General Utility Worker

Agency Gov Morehead Sch for the Blind Division Gov Morehead Sch for the Blind Job Classification Title Grounds Worker I (S) Position Number 60038381 Grade NC01

About Us

Governor Morehead School (GMS) is the flagship school in North Carolina that serves the special needs of visually impaired students, in a unique residential setting. Apart from its flagship status as the only residential school in the state for visually impaired students, GMS is renowned for its excellent program in Orientation and Mobility as well as its Braille Music program.

Description of Work

The Grounds Worker is responsible for the maintenance, care, and appearance of campus grounds, landscaped areas, trees, shrubs, and lawns. This position performs skilled grounds maintenance work including planting, pruning, mowing, trimming, and general landscaping duties to ensure a safe, attractive, and well-maintained environment for students, staff, and visitors. The employee works under general supervision and exercises independent judgment in determining the care and treatment necessary to maintain grounds in excellent condition.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Plant, cultivate, water, fertilize, and maintain lawns, trees, shrubs, flowers, and landscape beds.
• Prune, trim, shape, and remove trees, shrubs, hedges, and other vegetation as needed.
• Mow lawns, edge walkways, and maintain grounds to ensure a clean, professional appearance.
• Apply mulch, fertilizers, herbicides, and other landscaping materials in accordance with established procedures and safety guidelines.
• Operate and maintain landscaping equipment including: Weed trimmers Edgers Pruners Hedge trimmers Chainsaws Leaf blowers Zero-turn lawn mowers
• Inspect and perform routine maintenance and servicing on grounds equipment to extend equipment life and minimize downtime.
• Remove debris, litter, leaves, fallen branches, and other materials from grounds and landscaped areas.
• Assist with the installation and maintenance of irrigation systems and landscape improvements.
• Maintain sidewalks, parking lots, entryways, and other exterior areas in a safe condition.
• Follow established safety procedures and utilize proper personal protective equipment.
• Complete assigned work in accordance with oral and written instructions.
• Assist with special projects related to grounds maintenance and campus beautification.

Inclement Weather and Emergency Response

• Participate in emergency response activities during inclement weather events.
• Remove fallen trees, limbs, and storm debris to maintain safe access to campus facilities.
• Assist with snow and ice removal operations, including operating equipment and applying ice melt to walkways, entrances, roadways, and other high-traffic areas.
• May be required to report to work outside of normal operating hours during weather emergencies to ensure campus safety and preparation for student and staff arrival and departure.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Basic knowledge of groundskeeping and horticultural practices.
• Basic knowledge of tree and shrub cultivation, pruning, spraying, and trimming techniques.
• Basic knowledge of landscape equipment operation and safety procedures.
• Ability to perform routine maintenance and servicing of grounds equipment.
• Ability to identify common landscape maintenance needs and determine appropriate care and treatment.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to safely operate hand and power tools used in grounds maintenance.

Physical Requirements

Frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, lifting, carrying, and climbing.

Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.

Ability to work outdoors in heat, cold, rain, snow, and other environmental conditions.

Ability to safely operate equipment and machinery for extended periods.

Work Schedule

Regular work schedule is Monday through Friday.

Position may require overtime, early morning, evening, weekend, or holiday work during emergencies, severe weather events, or other operational needs.

Employee may be required to report to work during inclement weather to assist with snow removal, ice mitigation, storm cleanup, and campus safety operations.

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Education and/or experience in grounds work that is directly related to the job and consistent with accepted practices of the trade and equivalent to two years of experience in planting, cultivation, and care of shrubs, trees, plants, and grasses; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

North Carolina State Government is one of the state’s largest employers, with over 76,000 employees all working toward a common goal: a safer and stronger North Carolina. We are a large organization comprised of various agencies, offices, and universities, each providing important public services. Eligible state employees are entitled to comprehensive benefits, including a variety of leave options, professional development opportunities, insurance, and more. To learn more about the benefits of being a North Carolina state employee, visit the N.C. Office of State Human Resources' website.

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