Groundskeeper

The posting

Primary Purpose:

Performs an array of utility services that includes landscaping, grounds keeping, material handling, property transfers, fencing, asphalting and supports all departments, especially grounds throughout the District. Provides general labor support for the various shops within the Maintenance Department.

Education / Certification:

1. High school diploma or General Education Degree (GED) preferred.
2. Valid Texas Driver’s License with driving record that meets the requirements of the district.
3. Class “A” CDL driver’s license or the ability to obtain one within 90 days.

Special Knowledge / Skills:

1. Skill and knowledge of grounds equipment and tools including tractors and large mowers.
2. Knowledge of grounds maintenance.
3. Ability to read, understand, and carry out instructions in English.
4. Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
5. Ability to operate grounds tools and equipment in a safe manner.
6. Ability to perform basic math.
7. Average knowledge and ability to use and/or learn to use a personal computer. Above average proficiency is required in the use of Maintenance Software.
8. Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out simple one or two-step instructions. Ability to deal with standardized situations with only occasional or no variables.

Experience / Other Requirements:

1. One to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

1. Assists in the repair and installation of fences and playground equipment.
2. Performs a full range of landscaping services to include watering, cultivating, trimming, edging grasses on general grounds and play areas.
3. Clears weeds, brush and undergrowth from wooded areas, fence lines, and retention ponds.
4. Removes vines and other entwined vegetation from fence fabric by hand.
5. Mows and trims grass utilizing various hand, push, and riding mowers, and powered edgers.
6. Assists in the pouring of concrete.
7. Assists in the repair of asphalt and rubberized surfaces.
8. Prunes bushes and shrubs to a uniform shape using hand shears, snips, electric pruning equipment and hatchets.
9. Rakes and picks up cut branches, limbs, mulch, sawdust and clippings from work areas/grounds and dispose of in accordance with instructions of the Maintenance Supervisor.
10. Utilizes powered brush chipper to reduce limbs, brush and branches in reusable mulch.
11. Hauls all debris and mulch to approved sites for disposal or reuse.
12. Spreads mulch, fertilizer, top soil and base soil using powered equipment such as "Bobcat" track loader and by hand in areas where hand spreading is deemed necessary.
13. Sets up and operates irrigation systems to include water reel cannons and lightweight plastic/metal piping or hose type irrigation systems.
14. Maintains confidentiality of all information.
15. Frequently required to drive District vehicles in the performance of assigned tasks.
16. Reports to work on time every day.
17. Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None.

Working Conditions:

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
2. Regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, and occasionally life and/or move more than 100 pounds.
3. Frequent climbing or balancing.
4. Talking, hearing, near vision, far vision, peripheral vision, color discrimination, depth perception, corrected vision to 20/20.
5. Tasks are performed inside and outside in extreme inclement weather with occasional exposure to cold, heat, dampness, cuts, bruises, ultraviolet sunburn, and burns from hand or power tools.
6. Occasional exposure to moving mechanical parts and high precarious places.
7. May be required to work in a confined space.
8. Frequent exposure to high noise levels.
9. Landscaping tasks require the employee to perform strenuous work under extremely harsh job conditions: stepping over and around tripping hazards and sharp objects while carrying heavy loads.
10. The employee is required to wear protective equipment when operating machinery or for heavy moves, to include wearing of protective head-gear for protection from falling objects such as limbs and branches being cut above the workplace.
11. Moderate degree of communication (verbal and written), understanding verbal instructions and emotional control.
12. May be required to work outside of normal duty hours and/or weekends or holidays in order to handle emergencies if they arise.
13. Required to carry District provided pager or two-way radios to respond to emergency service calls on a 24 hour basis.
14. The employee is required to frequently drive District vehicles in the performance of assigned tasks. The individual must pass a pre-employment physical examination to include alcohol and drug testing. The employee may be required to submit to drug and alcohol screening at any time throughout employment without prior notification.