Grounds Worker

Grounds Worker

To perform maintenance work on district grounds to ensure a safe, efficient, and exemplary environment for students and staff.

Reports to: Grounds Supervisor

Minimum Qualifications:

• Minimum of three years of experience
• Demonstrate communication skills
• Demonstrate public relations skills
• Minimum age of 18 years
• Ability to perform job responsibilities
• Valid New Mexico Driver's License

Desired Qualifications:

• Three years of experience in ground maintenance
• Specialty/Certificate training (turf management, horticulture, pesticide, and herbicide license, athletic field preparation, playground inspector certification)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Follow local, state, and federal law, adhere to the State Public Education Department Regulations, and follow Aztec School Board Policy.
• Be able to effectively diagnose problems with a variety of mechanical equipment using diagnostic equipment.
• Be able to effectively diagnose issues such as pests and disease with turf, trees, and other vegetation and prescribe solutions of treatment.
• Advises the Grounds Supervisor on the condition of the district grounds by conducting regular inspections of those areas and reporting the results of the inspections with particular emphasis on needed repairs.
• Works with outside contractors that perform work on district property to ensure that the work is completed to the highest standards
• Operate safely and efficiently small and large equipment such as forklifts, tractors, backhoes, snowplows, power-take-off (PTO) equipment, etc.
• Ensures that the district grounds are attractive and well-kept and fostering pride in maintaining the district grounds to the highest departmental standards.
• Provides for a safe environment by removing snow, ice, leaves, fallen branches, other weather-generated debris, and trash from district grounds
• Ensure that various athletic fields are properly laid out and lined for competition use per NMAA regulations.
• Ensure that all athletic fields are properly maintained to reduce the safety risks of the people that use them.
• Coordinate with the Grounds Supervisor to remediate and control pests or invasive vegetation
• It helps to assure that the work of the Grounds Department is completed within budgetary constraints.
• Follow all safety requirements, safety guidelines, and safe work practices.
• Attend, participate in Safety Meetings as assigned
• Develop, perform and log preventative maintenance work and inspections for district grounds, equipment, and bleachers. This would include monthly Life Safety Inspections within the district.
• Perform and maintain a record of annual inspections and maintenance on district-owned equipment to ensure safe operation. This includes but is not limited to small and large gas-powered equipment, tractors, and trailers.
• Complete assigned work orders on time
• Perform emergency maintenance repairs as needed
• Ensure all irrigation pumps, valves, metering devices, and piping are working properly to increase water conservation and reduce operational costs to the district
• Assist other Department personnel as needed
• Assist with preparation, set up, and tear down of sites graduation.
• Meet emergencies in accordance with operating procedures
• Communicate effectively and professionally with students, employers, school staff, parents, and the public
• Complete required reports in a timely and professional manner
• Successfully complete all training programs and all continuing education requirements in a timely and professional manner
• Maintain good public relations within the school district and community
• Perform a variety of grounds keeping tasks that require manual labor in the growing, transplanting, cultivating, irrigation, weeding, and overall maintenance of yards and fields within the district
• Operate and maintain tractors, riding and push lawnmowers, forklifts, weed eaters, edger's, and backpack blowers, and snow removal equipment
• Repair equipment as needed
• Assist in fence repair, playground equipment, and removal of rubbish
• Move equipment safely as needed
• Perform such duties as asphalt patching and repair, sprinkler installation and repair, sports facility cleanup and set up, paint striping, and minor repairs
• Regular cleanup of leaves, branches, and needles from the pathways and stormwater channels
• Examine, report, and repair: steps, ramps, stadium bleachers, and paving for occupational safety requirements.
• Prune trees, shrubbery, and small plants
• Fertilize, top dress, and treat for weeds regularly
• Check sprinkler systems and ensure head to head coverage
• Maintain and operation irrigation pump systems within the district
• Keep walkways clear of intruding foliage
• Report vandalism and other damage of district property to supervisor
• Keep campus and district property safe for use
• Keep shop and work areas clean and safe
• Handle additional duties as assigned

Working Conditions:

• Ability to perform tasks quickly and efficiently and follow verbal directions
• Ability to work in wet, damp, dusty, pollen-filled, and windy conditions
• Ability to work around congested areas
• Ability to perform assigned duties under adverse weather conditions
• Ability to maintain a working relationship with a variety of personalities and temperaments among other school personnel, students, and public
• Ability to work a flexible work schedule around job responsibilities
• Ability to be mobile in a crowd
• Ability to wear protective gear as needed

Confidentiality:

Due to the sensitive nature of this position and access to academic, medical, and psychological records, the highest degree of confidentiality is required.

Terms of Employment:

Salary and work year to be in accord with the approved AMSD salary schedule.

Evaluation:

Performance of duty will be evaluated at least annually per the Aztec School Board Policy.

Physical Rating Level:

This position will require the employee to function at a "Medium" physical capacity as defined by Worker's Compensation Statutes: "Medium" physical capacity indicates the ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally or up to 25 pounds frequently. For physical requirement details, contact Aztec Municipal Schools.