Groundskeeper

GroundskeeperThe Groundskeeper position is responsible for maintaining the appearance, safety, and functionality of campus and/or athletic grounds. This position performs routine and seasonal landscaping, grounds maintenance, and irrigation work to ensure an attractive and welcoming campus environment for students, staff, and visitors.Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesGrounds and Turf Maintenance Mow, edge, and trim campus lawns using tractor mowers, push mowers, gang mowers, and hand tools.Operate weed eaters, edgers, clippers, and backpack blowers.Perform aeration, sodding, seeding, fertilizing, and irrigation of turf areas.Collect and dispose of litter, fallen limbs, leaves, and debris.Apply fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides in accordance with safety standards and regulations.Clear overgrown areas using bush hogs or other appropriate equipment.Landscape, Tree, and Plant Care Prune and trim shrubs, flowers, and trees using hand tools, power equipment, chainsaws, ladders, or bucket trucks.Plant, transplant, and remove flowers, shrubs, and trees using hand tools or heavy equipment.Mulch and weed flower beds and landscaped areas.Remove tree stumps and unwanted vegetation using stump grinders, backhoes, or other equipment.Identify plant disease, pest issues, or safety concerns and report them to supervision.Walkways, Parking Lots, and Water Features Maintain cleanliness of sidewalks, parking lots, roads, and common areas by blowing or vacuuming debris.Clean storm drains and drainage systems to prevent blockages.Maintain campus lake and surrounding areas by removing debris and assisting with injured wildlife using approved methods and equipment.Remove snow and ice from walkways and entrances as needed.Equipment and Irrigation Maintenance Clean, inspect, and perform basic maintenance on grounds equipment and vehicles.Sharpen blades and check oil, fuel, and filters.Assist Irrigation Technician with repairing irrigation systems, including sprinkler heads, valves, pipes, and controllers.Professional Responsibilities Follow all safety procedures and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).Communicate effectively with supervisors, coworkers, students, and the public.Participate in performance reviews and contribute to department and university goals.Pursue ongoing professional development related to grounds maintenance and landscaping.Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.Relationships and CommunicationRegular interaction with immediate supervisor and work unit to exchange information and coordinate tasks.Frequent contact with students, staff, and the general public to provide information and assistance related to campus grounds.Decision-Making AuthorityPerforms assigned tasks following established procedures and guidelines.Selects appropriate tools and equipment for routine work.Completed work is reviewed by the supervisor.Education and Experience RequirementsHigh school diploma or equivalent.One to two (1–2) years of experience in groundskeeping, landscaping, or a related field.Valid South Carolina driver's license.Ability to read and understand instructions for equipment operation, chemicals, and materials.Experience operating grounds maintenance tools and equipment.Horticulture degree or equivalent experience preferred.Work Conditions and Physical RequirementsWork is performed primarily outdoors in varying weather conditions.Regular exposure to noise, dust, heat, cold, chemicals, and fumes.Frequent lifting and carrying of equipment and materials up to 70 pounds.Frequent bending, stooping, reaching, pushing, pulling, and walking.Regular operation of mowers, tractors, blowers, weed eaters, and hand tools.On-Call ResponsibilitiesGroundskeepers may be subject to call-back during emergencies, including downed trees, snow and/or ice removal, or special events on campus.