Groundskeeper 1

Groundskeeper I

Job Overview

The Groundskeeper I's primary responsibility is to improve the appearance of the Wheaton College landscape, through routine and preventative maintenance of all the College grounds and properties. This position will also require supporting the set up and tear down for various athletic events on campus. A degree of organization and self-direction is expected to fulfill the needs of the position. This is a 40 hour a week position however this position is often required to work overtime. Snow removal is mandatory, and all full-time staff are on call 24/7 during all snow events. Exposure to outside weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, snow, rain and ice is required. Reports to the Landscape Operations Manager. This is a full-time position and pays $20-$21/hr.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Perform general grounds maintenance including but not limited to mowing, weeding, basic trimming of shrubs and trees, and watering.

2. Turf mowing throughout campus using safe and acceptable mowing procedures.

3. Apply fertilizer and weed control to campus turf and natural grass athletic fields.

4. Apply pesticide to campus turf and natural grass athletic fields as needed following all required regulations.

5. Plant and maintain trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials and various types of bulbs.

6. Remove trash from exterior trash cans throughout campus.

7. Assist with the set up and tear down of athletic events throughout the year. Some events will require working overtime and weekend hours.

8. Oversee a group of student summer Ground Shop employees. Solid leadership, landscape excellence training and modeling hard work are all part of that oversight.

9. Assist with the installation of seasonal campus decorations.

10. On call for snow events 24 hours a day/7 days a week during all snow events. Expected to show up within 45 minutes of being called out.

11. Removal of snow and ice, using various tools such as snow shovels, ice scrappers, snow blowers, plow trucks, Toro and Toolcat brush machines, Kubota RTV, golf cart and salt spreaders.

12. Operate a ¾ and 1 ton truck, Toolcat, Kubota RTV, golf cart, push mower, small and medium size riding mowers, rototiller, riding fertilizer and pesticide sprayer.

13. Respond to campus emergencies after regular work hours as requested.

14. Perform job responsibilities within the guidelines of OSHA, EPA and the College's safety standards.

15. Work effectively in a service-oriented environment and be able to adjust when priorities frequently change.

16. Provide strong customer service and professionalism to our campus community and surrounding neighbors.

This job description is intended to represent key areas of responsibilities; specific assignments may vary from time to time, and other duties may be assigned.

Professional Qualifications

1. High School diploma or equivalent.

2. Must have State of Illinois Pesticide operator license or pass the test within 1 year of hire. Must maintain renewal every 3 years.

3. Basic computer skills for time-card submission and reading campus e-mail.

4. Ability to perform physical work for 8 or more hours at a time, lifting and carrying 50lbs unassisted.

5. Work in outside weather conditions including extreme heat, cold, snow, rain and ice as require

6. Have and maintain a valid Illinois driver's license

Faith Qualifications

• Affirmation of the Wheaton College Statement of Faith as a faithful expression of one's own theological convictions
• Affirmation of the biblical standards for Christian character and God-honoring behavior described throughout the Wheaton College Community Covenant, and promise to adhere to them in personal practice
• Support of the Wheaton College Christ-Centered Diversity Commitment, the Gender Equity Vision Statement, and the College's Convictions on Human Sexuality. These commitments can be found on the Wheaton College website.

Physical Requirements

The employee is regularly required to talk, hear, walk, stand, sit, kneel, crawl, stand on a ladder or scaffolding, reach, squat and work with hands above head for long periods of time. Required to use repetitive hand motion, handle or feel objects and work outside during all weather conditions (including extreme heat, cold, rain, snow, etc.) and for extended periods of time. Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

FLSA Status - Non Exempt

Updated (10/2020)