Grounds Crew

Job Title

Maintain safe and attractive grounds and landscaping for the district.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or GED (Recognized by the Texas Education Agency or Regional Accrediting Agency)

Valid Texas driver's license

Safe driving record verified by Texas Department of Public Safety (meets and maintains liability coverage eligibility)

Shall be subject to testing for use of alcohol or controlled substance that violate law or federal regulations

Candidate must have satisfactory outcome of fingerprinting background check. Non-refundable fee (approximately $50.00) paid by the employee.

Required Experience

Related work experience

Knowledge/Skills

Ability to read and understand detailed written or oral instructions

Ability to communicate effectively

Ability to operate power-driven equipment

Ability to diagnose and resolve problems

Ability to work independently

Ability to lift a minimum of fifty (50) pounds

Major Responsibilities and Duties

(The following statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned and should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions that may be assigned or skills that may be required).

Professionalism

The Educators' Code of Ethics is set forth in Texas Administrative Code to provide rules for standard practices and ethical conduct toward students, professional colleagues, school officials, parents, and members of the community.

• Rule §247.1 Purpose and Scope; Definitions
• Rule §247.2 Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators

Organization Management

The grounds crew manages administrative, fiscal, and facilities functions responsibly through activities such as the following:

• Mow and detail all district grounds, including athletic fields.
• Follow scheduled maintenance plan to care for trees, shrubs, and flowers by watering, pruning, fertilizing, mulching, carrying for beds, and controlling weeds.
• Plant shrubs and vegetation, water grounds, and apply fertilizer.
• Collect and dispose of leaves, dirt, rubbish, and refuse from district facilities.

Organization Improvement

The grounds crew promotes efforts to improve the organization through activities such as the following:

• Assist with the preparation of athletic fields for games, including chalking fields, as needed.
• Transport workers and equipment to work sites throughout the district.
• Operate vehicles, equipment, and tools in safe and professional manner.
• Inspect and adjust tools and equipment for safety and efficiency and perform preventive maintenance, as assigned.

Professional Growth and Development

The grounds crew provides leadership in professional growth and development through activities such as the following:

• Attend training and orientation to improve job skills.
• Attend meetings and professional development as required.

Qualities of an Effective Grounds Crew

The grounds crew exhibits qualities such as the following:

• Daily attendance and punctuality at work are essential functions of the job.
• Follow established safety procedures and techniques to perform job duties, including lifting, climbing, etc.
• Operate tools and equipment according to established safety procedures.
• Complete assigned work in a timely manner.
• Commitment to working well with others and maintain an effective working relationship with co-workers, supervisors, school personnel, and the public.
• Correct unsafe conditions in work area and report any conditions that are not correctable to supervisor immediately.
• Follow guidelines and instructions established by the Maintenance Coordinator(s).
• Shall comply with district policies, as well as state and federal laws and regulations.
• Shall comply with the standards of conduct as set out in Board Policy DH (Legal) and (Local) and with any other policies, regulations, and guidelines that impose duties, requirements, or standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the administration.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

Equipment

Gas powered weed trimmer, blower, edger, sprayer, garden and hand tools, small hand tools, heavy equipment including but not limited to, backhoe, tractor and mower, riding and power mower, and light truck or van and other equipment applicable to the position.

Working Conditions

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

• Work irregular and extended work hours to include holidays and weekends.
• Frequent standing, keeling, squatting, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, and twisting
• Work in tiring and uncomfortable positions.
• Frequent walking, grasping, squeezing, wrist flexion, extension, and overhead reaching.
• Frequent district wide travel.
• Travel for district training, as assigned.
• Heavy lifting and carrying on a daily basis.
• Work outside, slippery or uneven walking surfaces; frequent exposure to extreme hot and cold temperatures, dust, noise, vibration; exposure to chemical (herbicides and fertilizer) and electrical hazards; work around machinery with moving parts; may work alone; regularly work irregular hours; occasional prolonged hours.
• Maintain emotional control under stress.