Groundskeeper

Job Overview

Perform semi-skilled and manual tasks in manicuring and maintaining athletic fields and grounds around school facilities so that athletic fields and grounds are safe, neat and attractive for students, faculty and patrons; operate mowers, power and hand tools; assist in performing routine, manual tasks inside and outside buildings. Work is assigned and carried out according to oral and written instructions, and is reviewed by a supervisor through observation and inspection of completed work. Positions in this entry level classification are located in the Support & Grounds Division of the Facilities Department.

Position Description

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Operate riding and walk-behind mowers, power edgers, trimmers, and blowers, and use a variety of cutting and digging tools in the maintenance of athletic fields, lawns and grounds around school facilities; assist a Licensed Groundskeeper in the application of fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides and other chemicals
• Operate a chain saw in the removal of trees and tree limbs
• Lubricate, fuel and service equipment; check equipment for malfunctions
• Conduct inspections of athletic fields and school grounds; pick-up trash, paper, cans, trimmings, litter and other debris and place in proper containers or loads onto a truck; remove hazardous objects; report any hazardous situations observed to proper authority
• Weed and maintains flower beds; plants trees and shrubs
• Assist in setting up and removing soccer goals, football goal posts, basketball goals and other athletic and playground equipment; assist in hanging wind screens
• Assist in the repair of sprinkler systems, fences, asphalt drives and parking areas; assist in moving furniture

Qualification Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each of the above essential duties satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities, required unless otherwise stated as preferred. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essentials functions.

• High School Diploma or GED preferred
• Valid Texas Drivers License
• Some knowledge of the type and uses of common equipment, tools, and materials used in the maintenance of athletic fields and grounds around buildings and facilities. Some knowledge of the precautions necessary to work safely with and around riding and walk-behind lawn mowers and power tools
• Ability to operate equipment and power tools safely and efficiently in accordance with manufacturer's and safety guidelines
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions, and to communicate clearly and concisely
• Ability to perform moderately heavy manual tasks under variable and sometimes adverse weather conditions
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, school personnel, fellow employees and the general public
• Skill in the use of equipment and tools used in maintenance of athletic fields and grounds
• Some experience in the operation of equipment and power tools used in maintenance of athletic fields and grounds around buildings

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions

The work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is performed in classrooms, offices, work stations and meeting rooms.

The position requires occasional walking, standing, sitting, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and lifting/carrying work related items weighing less than 40 pounds, such as books, papers and presentation materials. The employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Attendance at conferences and professional development is required. Work involves everyday risks and discomforts which require normal safety precautions when operating equipment or performing job duties. May work prolonged or irregular hours and must be able to maintain emotional control under stress.

Additional Information

• Work requires sufficient physical strength, agility, dexterity, and hand-eye-foot coordination to perform all essential functions including operating power mowers and tools, lifting and carrying objects weighting up to 50 pounds, reaching in front of body and overhead while holding or carrying objects. Duties also require frequent sitting, walking, kneeling, squatting, pushing, pulling, twisting, and bending. Work also requires employee to climb and work from ladders, catwalks and supports up to heights of 45 feet. Work is performed primarily outdoors in the operation of mowers and other power tools, and exposes employee to potential hazards such as dust, exhaust fumes, sharp cutting blades, and flying rocks and debris. Employee is also exposed to potential physical hazards when working off ladders, catwalks and supports, and to potential chemical hazards when handling and applying chemicals. Work requires the frequent use of safety clothing and equipment and compliance with safety rules and procedures. Must be able to handle stressful situations as necessary.