"Lead Grounds Keeper"

Job Summary

This position maintains and beautifies campus grounds, maintains ground equipment, performs set ups for events and performs waste management functions.

Responsibilities

The responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Leads Grounds Crews

• Participates in and assigns tasks to Grounds keepers
• Reviews results continuously and confers with Grounds Foreman on daily activities
• Provides safety and technical training
• Ensures the use of appropriate personal protection equipment and power equipment safety devices
• Responsible for recording labor and material information into Maximo for the Groundskeepers.
• Assist Groundskeepers with entering leave requests in OneUSG

Maintains Groundcovers, Shrubs, Trees, and Turfgrass

• Prunes shrubs and trees; mows lawns with proper equipment. Collects and removes lawn cuttings and debris.
• Line trims around signs, trees, valve boxes and edges along walks, curbs, and beds
• Controls weeds manually and with the application of mulch and chemical herbicides to bed areas. Applies fertilizer to shrubs and trees. Hand waters new plants and trees.
• Inspects lawns and shrub beds prior to mowing or pruning for obstacles such as debris, irrigation heads, rocks, limbs, valve boxes, etc.

Maintains Grounds Equipment

• Performs and records routine maintenance on equipment (Oil change, filter change, blade replacement, lubricating trimmers, etc.)
• Cleans equipment after each use
• Notifies crew leader and supervisor of any performance/safety issues

Operates Vehicles and Light Construction Equipment

• Safely operates, vehicles, golf carts, mowers, street sweepers and small tractors
• Operates the backhoe (transporting mulch, debris, excavation assignments)
• Checks fluid levels prior to starting
• Cleans vehicle and equipment (Interior and Exterior)
• Require training and certification in operation of the motorized personnel lift and forklift

Waste Management

• Removes lawn cuttings, plant clippings, and tree limbs; and places them in yard waste container.
• Removes litter and chewing gum from campus grounds, parking lots, and streets
• Cleans and empties waste containers
• Assist with packing waste, yard debris and cardboard roll off containers by operating backhoe

Cleans and Organizes Grounds Warehouse

• Sweeps floors and removes debris
• Keeps tools, equipment, and vehicles in good condition and stored properly
• Returns flammable products containers to fireproof storage cabinets at end of each day
• Makes sure that all fuel containers are properly labeled and safety compliant
• Safeguards and secures grounds equipment
• Monitors shop supplies and PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) and submits requests to Foreman

Performs related work as required

• Coordinates and assists crews with campus event setups (Pig Out, A Day, Orientation, etc.), such as pressure washing, weed and pest control
• Follows all departmental and University policies. Treats students, coworkers, supervisors, faculty, and visitors with respect
• Wears uniform as outlined in policy and maintains good hygiene
• Performs any duties and assignments as instructed by supervisor
• Assist Maintenance Worker as required
• Assist Maintenance Worker with RO work Orders as needed
• Assist Maintenance Worker as needed with masonry, irrigation, and painting as deemed necessary by the Foreman

Required Qualifications

Educational Requirements

High School diploma, GED or equivalent from a state or federal accredited organization and five years' experience in grounds maintenance.

Other Required Qualifications

Current valid driver's license to operate AU golf carts and vehicles. Must meet USG requirements to operate AU vehicles.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Experience

• One (1) years' experience in landscaping/grounds
• Ability to Obtain forklift and JLG Man Lift certification or certification already in hand
• Good computer skills (familiar with spread sheets and data entry)

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

ABILITIES

• Ability to follow specific oral and written instructions
• Ability to use a variety of standard power and hand tools
• Ability to perform heavy manual labor for extended periods often under adverse climatic conditions
• Ability to operate and maintain grounds power equipment and tools
• Ability to delegate assignments and review performance

KNOWLEDGE

• Knowledgeable of occupational hazards and safety precautions for Landscape/Grounds tasks
• Possess the ability to make decisions independently on routine assignments if needed
• Experience in landscape chemical applications

SKILLS

• Able to read and comprehend location maps
• Must be able to work independently and also as a team member
• Must possess initiative and self-motivational skills to complete assignments
• Must be able to work well with co-workers, supervisors, staff, and faculty

Shift/Salary/Benefits

Shift: Days: Monday-Friday

Pay Band: 2

Salary: $15.77/hourly - $18.89/hourly

Salary to be commensurate with qualifications of the selected candidate within the established range (generally minimum-midpoint) of the position

Recruitment Period: 8/14/25 Until Filled