Groundskeeper

Vacancy #62000084 Work location: Starke, FL Job Overview The Florida Department of Military Affairs provides management oversight of the Florida National Guard and supplies units and personnel ready to support national security objectives. The mission is to protect public safety, support national, state, and community programs, and contribute to the United States and the State of Florida. Benefits Health, Dental, Vision, and Supplemental Insurance Life Insurance Vacation and Sick Leave Paid Holidays Career Advancement Opportunities Tuition Waiver for Public College Courses Pre‑employment drug screening required Direct deposit/electronic transfer program required Monthly pay This position is a Cooperative Agreement position Candidate documentation required for verification of minimum qualifications National Agency Check background investigation clearance required Minimum Requirements High School Diploma or equivalent One (1) year experience landscaping or maintaining grounds and property or related work Physical Requirements Must be able to bend, squat, climb, kneel, twist, grasp, push, and pull Manual dexterity with hands and fingers Must lift a minimum of 50 lbs or more Duties and Responsibilities Maintain all lawns (length not exceeding 6 inches between cuttings) Maintain field areas (length not exceeding 8 inches, including fence lines) Maintain edges along sidewalks and curb areas once a month during the growing season Trim hedges and shrubs at least once a month during the growing season Caring for established lawns through mulching, aerating, weeding, grubbing, and removing thatch Trim and/or edge around flower beds, walks, or walls Pick up and empty waste and recycling receptacles as required Maintain irrigation systems, including winterizing and restarting in spring Trim or pick flowers and clean flower beds Use hand tools such as shovels, rakes, pruning saws, hedge trimmers, axes, and similar equipment Operate equipment and tools to prune or trim trees, shrubs, or hedges using shears, pruners, or chain saws Operate vehicles and powered equipment such as mowers, tractors, twin‑axle vehicles, chain saws, electric clippers, sod cutters, and pruning saws Ensure proper maintenance and servicing of mowers, weed eaters, chainsaws, and edging equipment Perform minor maintenance and repairs on push and riding mowers, weed eaters, chain saws, hedge trimmers, walk‑behind edgers, blowers, and stick edgers Ensure an adequate supply of oil, fuel, weed‑eater string, and minor repair parts for lawn equipment Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of English language structure, composition rules, and grammar Knowledge of customer service principles and processes Knowledge of chemical composition, properties, and safe handling of substances Skills in controlling operations of equipment or systems Ability to coordinate limbs while sitting, standing, or lying down without full body motion Ability to move hand(s) quickly to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects Ability to use abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously without fatigue Ability to keep hand and arm steady while continuing movement or holding position Ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust machine or vehicle controls to exact positions Special Reminders All applicants must participate in the State of Florida E‑Verify program and provide required documentation to verify employment eligibility. Male applicants born on or after October 1, 1962, must register with the Selective Services System before their 26th birthday or obtain a Letter of Registration Exemption. All members of the Florida Retirement System must contribute 3% of their salary on a pre‑tax basis. Re‑employment may affect current retirement benefits. Equal Opportunity and Veterans Preference The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. Veterans’ Preference is available for eligible candidates. Supporting documentation (e.g., DD Form 214) must be submitted with each application. Drug‑Free Workplace All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S. #J-18808-Ljbffr