Senior Groundskeeper

Overview Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) as a Senior Groundskeeper (Groundskeeper IV) at Kerrville State Hospital. This full-time position includes a day shift and a starting salary in the range of $3,649.83 – $4,594.50 per month. Telework is not eligible. Travel up to 5% may be required. The role is Regular, Full time, with an associated location at Kerrville State Hospital, 721 Thompson Dr, Kerrville, TX. This notice includes the agency, department, posting and closing date information and indicates the posting audience as Internal and External. The organization offers comprehensive benefits, including 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees and a defined benefit pension plan, among other benefits. Responsibilities Maintain and improve the appearance of hospital grounds and flower beds, including mowing, weeding, fertilizing, and operating sprinkler systems. Remove plants, trim trees and shrubs, and train or supervise other groundskeeping staff on daily and weekly tasks. Serve as a team lead on groundskeeping projects and manage schedules for routine work. Safely and efficiently operate power and gas-operated equipment; train others to use the equipment. Maintain groundskeeping tools, supplies, and equipment; perform minor repairs as needed. Ensure parking lots, roads, fences, and sidewalks are free from obstructions and in good repair. Minimize nuisance animals (e.g., snakes, rodents, feral cats) and take preventive and humane actions as needed. Perform related maintenance duties in coordination with maintenance staff. May participate in disaster response, COOP activation, or alternate shift/ location as required. Essential Job Functions (EJFs) Attend work regularly and be prepared for specific or rotating shift schedules, extended shifts, or overtime as needed. Perform groundskeeping duties including mowing, trimming, fertilizing, and planting; safely use gas and power-operated tools; train others to use tools appropriately. Schedule and lead departmental work (daily, weekly, monthly) for groundskeeping, including insect treatment, hedge trimming, litter control, and mowing; designate mowing and weed-eating zones. Oversee quality of work, report significant issues to the supervisor, and initiate beautification projects with supervisor approval; ensure sprinkler systems work properly. Operate tractors with implements and assist in tasks such as stump removal, debris cleanup, and moving landscaping materials; assist with tree planting or utility-related landscaping needs. Keep roads, parking lots, and sidewalks safe and debris-free; conduct sidewalk surveys in accordance with ADA and assist with weather-related maintenance as needed. Minimize nuisance animals and take humane actions to trap/remove live animals and dispose of carcasses; implement preventive measures for future issues. Collaborate with maintenance staff on general repairs and construction work as needed. If a cemetery is present, perform cemetery grounds duties, maintain burial logs, and ensure log retention with backup storage. Participate in disaster response and COOP activities as assigned. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) Knowledge and ability to safely fell and remove large trees around buildings and infrastructure. Knowledge to minimize nuisance animals such as rodents, snakes, and feral cats. Knowledge of horticulture and landscape design and the ability to apply it to projects. Skills to safely operate power equipment (mowers, clippers, tractors, chain saws, backhoes, pruning shears) and to train others in their use. Ability to read and apply guidelines, regulations, and policies; perform basic mathematical computations; communicate effectively in writing and orally. Ability to follow written and oral instructions and to coach, train, and lead others. Physical ability to stand or walk for extended periods, work in hot/cold conditions, lift up to 50 lbs, and work harmoniously with co-workers and patients. Ability to maintain and care for hand and power tools and equipment; teach others to detect diseases in plants and grasses. Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications Must possess a valid Texas driver license or obtain one within 90 days of hire to drive state vehicles. Applicants with out-of-state licenses must provide an original certified driving record. Eligible driving record per HHSC Fleet Management policy. Initial Screening Criteria Nine (9) months of experience operating power equipment (e.g., mowers, electric clippers, tractors, chain saws, sod cutter, pruning shears) required. Nine (9) months of experience as a laborer, gardener, groundskeeper, or similar role involving vegetation and landscaping. Additional Information Applicants must pass a fingerprint background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks (CANRS, Nurse Aide, Medication Aide, Employee Misconduct, LEIE). Males 18–25 must register with Selective Service. Applicants must be at least 18; Waco and Terrell Center for Youth applicants must be 21. Flexibility in work hours may be required; overtime and/or extended hours may be necessary. Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and related hospital procedures is required; vaccination or other protective measures may be required. Tip: Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC. ADA accommodations are available during the hiring process; contact HHSC if assistance is needed. Pre-employment checks may include background checks and other diligence checks; HHSC uses E-Verify and requires I-9 documentation on day one. Telework is possible for some positions depending on policies, supervisor discretion, and business needs. #J-18808-Ljbffr