"Grounds Worker"

Job Description

SUMMARY: Reporting to the Assistant Head Grounds Worker, the Grounds Worker performs tasks that result in horticulturally sound practices leading to first-rate care of the University's landscape.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Monitor campus grounds to determine needs for services such as fertilizing, insect and disease control, weeding, dead plant removal, watering, pruning, etc.
• Police campus grounds and pick up litter and debris as needed.
• Maintain lawns and softscapes to maintain a neat and horticulturally appealing appearance, including mowing, trimming, edging, and other activities.
• Water new plant material and floral displays to help with establishment and survival.
• Prune trees and shrubs according to University policy to maintain their health and aesthetic value as well as to maintain street, walkway, building, signage, and lighting clearance.
• Install and maintain seasonal plantings using annual flowers, perennial flowers, ornamental grasses, bulbs, etc.
• Remove snow and ice using truck/plow, ATV/plow, snow blower, shovel, etc., to maintain safe roadways, sidewalks, and stairways on campus.
• Report to supervisor the need for any services or any unsafe action and/or condition.
• Place a premium upon safety rules and regulations pertaining to operation of tools, machinery, etc.
• Maintain and prepare athletic fields and adjacent areas for practices and events, including dragging, vacuuming, lining, clean-up, etc.
• Edge, cultivate, and mulch tree rings and shrub beds.
• Remove leaves from lawns, walks, roads, parking lots, etc., as needed to maintain a clean and safe environment.
• Inspect, clean, and perform preventive maintenance of equipment and tools used in the performance of tasks.
• Prepare areas to be landscaped and install landscape material as required (e.g., soil, seed, sod, mulch, shrubs, trees, pavers, decorative stone, etc.).
• Build skill base by attending landscape training sessions as assigned.
• Attend safety training as identified by the leadership of the Grounds department.
• Acquire knowledge of and utilize technology as required to fulfill duties (e.g., handheld devices, pagers, two-way radios, cellphones, etc.).
• Respond to emergencies and close out assigned work order requests in a timely and professional manner.
• Treat customers, coworkers, students, and guests with respect.
• Provide supervisor with a log that indicates activities completed on a particular day.
• Perform other duties as assigned. Management retains the right to add or change job duties at any time.

QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIRED:

• One year of experience in the performance of landscape maintenance work.
• A valid NJ Driver's license.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of the position.
• Must be available to work all shifts, overtime, and holidays.

PREFERRED:

• Two years of experience in large-scale operation and maintenance of grounds, gardens, and/or sports fields.
• New Jersey Commercial Pesticide Applicators License with certifications in categories 3A and 3B and ProFACT fertilizer license.

NOTE: This is a Civil Service position. As required by the State of New Jersey, in order to be certified to the position and attain permanent status in title, candidates are required to successfully serve a 4-Month Working Test Period. This position is designated as essential. The designation of essential requires employees at these 24/7 facilities to be present due to inclement weather situations. This position requires on campus work and is not a position that allows remote work.

SALARY RANGE: $38,958.09 - $44,067.33 Annually. The position may also be eligible for comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and tuition assistance. For further details, please visit: https://www.montclair.edu/human-resources/benefits/