Lead Groundskeeper

Groundskeeper Ld Sx

Assists the Superintendent of Grounds with the leadership of the unit. Responsible for general and preventative maintenance grounds activities for a specific area. Under the direction of the Associate Director and Superintendent, uses independent judgment with operational and personnel issues. Responsibilities include: planning, organizing, and directing the day-to-day work of assigned crew comprised of career and student employees.

Required Qualifications:

• 1-3 years proven experience operating landscape equipment that includes: ride-on mowers, tractors, backhoe, turf sweeper, aerial lift, chainsaws, and handheld landscape equipment/tools.
• 3-5 years proven experience in a commercial landscaping organization performing work and leading crews that include landscape installation and maintenance.
• Demonstrated knowledge of plant care, safe equipment use, landscape irrigation principles, and horticultural pest control.
• Demonstrated strong work ethic and ability to contribute to a diverse team.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions, and communicate effectively in English.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Preferred or equivalent High School Diploma

Special Conditions of Employment:

• Must speak and read English fluently.
• Work schedule: M-F, 5am - 1:30pm.
• Required to hold a valid driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies and procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program.
• Satisfactory criminal history background check

Job Functions and Percentages of Time:

60% Groundskeeper Related Duties - Performs full range of tasks in incumbents area, including: Mows, waters, weeds, seeds, fertilizes and performs related duties in the assigned area. Assists Irrigation Technicians, when needed, with the maintenance of automatic lawn irrigation systems. Assists in chemical and fertilizer applications on lawns, trees and shrubs. Operates power equipment. Promotes a quality service environment to all students, staff and customers. Monitors assigned zone when outside vendors or contractors are doing work which might affect the area. Reports concerns to Superintendent/ Supervisor and works with contractor to mitigate any issues. Participates in staff training and development workshops, retreats and meetings as determined by supervisor. Complies with department safety program. Promotes customer service environment to clients. Assists with the development and maintenance of a work environment which is conducive to meeting the mission of the organization. Responsible for completing job duties that demonstrates support for the Grounds Team. Initiates communication directly with co-workers and/or supervisor to improve and clarify working relationships, identifying problems and concerns, and seeking resolution to work-related conflicts.

40% Leadership and Program Coordination - Meets, confers, and plans work with internal and external clients. Organizes effective responses to daily and emergency requests for work. Communicates concerning planning, scheduling and completion of all projects. Develops, coordinates, establishes and executes a grounds maintenance schedule to ensure daily service on a frequency necessary to maintain the quality standards set. Organizes, leads, and supervises crew to carry out the assigned tasks with a high level of craftsmanship. Trains employees, students, and other staff members in the proper use of tools, safety rules and work expectations of UCSB FM Grounds employees. Interfaces with employees in crew meetings and on an individual basis. Assisting the Superintendent and Supervisor, investigates and seeks resolution for employee-related problems within the unit. Maintains a cooperative relationship with employees. Responsible for assisting with the collection of paperwork and other materials requested by supervisors. Determines and monitors stock inventory levels for crew office and zone areas. Submits information for the estimations of in-house Grounds projects, including necessary labor hours and materials. Evaluates, tests and uses available grounds products, including fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides. Assesses work area for changes and/or new additions of landscaped areas, irrigation systems and safety issues. Ensures emergency work requests are completed immediately and routine work requests are completed within a timely manner. Documents and submits all necessary information for the completion of work order tickets to dispatch and/ or through the work ticket system, including labor hours and materials used. Safety Assesses work areas for safety purposes. Ensures that employees are working safely and providing a safe work environment for clients. Implements FM's safety program, ensuring that employees are trained and comply with directives and regulations and that they use tools and PPE in an appropriate manner. Regularly inspects the condition of the grounds areas to assure a healthful, safe and sanitary environment. Identifies safety and maintenance issues, processes work orders, schedules and inspects corrective action efforts. Assists the Automotive Technicians in the scheduling and delivery of zone tools and/or vehicles for routine maintenance and safety checks. Develops, promotes, adheres to safety rules, stands or techniques as an integral part of business.