Groundskeeper

Groundskeeper

The Groundskeeper is responsible for maintaining safe, attractive, and functional outdoor environments throughout the school district. This position performs landscaping, irrigation, athletic field maintenance, and general grounds upkeep to support student learning, staff productivity, and community use of district facilities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintain school grounds, athletic fields, playgrounds, parking lots, and landscaped areas.
• Mow, edge, trim, aerate, seed, and fertilize lawns and turf areas.
• Plant, prune, water, and care for trees, shrubs, flowers, and other vegetation.
• Inspect, operate, maintain, and repair irrigation systems.
• Apply fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides in accordance with district policies and applicable regulations.
• Remove weeds, litter, debris, leaves, and other materials from district grounds.
• Prepare and maintain athletic fields for practices, games, and special events.
• Perform minor repairs to fences, gates, sidewalks, playground equipment, and outdoor furnishings.
• Operate and maintain groundskeeping equipment including mowers, trimmers, blowers, tractors, and utility vehicles.
• Monitor grounds for safety hazards and report maintenance needs.
• Set up and tear down outdoor areas for school and community events.
• Follow all safety procedures and utilize appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Maintain records related to grounds maintenance activities, equipment inspections, and chemical applications.
• Support other facilities and maintenance operations as assigned.

Knowledge of grounds maintenance practices, landscaping, irrigation systems, and turf management. Ability to safely operate grounds maintenance equipment and tools. Knowledge of proper handling and application of chemicals and fertilizers. Ability to identify and address common plant, turf, and irrigation issues. Ability to follow written and verbal instructions. Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Effective communication and customer service skills when interacting with students, staff, and the public.

Equipment: Mowers, trimmers, blowers, tractors, and utility vehicles

Safety Requirements: Follows all applicable safety rules, procedures and regulations governing the proper use of tools and power equipment used in the performance of duties. Wear appropriate safety gear, including masks. Must comply with the school district's chemical hygiene program and follow MSDS sheets.

Travel Requirements: Limited travel to and from district sites as needed.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• One (1) year of groundskeeping, landscaping, or related experience preferred.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required pesticide applicator certifications, if applicable.
• Experience operating commercial landscaping equipment preferred.
• Clearances: Criminal Justice/Fingerprint Clearance. Measles/Mumps/Rubella Immunity/Vaccination. Valid I-9 form.

Work Environment: The work is primarily performed outdoors on school campuses and district facilities. The position may require occasional evening, weekend, or emergency response work to support district operations and special events. Frequently lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds; occasionally more with assistance. Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb, and reach for extended periods. Work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, wind, and rain. Ability to operate power equipment safely and effectively.

Terms of Employment: Hourly rate based on column D of the approved Classified Salary schedule as established by the Governing Board. 12 months, 8 hours per day

Benefits: FUSD offers a competitive compensation package, along with opportunities for professional development, healthcare coverage, retirement plans, and support for your position within the district.

Evaluation: Performance of this position will be evaluated annually by the Director of Support Services and/or the Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services, in accordance with Governing Board Policy.

Notice of Non-Discrimination: The Florence Unified School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in admission or access to or treatment or employment in its policies, procedures or practices, in compliance with Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act. The lack of English language skills shall not be a barrier to admission or participation in the district's activities and programs. The Florence Unified School District also does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices.