Grounds Maintenance Worker

EmployerCity of GoldsboroSalary$17.65 HourlyLocation1601 N. Clingman Street GoldsboroJob TypeTemporary EmployeeJob Number2026-00029DepartmentPW - Building MaintenanceOpening Date04/10/2026Closing DateContinuousDescriptionBenefitsQuestionsSUMMARY OBJECTIVEThe purpose of this position is to perform a variety of unskilled to semi-skilled manual labor tasks and duties as required to maintain City grounds, including rights-of-way, parcels/lots, sidewalks, etc. An employee in this class performs manual duties to mow grass, trim bushes and trees, load and haul materials, supplies, soil, dirt, etc. in the performance of daily operations. Work is labor intensive and requires the use of basic gas, electric and hand tools, including weed eaters, blowers, rakes, shovels, pitchforks, hedge trimmers, chainsaws, axes, hoes, etc. Employee may operate commercial mowers or tractors with flail and bush hog mowers on occasion. Employee will assist with application of fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides and herbicides. Work is performed in accordance with established safety rules and regulations. This job works under close supervision according to set procedures.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary. Uses various gas, electric and hand tools to perform daily tasks, including weed eaters, blowers, chain saws, shovels, rakes, bush axes, hoes, etc., but may operate commercial mowers and tractors on occasion.Ensures tools, machinery and equipment are properly maintained; completes daily checks and preventative maintenance requirements, and schedules maintenance and repairs accordingly to ensure equipment remains in good working order.Performs fundamental preventive maintenance on mowers, weed eaters, edgers, hedge trimmers, blowers, etc. as needed.Performs varied landscaping duties, including mowing, weed eating, trimming shrubs and trees, seeding grass, and spreading lime and fertilizer, as well as applying herbicides, fungicides and pesticides for weeds and insects.Assists with manually cleaning catch basins and other drainage structures to remove obstructions, primarily during heavy rain events.Assists building maintenance staff with fundamental tasks as needed, including setting up for the City's special functions throughout the year.Prepares daily logs and other reports to track performance and completed tasksAssists other departments and agencies as needed.Performs related work as assigned.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITITESKnowledge of the standard methods, materials, equipment and principles used in landscaping, as well as turf and grounds maintenance, with specific regard to municipal right-of-ways and parcels/lots.Knowledge of the operational and preventative maintenance requirements for equipment and vehicles assigned to perform primary duties.Knowledge of the occupational hazards and proper safety precautions involved in the operation of assigned equipment and performance of daily responsibilities.Knowledge of tools, materials and methods used in grounds maintenance work.Knowledge of the concepts and philosophy of teamwork and ability to work effectively as part of a team.Knowledge of street locations and the geographic layout of the City.Skill in the operation of equipment used in daily tasks.Skill in the use of basic hand, gas and or electric tools used in performance of duties.Ability to perform strenuous manual work at a steady pace and under austere weather conditions.Ability to understand and follow specific instructions, both oral and written.Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other co-workers, supervisors and the general public.Ability to work effectively as part of a team.Ability to respond with courteous to citizens.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: High School Graduation or GED equivalent.One year of maintenance work or related experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES: Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license with an acceptable driving history.Possession of a NC Pesticide Applicator License with categories H and L preferred. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement. Performs heavy work that involves constantly lifting, shoveling, and carrying 35 to 50 pounds on a regular and recurring basis and exerting 100 pounds of force on an occasional basis. UNAVOIDABLE HAZARDS (WORK ENVIRONMENT): Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken. Involves routine and frequent exposure to: Bright/dim light; Dusts and pollen.Extreme heat and/or cold; Wet or humid conditions. AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE The City of Goldsboro is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the City to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management. STANDARD CLAUSES May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays and emergencies (man-made or natural) to meet the business needs of the City. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions and responsibilities that are required of an employee for this job. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice. ESSENTIAL SAFETY FUNCTIONS It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures, and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses. Every manager/supervisor is responsible for enforcing all safety rules and regulations. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that a safe work environment is maintained, safe work practices are followed, and employees are properly trained. The City of Goldsboro is an Equal Opportunity Employer. "Always looking for great teammates!" Benefits Summary The following is a summary of the City of Goldsboro benefits: Vacation Leave : Employees earn vacation leave as follows: Years of Service Days per Year 0 - 4 years 12 5 - 9 years 15 10 - 14 years 18 15 - 19 years 21 20 + years 23 A maximum of 30 vacation days may be carried over from one calendar year to the next. Any excess of 30 vacation days on December 31 of each year may be transferred to employees sick leave balance, provided that they have taken five (5) days of vacation in the calendar year. Holidays : City paid holidays are New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving (2 days) and Christmas (3 days). When a holiday falls on a Saturday, the previous Friday shall be observed. When a holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday shall be observed. In order to receive a paid holiday, an employee must be on paid status before and after the holiday. Sick Leave: Sick leave is accrued at one day per month or 12 days per year. Employee Assistance Program The Employee Assistance Program is available to all full-time employees and covered dependents on the employee's health insurance plan. Part-time employees who work 30 hours or more per week on a continuous year-round basis are also eligible for EAP services. Employees and dependents each receive three free visits per year. Services include, but are not limited to, financial counseling, depression, mental illness, and end of life/terminal illness. Medical and Dental Insurance: The City of Goldsboro is fully-insured, and provides medical, dental, and vision insurance through the State Health Plan (SHP), MetLife, and Community Eye Care respectively. Medical, dental, and vision coverage is available to all full-time employees. Part-time employees who are scheduled to work 30 hours or more per week on a continuous year-round basis may, if they so desire, purchase available group health through the City for themselves and qualified dependents. The coverage for medical is the first day of the month following the date of employment and dental is effective on the first day of employment, vision insurance is effective the first day of the month following the effective date of employment. Medical insurance is provided to full-time employees at a minimal cost and pro-rated for part-time employees. The types of coverage available are individual (Employees only), Employee/Child, Employee/Spouse, and family. Dental and vision insurance is available at cost to the employee and/or his/her dependents. Premiums are paid through payroll deduction on a pre-tax basis. Life Insurance: All regular employees are provided a basic term life insurance coverage policy in the amount of $20,000.00 at no cost. Wellness Assistance Benefit The City of Goldsboro offers a wellness assistance benefit of $25/month to employees. This can be used to offset the cost of dental insurance or gym membership. Employees must meet eligibility requirements for the State Health Plan and show proof of membership (if gym membership is selected). Flexible Spending Account Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) provide you with an important tax advantage that can help you pay for health care and dependent care expenses on a pre-tax basis. By estimating your family's health care and dependent care costs for the next year, you can lower your taxable income and save money. The City of Goldsboro offers a FSA through Health Equity. The Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is available to all full-time employees who are scheduled to work 40 hours per week. The FSA is effective the first day of the month following the date of employment. These are some of the expenses FSAs can be used for: medical and dental services, chiropractic services, orthodontia, and the child or adult dependent care. Social Security: The City employees are members of the Social Security System. The employee contributes 6.2% (FICA) and 1.45% (Medicare) for a total of 7.65% of their annual salary and the City contributes the same amount. Social Security benefits include retirement and disability payments and survivor's insurance. Tuition Reimbursement: Tuition reimbursement is available to all full-time employees up to $2500 per fiscal year for job-related courses or required courses leading to a job-related degree. This is subject to department approval and an employee must complete probation before reimbursement is granted. Promotion Opportunities: Employees are encouraged to apply for internal positions. Employment opportunities for current employees are posted on the City's Intranet. Retirement: All employees who are in a regular position that requires 1,000 hours or more of service per year are covered under the North Carolina Local Governmental Employee's Retirement System (NC LGERS). The employee contributes 6% of their annual salary on a tax deferred basis. The City contributes to the employee's retirement account. Eligibility for unreduced monthly benefits begins upon retirement after 30 years of service at any age, at age 65 with 5 years creditable service or at age 60 with 25 years creditable service. Police Officers and Park Rangers may retire at age 55 with 5 years of service and receive an unreduced benefit. Eligibility for reduced monthly benefits begins after you reach age 50 and complete 20 years of creditable service or you reach age 60 (age 55 if you are a firefighter) and complete five years of creditable service. Police Officers may retire early with a reduced retirement benefit after you reach age 50 and complete 15 years of creditable service as an officer. 457 & 401K Supplemental Retirement Plan: The City of Goldsboro offers the NC Supplemental Retirement Plans, 401K and 457. The City contributes 4% to the 401K for all non-sworn full-time employees and 5% for sworn police officers (as approved by the Council) and the 457 plan is voluntary with no contribution by the City. The 457 and the 401k allow employees to set aside funds which is through payroll deduction and is tax deferred. Income tax is due when the deferred earnings are returned to the individual normally at retirement. Worker's Compensation: All City employees are covered under the North Carolina Worker's Compensation Act. This act covers those employees who suffer injuries as a result of an accident while performing duties. The Workers' Compensation program will pay medical expenses and a portion of the employee's salary, after 7 days, if the individual is out of work as a result of a work-related disability. Compensation, Performance Appraisals and Merit Process: The City of Goldsboro is committed to hiring and retaining high quality personnel. As a result, we offer competitive salaries that are consistent with market growth. New hires may serve a six month probationary period upon date of hire and are evaluated in six-month increments. The eligibility for merit is based upon the following criteria: Employee must have an overall appraisal rating of 2.0. Employee should score at least 2.0 in competencies; any competency with a score less than 2.0 will result in employee's ineligibility. Note: The merit eligibility criteria is subject to change at the City Manager's discretion. The appraisal process in the City of Goldsboro includes an evaluation of each employee's duties and responsibilities applicable to their position. Upon completion of the probationary period, employees are evaluated on an annual basis. The appraisal period is from October 1 – September 30 of each year. The City of Goldsboro may provide merit incentives for high performing employees subject to City Council approval.01 Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the application screening process. The information you provide will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and that your responses can be verified from information included within the application? YesNo 02 Do you have a high school diploma or GED equivalent? YesNo 03 Do you have a minimum of one year of maintenance work or related experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience? YesNo 04 Do you possess and can you maintain a valid state driver's license with an acceptable driving history? YesNo 05 Do you possess an NC Pesticide Applicator License with categories H and L? YesNo * Required QuestionEmployerCity of GoldsboroDepartmentPW - Building MaintenanceAddress1601 Clingman Street Goldsboro, North Carolina, 27530