicals including insecticides, herbicides, soil conditioners and related chemicals; follow proper safety precautions; installation and care of trees and shrubs, proper pruning techniques and tree removal.
2. Perform infield maintenance and repair work of baseball/softball fields including, watering infields, repairing bases, pitching mounds, batter's boxes and transition areas of infield and outfield.
3. Perform maintenance of irrigation system including preventive maintenance, replacement of heads, broken pipes, winterization and summarization of irrigation system and monitor flow rates of fields.
4. Perform tilling, rolling and fertilizing soil; construct new planting areas and maintain high traffic wear areas on athletic fields.
5. Safely operate light vehicles such as pick-up trucks, tractors, street sweepers or riding mowers and portable power tools and equipment such as saws, grass trimmers, snow/leaf blowers, sprayers, paint machines and other groundskeeping equipment by obeying applicable traffic laws and following operator instructions, and wearing appropriate safety items such as goggles, gloves, or other appropriate protective clothing.
6. Ensures that grounds maintenance equipment and building maintenance equipment are operational by performing routine and preventative maintenance and cleaning of tools, equipment and machines within reasonable capabilities.
7. Perform a variety of preventive maintenance and general maintenance repair work of equipment, buildings and facilities by performing a variety of equipment renovation, semi-skilled plumbing, carpentry, masonry, concrete work, roofing, painting and electrical work.
8. Perform other related tasks as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

At least four years of experience in groundskeeping is required, where knowledge of the methods, materials and equipment used in planting, cultivating, and trimming a variety of types of trees, shrubs, ground cover, flowers and grasses has been gained; any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities shall be considered. Knowledge of the use and proper disposal of chemicals used in groundskeeping (horticulture, turf management, and floriculture) is preferred.

Minimum Competencies

1. Knowledge of materials, methods, practices and equipment used in athletic field maintenance.
2. Types and level of maintenance and repair activities generally performed in athletic field maintenance programs.
3. Operational and maintenance requirements of equipment used in athletic field maintenance activities.
4. Occupational hazards and standard safety precautions necessary in the work.
5. High school diploma or GED.
6. Valid Texas driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Associates or Bachelors degree in a related field.

Preferred Competencies

1. State pesticide license.
2. State Irrigation license.

Working Conditions

This is an Athletic Field Groundskeeper position that will not only mow grass but also maintain the mowing equipment, maintain the irrigation system and make repairs when needed, and any other grounds duties that are needed to keep the athletic fields in top shape. This will include working in the heat of summer and the cold of winter along with in the rain. This position is a high profile position that not only athletes will appreciate but all of those who come to visit and spectate the athletes as they practice on the fields and compete on the fields. Along with this the proper candidate will have to operate the work order system and Microsoft Software so computer literacy is a must on this position also.

Physical and Mental Requirements

Heavy lifting, 45 to 70 lbs., Moderate lifting, 15 to 44 lbs., Light lifting, under 15 lbs., Heavy carrying, 45 to 70 lbs., Moderate carrying, 15 to 44 lbs., Light carrying, under 15 lbs., Straight pulling, Pulling hand over hand, Repeated bending, Reaching above shoulder, Simple grasping, Dual simultaneous grasping, Walking, Standing, Sitting, Crawling, Twisting, Pushing, Stooping, Climbing stairs, Climbing ladders, Operating mechanical equipment, Operating office equipment, Operating motor vehicle, Seeing, Identifying colors, Depth perception, Hearing (with aid), Hearing (without aid), Writing, Counting, Reading, Telling time. Being able to communicate clearly verbally, on computers, and through texts messages.

Environmental Requirements

Travel by car, Travel by van, Outside, Inside, Excessive heat, Excessive cold, Excessive humidity, Excessive dampness/chill, Constant noise, Fumes, smoke, or gases, Dust, Grease and Oils, Solvents, Slippery/uneven walking surfaces, Working around machines with moving parts and moving objects, Working around moving objects or vehicles, Working below ground, Working on ladders or scaffolding, Working with hands in water, Vibration, Working closely with other, Working alone.