"Groundskeeper II"

Description of Key Responsibility:

• Perform basic grounds keeping functions, consisting of mowing, fertilizing, seeding, aerating, planting, sodding, edging, weeding, trimming, watering, etc. Equipment used includes tractors, powered mowers (both riding and walk-behind), chain saws, chippers, groomers, sod cutters, hedge trimmers, and hand tools.
• Perform cleaning, servicing, and repair of facilities and equipment; repair/installation of fences, irrigation lines, etc.; pick-up debris; repair vandalism damage. Clean and service equipment, including greasing, fueling, and sharpening of blades. Assist in repair of vehicles and equipment. Clean and organize shop.
• Assist and at times lead the designing, purchasing, planting, and maintenance of all annual and perennial beds on campus, including decorative pots and flower beds. This includes ensuring the health and aesthetics of the plantings throughout the season. A major component of this is ensuring the watering of the plantings, coordinating weekend coverage when called for by weather conditions, often times conducting the work themselves.
• Assist with the research and planning, necessary to the restoration of the natural ecosystem of the Pond. Including the planting, weeding, cleaning and fertilizing of the lily bed and the clearing of algae that is very invasive. Also, the stocking of fish and the constant monitoring of water levels to guarantee the success of the restoration.
• Assist in routine maintenance and repair of athletic playing fields including artificial turf and irrigation systems.
• Maintain a nursery for plants, bushes and sod.
• Assist in maintaining all other landscaping on campus including trimming of bushes, shrubs and trees.
• In conjunction with the Head Groundskeeper, anticipate and estimate future projects and expenditures, and ensure timely completion of scheduled projects/inspections. Prepare estimates for projects and make recommendations regarding plantings. Develop standards for projects that specify acceptable characteristics of plantings and investigate the availability of improved, more efficient procedures and types of plantings, such as low maintenance/high resistance (to molds and insects).
• Manage large projects including but not limited to: large scale weeding projects, large scale planting projects, planning and installation of hardscaping materials, and fence installation and repair.
• Supervise and instruct co-workers in the area of planting and maintenance, including the supervision of student assistants.
• Operate various equipment for seeding, tree pruning, power blowing, top dressing, mowing, and snow removal, including the operation of college vehicles, trucks and golf carts.
• Ensure that all work performed is done in a safe and efficient manner. Inform Head Groundskeeper of tools or equipment found to be unsafe for use, and ensure that tools that cannot be repaired are disposed of properly. Ensure that all gardening refuse is removed to its proper location for disposal or storage. Supervise the return and proper storage of tools and equipment.
• Ensure that documentation and record keeping are thorough and efficient and provide ready access to information such as history of plantings, suppliers' specifications and recommended procedures, etc.
• Assist in cleaning and maintaining of all grounds department areas, i.e. shops, garages and any storage locations.
• Assist in security functions, including crowd and parking control at specific times and functions.
• Demonstrate civil and inclusive behavior when interacting with staff, faculty, students, and visitors to the College. Promote a flexible, collaborative, and inclusive work and living environment and engage in educational opportunities to increase awareness and understanding of diversity and inclusion.
• Perform other related duties and tasks as appropriately assigned.

Other Responsibilities:

• Support the College's mission, vision and values, and contribute to the advancement of the College's Strategic Plan.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to continuous quality improvement.
• Demonstrate civil and inclusive behavior when interacting with staff, faculty, students and visitors to the College. Promote a flexible, collaborative and inclusive work and living environment and engage in educational opportunities.

Education/Training: A high school diploma or equivalent is required. An Associate's degree or Horticultural degree is preferred. Illinois Pesticide Applicator License preferred.

Experience: A minimum of two years in landscape maintenance, including experience maintaining grounds equipment and supervising others. One year of gardening experience is strongly preferred.

Licenses or Certifications: A valid driver's license and acceptable driving record is required.

Position Summary: To serve in the Grounds Department and assist the Head Groundskeeper and Assistant Head Groundskeeper in a variety of functions, including performing grounds keeping, basic equipment and vehicle servicing, and repair tasks. This position entails the installation of annual plantings and campus vegetable garden beds and continual maintenance.