"Groundskeeper Lead"

Job Details

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Position Title: Groundskeeper Lead

Job Category: University Staff

Employment Type: Regular

Job Profile: Groundskeeper Lead

Job Duties: Under the general supervision of the Ground Services Manager, this position is responsible for performing the duties described in the Groundskeeper position in addition to performing lead worker duties such as providing training on maintaining grounds, pruning trees, gardening, snow removal, lawn care and for planning, assigning and reviewing work, monitoring the completion of work assignments and providing general assistance and guidance to assigned staff. Other duties include planning labor and materials needed, procuring equipment and supplies, assuring the safe operation of equipment and tools by staff, maintaining records and preparing reports for the supervisor, recommending projects and work assignments and evaluating and selecting vehicles, equipment and tools. Staff in this position must be able to operate all heavy duty and light duty grounds vehicles and equipment. Overtime work will be required for snow removal and for Special Events. The normal work schedule for this position is Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Installs, propagates, and maintains the health of new and existing plants and landscape using a variety of vehicles and equipment
• Schedules and monitors staff and assists with basic training
• Assists with organizing the layout of planting sites, plant and material selection, research and evaluate new materials and equipment
• Identifies and acts to remedy plant diseases and insect damage
• Maintains clean and clear lawns, walkways, roadways, and parking lots to ensure they are free of debris, litter, snow, and ice
• Plans and directs the day-to-day operational activities of various lawn and landscape projects and staff

Department: Facilities

Compensation: Hourly

Required Qualifications:

• The ability to hold and maintain a valid driver’s license meeting the criteria for driving a state vehicle.
• Individuals must have or have the ability to obtain State of Wisconsin Commercial Pesticide Applicator License Category 3.0 Turf and Landscape within 6 months of hire and must maintain certification throughout employment.
• Ability to grasp, lift and/or carry tools, equipment or supplies, up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
• Physically be able to work in various positions, i.e. with arms above your head for periods of time; bending, twisting, crawling, squatting, climbing, stooping or kneeling; on scaffolding, ladders or stairs; standing, sitting or walking, while continuously performing job functions.
• Physically be able to work in various environments without adverse physical reaction, e.g.; within extreme temperature ranges; in hot, noisy, dirty or dust-filled areas; at heights above 30 feet, etc.
• Ability to wear protective equipment, i.e. respirator, breathing apparatus, hearing, or eye protection, etc.
• Knowledge of safe, efficient operation of heavy equipment.
• Knowledge of preventative maintenance of heavy equipment.
• Ability to identify different varieties of annuals, perennials, trees and shrubs.
• Ability to work overtime hours for snow removal or for other special events as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associates or Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in a directly related field.
• Knowledge of techniques to direct, motivate and lead employees in an efficient and safe manner, promoting skills in teamwork and cooperation
• Ability to safely operate equipment in areas with high levels of pedestrian, bicycle and vehicle activity.
• Knowledge of essential job functions and ability to safely perform the duties with minimal supervision.
• Knowledge or ability to learn relevant software and/or computer languages in order to operate preventive maintenance, work order, time reporting and inventory control programs.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally or in writing, using the English language, in various situations, i.e. face to face, via phone or two-way radio, correspondence, taking messages, email, etc.
• Ability to comply with all University of Wisconsin Systems Work Rules including safe work practices.

Education: High school diploma or equivalent

How to Apply: Provide Resume

Contact Information: Anthony Meidl ameidl@uwlax.edu

Special Notes: Application deadlines: TO ENSURE CONSIDERATION: Priority consideration is given to those candidates who apply by the listed ‘First Review Date’. Applications received after that date may be considered at the discretion of the search committee.