Grounds Maintenance Worker

Grounds Maintenance WorkerThis classification is scheduled to receive a 5% COLA effective July 2027.Note: A training and experience evaluation may be utilized to determine an applicant's ranking among qualified candidates. Based upon information provided in this application including responses to supplemental questions, an applicant's education, training and experience (full-time equivalent) may be evaluated. Applicants should provide thoughtful and thorough responses to supplemental questions as they play an important role in this recruitment process. All qualifying work experience that is described or included in responses to supplemental questions MUST also be included and detailed in the "Work Experience" section of this application. "See Resume" is not an acceptable response for any supplemental question.FLSA: Non-ExemptDefinition: Under immediate (Grounds Maintenance Worker I) to general supervision (Grounds Maintenance Worker II), performs a variety of routine and skilled work in the care and maintenance of lawns and landscaped areas at County facilities; performs related duties as assigned.Supervision Received and Exercised: Receives immediate (Grounds Maintenance Worker I) to general (Grounds Maintenance Worker II) supervision, from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.Class Characteristics:Grounds Maintenance Worker I: This is the entry-level classification in the Grounds Maintenance Worker series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine care and maintenance of plants, shrubs, lawns, and landscaped areas. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied and complex; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the Grounds Maintenance Worker II level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.Grounds Maintenance Worker II: This is the journey-level classification in the Grounds Maintenance Worker series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Grounds Maintenance Worker I level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.This class is distinguished from the Senior Grounds Maintenance Worker in that the latter performs the more complex work assigned to the series, such as providing technical and functional direction over lower-level staff.Positions in the Grounds Maintenance Worker class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the II-level may be filled by advancement from the I-level; progression to the II-level is dependent on (i) management affirmation that the position is performing the full range of duties assigned to the classification; (ii) satisfactory work performance; (iii) the incumbent meeting the minimum qualifications for the classification including any licenses and certifications; and (iv) management approval for progression to the II-level.Examples of Typical Job Functions:Weeds, mows, prunes, mulches, fertilizes, irrigates, and sprays plants, shrubs, and small trees as needed.Troubleshoots and performs routine maintenance and repair work on irrigation systems including sprinklers, valves, and nozzles, and system leaks.Clears and maintains grounds, paved areas, paths, walkways, and parking lots; picks up litter and debris in assigned area; clear drains of debris as directed.Patches and fills potholes in driveways and parking lots as directed.Identifies plants and pests; applies a variety of pesticides to control and eliminate the spread of weeds and pests in beds and non-landscaped areas.Prepares soil for planting; transplants seedlings, shrubs, and trees.Operates a variety of hand and power tools and equipment such as hand and riding mowers, backhoe and tractors, boom truck, edgers, blowers, hedge trimmers, weed eaters, spray rig, chain saws, backpack blower, rakes, shovels, hoes, brooms, and other maintenance tools.Performs routine maintenance on tools and motorized machinery; repairs and provides basic maintenance on mowers, chain saws, power leaf blowers, hedge trimmers, weed eaters and other related equipment; changes oil, coolant, hydraulic fluid, and filters; removes, sharpens, installs, and maintains blades, weed/shrub trimmers, and other related equipment; performs minor repairs to grounds tractors and equipment.Performs related duties as assigned.Minimum Qualifications:Knowledge of: Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and ordinances relevant to the area(s) of responsibility.Methods and techniques of planting, transplanting, cultivating, pruning, and maintaining a variety of lawns, ground cover, plants, shrubs, hedges, and trees.Principles and practices of general maintenance and construction.Soil preparation, irrigation, and enrichment.Methods and equipment used in weed and insect control and treating plant diseases.Maintenance and minor repair of commercial irrigation systems.Use, performance, and minor maintenance of commonly used hand and power landscaping tools and equipment.Safe work methods and safety regulations pertaining to the work.Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.Ability To:Use landscaping tools and equipment.Recognize common plants, plant diseases, and insect pests.Make accurate arithmetic calculations.Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.Organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines and follow-up on assignments.Maintain accurate logs, records, and basic written records of work performed.Use tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.Education and Experience:Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade; andGrounds Maintenance Worker I: One (1) year of grounds maintenance or gardening experience, including experience with commercial water systems.Grounds Maintenance Worker II: Two (2) years of experience in landscape maintenance work at a level equivalent to the County's class of Grounds Maintenance Worker I.Certifications and Licenses:Must possess a valid US driver's license upon date of application. Must obtain California driver's license following hire date per California DMV regulations.Grounds Maintenance Worker I: Obtain and maintain a valid qualified pesticide applicators certificate issued by the State of California by the end of probationary period.Grounds Maintenance Worker II: Possess and maintain a valid qualified pesticide applicators certificate issued by the State of California.Environmental Factors and Conditions/Physical Requirements:Physical Demands:Mobility to work in the field; to sit, stand and walk on level, uneven or slippery surfaces; frequently reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, grasp and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; to climb and descent ladders, to operate varied hand and power tools and construction equipment and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various County sites.Strength and stamina to perform medium to heavy physical work; to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 50 pounds or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.Vision to inspect and operate equipment.Fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards.Finger