Groundskeeper I

Job Title

Landscape and Grounds Maintenance Services

Job Description

At Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation, we are committed to promoting healthy lifestyles and protecting our environment. We ensure all residents can access our programs, regardless of their physical, social, and economic circumstances. By providing enriching and memorable lifelong experiences, we strive to enhance the quality of life for our community.

Day to Day Job Duties

Individual will perform landscape and grounds maintenance services for parks, building sites, roadways, school sites, athletic fields, resort area, and the municipal center. Responsibilities include operating a variety of lawn mowers and other motorized equipment, handheld power tools, and common gardening and hand tools. The individual will also collect and dispose of trash and debris, load and unload tools, equipment, dirt, gravel, clay, and sand for project assignments, and regularly lift/carry 50 lbs. and occasionally lift/carry 50+ lbs. Work is performed outside in all weather to include extreme temperatures.

Schedule & Locations

This position is a 7-day a week operation including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays. The individual selected for this position will be housed at a primary site but may be scheduled between other park sites/facilities. Schedules will be adjusted seasonally and will vary weekly based on events, facility coverage, and weather. All employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours, overtime, split shifts, or maybe be relocated to another location or job assignment in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies including weekends, evenings, and holidays.

Bonus Information

There is a $2,100 retention sign-on bonus for newly hired employees. The bonus is divided into three bonus increments:

• First $550 bonus is issued after the first three months of employment.
• Second $550 bonus issued upon the six-month evaluation with an overall performance of "meets expectations".
• Third $1,000 bonus will be issued upon one-year evaluation with an overall performance of "meets expectations".

Preferred Experience

Candidates with the preferred experience should ensure the information is provided in the application.

• Working outside in a physical trade such as grounds maintenance, park maintenance
• Customer Service
• HSD or GED and/or trade school related to Horticulture of Landscape Maintenance

The Ideal Candidate Will Possess These Critical Skills:

Landscape and/or grounds maintenance experience. Please be sure to include all landscape and grounds maintenance experience, including any experience gained from performing landscaping, lawn care, or yard maintenance at home on work history and/or resume.

Training

As a condition of employment, all employees must attend P&R Connection (Department Orientation). If selected for the position, you will be provided an approximate training date at the time of hire. Training is held from 8:30am-5:00pm, every other Friday, at the Parks & Recreation Administration Building. When an exemption is permittable, a hybrid version of the training is available, but will require training attendance on a weekend.

The Perks

Employees who are new to the Virginia Retirement System are eligible for:

• Annual Leave and Sick Leave
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription Coverage
• Legal and Identity Theft Protection
• Virginia Retirement System (VRS) Hybrid Retirement Plan & Basic Life Insurance
• Commonwealth of Virginia 457 Deferred Compensation Plan (COV457)
• Basic Life Insurance
• Optional Life Insurance
• Wellness Programs
• Employee Assistance Program / Work-Life Services
• Paid Maternity/Paternity/Parental Care Leave

Minimum Requirements

Minimum Qualifications: Any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training, which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Must have a current and valid driver's license. Special Requirements: All employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies. Must be available to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime when required to meet operational needs. Positions within this class have been designated as Alpha I positions requiring employees to work during inclement weather, regardless of the City's operational status. This is a safety sensitive position and is subject to mandatory drug testing. Positive drug test results may result in counseling and/or discipline, up to and including, termination. Successful completion of a pre-employment physical. May require a Commercial driver's license and/or pesticide certification.

Working Conditions

Per HR Policy 6.19, Americans with Disabilities, the City follows the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in all hiring and employment decisions. The City shall not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring and employment practices. The City shall make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of a qualified applicant or employee with a disability upon request unless the accommodation would cause an undue hardship on the operation of the City's business. The Working Conditions Summary is intended to provide a general overview of the environmental conditions inherent in the job setting, as well as the physical, mental, and sensory requirements necessary to perform the essential functions of the position in the noted job profile.

Official Job Descriptions

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VRS Contribution

All full-time employees are required to contribute 5% of annual salary toward their retirement account; in accordance with VRS retirement provisions. This will be handled through a pre-tax payroll deduction.

Drug Free Workplace

The City of Virginia Beach maintains a drug free workplace.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

The City of Virginia Beach is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive work environment. We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status as defined by applicable law.