Grounds Worker

Grounds Worker

A Grounds Worker performs manual labor to maintain City grounds, parks, and right-of-way areas. The position uses manual and power equipment to perform a variety maintenance functions. This is routine work involving the use of some skills acquired by experience and on-the-job instruction. Performs demanding physical work for an extended periods of time under varying climatic conditions. May assist with related work as required involving street resurfacing and maintenance. Subject to weekend and overtime work. Works under the super­vision of a the Assistant Grounds Manager who issues oral work orders and inspects work frequently.

Starting pay based on driver's license classification E. Candidates possessing a class B CDL or CDL permit and ability to obtain within 6 months will start at a higher hourly rate.

Examples of Duties

• Operates a variety of equipment including, but not limited to, riding and walk behind mowers, line trimmers, curb edgers, hedge trimmers, chainsaws, blowers, walk-behind vacuum, pressure washer, chipper, compactor and cut off saws.
• Performs all aspects of tree, shrub, flower, and turf maintenance including hedge and tree trimming; prunes specimen trees and shrubs; performs all aspects of tree removal; plants bedding plants, shrubs and trees; fertilizes by using mechanical spreaders and spreading by hand.
• Digs trenches for installation of new sprinkler systems, digs post holes and sets posts.
• Cleans gutters, culverts and other drainage structures; sweeps streets, gutters and sidewalks by hand; shovels gravel and dirt.
• Removes dead animals on City streets and rights-of-way, properties and grounds.
• Patches streets by shoveling mix from truck, placing in hole and tamping.
• Performs a variety of other heavy manual work in connection with the maintenance and construction of streets, alleys and roads.
• Loads and unloads stone, gravel, dirt, asphalt, timber and heavy mechanical equipment.
• Picks up trash in parks, parking lots and rights-of-way. Performs general janitorial work.
• Cleans street signs; assists in street sign manufacturing and installation. Assists with pavement marking operations.
• Safely drives truck to and from job. Performs routine preventive maintenance of machinery and equipment.
• Interacts professionally with the public and co-workers.
• Subject to overtime work and responds to job-related emergencies as required.
• Performs related duties as required.

Education and Experience

High school diploma desired, completion of 10th grade required. Previous grounds maintenance experience and ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to work without fear of heights. Certification at the Intermediate level for Maintenance of Traffic or ability to obtain within six months, required. Driver's License Requirement: Valid Florida Driver's License Class E required, Class B with Air Brakes or Temporary Permit and ability to pass driving test within 6 months of employment, preferred.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to have full range of mobility in upper and lower body; be able to reach overhead; be able to work in various positions, including stooping, standing, bending over, sitting, kneeling and squatting for extended periods of time; be able to lift, pull and push materials and equipment to complete assigned job tasks; be able to frequently lift 50 pounds of weight throughout the assigned workday; and performs strenuous physical labor under adverse field conditions. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.