Groundskeeper

Job Summary/Basic Function

About the position: This is semi-skilled work in the care of the grounds of a state institution, facility, or public building. Work involves responsibility for the appearance and general care of the University grounds and athletic fields and may include seasonal lead work of a small group of employees or resident helpers engaged in cleaning and other simple grounds keeping activities. Work involves considerable physical and manual labor throughout the year exposed to the elements.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lays out and participates in planting, watering, sodding, spraying and trimming and cleaning work on lawns, gardens and walks.
• Participates in the maintenance and marking of athletic fields.
• Removes dirt, rubbish, snow, leaves and other refuse and maintains roads, lawns, sheds, benches and parking places.
• Operates mechanized and motorized groundskeeping equipment such as gang mowers, rollers, and roto-tillers.
• Participates in filling, surfacing, hauling and fertilizing operations.
• Prepares reports and keeps records of time, materials and equipment.
• All other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• One year of experience in groundskeeping work and completion of the eighth grade OR any equivalent combination of experience and training.
• Knowledge of groundskeeping and simple horticultural practices.
• Knowledge of the care of lawns, flowers, trees, and common shrubs.
• Knowledge of the potential hazards of toxic chemical pesticides and herbicides, and the safety precautions required to minimize these hazards.
• Ability to interpret pesticide and herbicide label directions and related literature.
• Ability to maintain and make ordinary repairs to machinery, equipment and improvements, such as walks, lanes parking places, sheds, and benches.
• Ability to lay out and participate in planting, watering, sodding, spraying and trimming and cleaning work in lawns, gardens and walks.
• Good physical condition to permit long hours of outdoor physical labor.
• Excellent oral, written, interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office including Word, Outlook.
• Commitment to inclusive practices and working with diverse student populations.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Successful interview.
• Successful completion of three background checks.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current Pesticide/Herbicide Applicator license.
• Graduation from a related trade school or degree in related field.