Groundskeeper

GroundskeeperSt. Mark's School of Texas - Dallas, TX 75230OverviewPosition Type Full Time Job Shift DayDescriptionFounded in 1906, St. Mark's School of Texas is a non-sectarian, college-preparatory, independent day school for boys in grades one through twelve. The School's charter states that it is "designed to afford its students well-rounded physical, intellectual, moral, and religious training and instruction." The School is intended to be a diverse community of teachers and students who share a love of learning and who strive for high achievement in whatever they undertake.St. Mark's aims to prepare young men to assume leadership and responsibility in a competitive and changing world. To this end, the School professes and upholds certain values. These values include the discipline of postponing immediate gratification in the interests of earning eventual, hard-won satisfaction; the responsibility of defending one's own ideas, of respecting the views of others, and of accepting the consequences for one's own actions; and an appreciation for the lively connection between knowledge and responsibility and the obligation to serve.Position DescriptionThe Groundskeeper is responsible for maintaining the school's outdoor areas, athletic fields, landscaping, walkways, and other exterior facilities in a safe, clean, attractive, and functional condition. This position supports a positive learning environment by ensuring that school grounds are well maintained and safe for students, faculty, staff, families, and visitors. The Groundskeeper reports to the Assistant Director of the Physical Plant under the direction of the Director of the Physical Plant.The Groundskeeper works closely with the Physical Plant Department and various members of the school community and may assist with general maintenance, event preparation, and other campus needs as assigned.ResponsibilitiesMaintain lawns, landscaped areas, flower beds, trees, shrubs, and other campus vegetationMow, edge, trim, fertilize, seed, aerate, and water lawns as neededPrune shrubs, trees, and other landscaping to maintain a neat appearance and appropriate visibility around campusMaintain athletic fields and recreational areas, including mowing, field preparation, marking/striping, and general upkeep as requiredRemove weeds, leaves, branches, litter, and other debris from school groundsKeep sidewalks, entrances, parking areas, playground areas, and outdoor gathering spaces clean and free of hazardsInspect school grounds regularly and promptly report or correct unsafe conditions, including damaged sidewalks, fencing, playground equipment, irrigation systems, or landscapingOperate and maintain groundskeeping equipment such as lawn mowers, trimmers, blowers, edgers, tractors, utility vehicles, and hand toolsPerform routine cleaning and minor maintenance of groundskeeping tools and equipmentMonitor and maintain irrigation and sprinkler systems and report or perform minor repairs when necessaryAssist with seasonal grounds maintenance and weather-related cleanupSupport campus setup and cleanup for athletic events, school programs, graduation, outdoor activities, and other special eventsAssist the maintenance/facilities team with minor repairs, moving equipment or furniture, deliveries, and other campus projects when neededFollow established safety procedures when operating equipment and handling fertilizers, herbicides, cleaning products, or other materialsProperly store tools, equipment, chemicals, and supplies in accordance with school safety proceduresWork carefully around students, particularly during arrival, dismissal, recess, athletic activities, and other periods when students are outdoorsMaintain professional and respectful interactions with students, employees, parents, visitors, vendors, and contractorsRespond appropriately to urgent maintenance or grounds-related situations when assignedMust maintain appropriate professional conduct and follow all school policies regarding student safety, campus security, and interactions with community membersPerform other duties related to campus grounds and facilities as assigned by the supervisor within the Physical Plant DepartmentQualificationsHigh School diploma or equivalent (Associate's or certification in landscaping/horticulture preferred)3-5 years of experience in groundskeeping or landscapingPrior supervisory or leadership experienceKnowledge of landscaping techniques, irrigation systems, and plant careAbility to operate and maintain grounds equipmentStrong organizational and communication skillsBasic knowledge of safety procedures and regulationsPhysical Requirements/Working EnvironmentPerform physically demanding outdoor work for extended periodsFrequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb, reach, push, and pullRegularly lift and carry materials, tools, and equipment weighing approximately 50 pounds, with heavier lifting performed with assistance or appropriate equipmentSafely operate landscaping and groundskeeping equipmentWork outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and direct sunlightWork around dust, grass, pollen, landscaping materials, equipment noise, and other conditions normally associated with grounds maintenanceQualified candidates must complete an online application, including a cover letter and resume.