Lead Groundskeeper

Lead GroundskeeperUnder limited supervision, oversees grounds maintenance and landscaping work including, but not limited to, storm water maintenance, weeding, landscape installation, grass cutting, edging, hedge trimming, tree pruning, mulching decorative and playground areas, leaf removal, snow removal, and cleanup duties. Work involves assisting and leading crews while they work to complete routine tasks and work orders responsibly, safely, and efficiently, communicating with on-site staff, administration, and supervisors about the status of tasks related to landscape maintenance, directing the efforts of contractors as they complete landscape maintenance tasks, fostering a team environment within the department, and operating motorized equipment such as mowers, edgers, and other types of power equipment. Work assignments are performed accordance with accepted practices. Work is performed in a team environment. Tact, courtesy, and good communication skills are required in frequent contacts with co-workers, department heads, officials, and the public. Employee must exercise independent judgment and initiative in performing assigned duties. Reports daily to and works closely with the Grounds Supervisor.Responsibilities & Duties1. Lead crews to cut grass, including weed eating, edging, and blowing.2. Communicate with Supervisor, on site staff, and administration to keep all stakeholders apprised of the statues of landscaping projects and work orders.3. Manage the efforts of contractors as they complete landscaping tasks.4. Lead crews to install, weed, and maintain mulched beds and decorative areas.5. Work in a team environment to complete landscaping projects.6. Check and make minor repairs to maintenance equipment.7. Lead crews to trim shrubs and remove weeds from hedges.8. Lead crews to prune trees for safety, structure, clearance, and aesthetics.9. Clean grounds and remove litter.10. Use provided technology (desktop, laptop, tablet) to document and complete work orders.11. Train staff to operate equipment, perform tasks, complete projects, and assist other crews and departments.12. Lead crews to maintain storm water infrastructure including curb drains, drain boxes, outlets, and inspected BMPs.13. Check outside facilities for cleanliness and safety.14. Lead crews to remove fallen leaves from grounds, or mulch in place where possible15. Lead crews to salt public passageways to prevent ice buildup.16. Lead crews to remove snow from walks and driveways.17. Assist with site improvement projects and/or drainage issues such as water and sewer utilities, road and pavement repairs, etc.18. Other related duties as assigned by supervisor and the Director of Maintenance Services.Minimum Education, Experience and Requirements1. High School Diploma or Equivalent.2. Valid N.C. Driver's License.3. Horticultural or landscape training preferred.4. Minimum of three years experience with landscaping tools such as string trimmer, edger, blower, zero turn mower, push mower, tiller, chainsaw, hedge trimmer, and hand tools such as shovels, rakes and pitch forks.5. Valid CDL License desired.6. Valid NC pesticide applicators license desired.Knowledge, Skills and Abilities1. Physical ability to perform manual labor and utilize various motorized equipment and hand tools outdoors throughout the entire calendar year and in adverse weather conditions.2. Ability to safely drive large maintenance vehicles, tow trailers, and maneuver in tight spaces.3. Considerable knowledge of various grounds maintenance and landscaping functions.4. General knowledge of safety precautions applicable to grounds maintenance.5. Have considerable knowledge of use and operation of grounds tools and equipment.6. Have knowledge of DPS and maintenance rules, policies, and procedures including but not limited to those relating to purchasing, work orders, and others.7. Ability to direct the efforts of contractors on site, and communicating with stakeholders.8. Ability to prepare reports, maintain logs, and keep records according to prescribed formats.9. Be able to perform minor repairs of grounds equipment in the field.10. Ability to direct the work of a crew productively, safely, and harmoniously in a team environment in all weather conditions.11. Ability to monitor the condition of the route/zone and adjust schedules to accommodate changing conditions.12. Have good communication skills and ability to direct the work of a crew in a team environment in challenging conditions13. General knowledge of the operational capabilities of the District's computerized work order system and is able to provide assistance as needed to subordinates working in the trade.14. Be able to stay productive and maintain the productivity of a crew without constant direct supervision.15. Be able to properly prune and shape hedges and trees.16. Ability to learn and identify common decorative landscape plants, common perennial and annual weeds in turf and beds, hot and cool season grasses, and common pests and diseases in the landscape and lawn.17. Ability to safely handle and use pesticides, and to get and maintain a NC pesticide applicators license.18. Be able to teach and guide employees in all of the above.Physical Requirements: (what is required to perform the job? Climbing, lifting, standing, twisting, etc. How many pounds: Duration of exertion, etc.) 1. Ability to exert over 100 lbs. occasionally; 50-100 lbs. frequently; or up to 20-50 lbs. constantly.Physical Activity Non-Physical Demands Climbing/Balancing O Time Pressure O Crawling/Kneeling F Emergency Situation O Walking F Frequent Change of Tasks O Irregular Work Schedule/Overtime R Running R Performing Multiple Tasks F Standing F Simultaneously Working Closely with others as part F Sitting O of a Team Bending/Stooping F Tedious or Exacting Work F Lifting/Carrying F Noisy/Distracting Environment F Grasping/Twisting F Other Reaching F Pushing/Pulling F Fingering/Typing O OthersEnvironmental Factors C F O R N D W M S N Continuously Frequently Occasionally Rarely Never Daily Several Times Several Times Seasonally Never Per Week Per Month -Health and Safety Factors- -Environmental Factors- Mechanical Hazards C Respiratory Hazards S Chemical Hazards F Extreme Temperatures S Electrical Hazards O Noise and Vibration D Fire Hazards O Wetness/Humidity W Explosives R Physical Hazards D Communicable Diseases O Physical Danger or Abuse O Other (see 1 below) RPrimary Work Location Office Environment X Vehicle X Warehouse X Outdoors X Shop X Other (see 3 below) School/Administrative BuildingsResource Requirements: (Place an X by what is required) Laptop Desktop computer (may be docking station with laptop) x e-mail address Outlook VPN x Cell phone Pager Two-way radio iPad Office phone Fax Printer 5 digit extension 10 digit telephone number x District vehicle AS400 SharePoint Software (list Microsoft office, Adobe) Audio recording device Website access Building access key/code (for necessary building access during non –traditional hours)Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Required Hard hat x gloves x flash protective equipment suit occasionally __x_ steel toe shoes x safety glasses (protective goggles) x safety vests X Ear/Hearing ProtectionMachines, Tools, Equipment x Weed Eaters __x_ mowers (push, walk behinds and riders) _x__ blowers, _x__ trimmers (bushes, hedges, trees) X Hand tools(shovels, rakes, etc…)Optional: Wi-Fi hotspot to access VPN while away from their workstation (the person may already have his/her own access)Disclaimer The following statements of the job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by an employee in this category. The description does not contain an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills and other requirements necessary of employees to perform in this position. Signature Date