Job Summary: The job of "Groundskeeper - Lead" is done for the purpose/s of maintaining attractive grounds area/s; ensuring the availability of required equipment; protecting against erosion; maintaining grounds for assemblies and/or recreational activities, ensuring assignments are completed in a safe, proper, and timely manner and directing assigned workers as necessary.
Essential Job Functions
Maintains and repairs groundskeeping equipment for the purpose of ensuring the availability of equipment in safe operating condition.
Maintains landscaping (e.g. lawns, shrubbery, planted areas, irrigation, fences, playgrounds, storm drains, etc.) for the purpose of preserving grounds in a healthy, attractive, and safe condition.
Plants various landscaping materials (e.g. lawns, shrubbery, flowers, etc.) for the purpose of keeping the areas attractive and protecting against erosion.
Prepares documentation for the purpose of providing written support and/or conveying information.
Prepares grounds (e.g. ball fields, courtyards, flower beds, etc.) for the purpose of providing adequate, attractive, and safe areas for assemblies and/or recreational activity.
Eradicates pests and rodents (e. g. bees, ants, moles, rats) for the purpose of maintaining a safe and attractive environment for grounds and facilities usage.
Removes garbage from trash containers at athletic fields, playgrounds, and other designated sites for the purpose of maintaining a healthy and attractive environment.
Winterizes equipment and buildings (e. g. drain irrigation lines and hoses, cover vents, etc.) for the purpose of protecting buildings and equipment.
Completes maintenance, installation and construction work as assigned (e. g. fencing, excavation, signage, asphalt and concrete, playground equipment, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining a safe and attractive environment for grounds and facilities usage.
Transports various items (e.g. equipment, supplies, etc.) for the purpose of providing materials at job site as required to complete tasks.
Directs less experienced employees, vendors and/or community service workers for the purpose of ensuring that assignments are completed in a safe, proper, and timely manner.
Procures equipment, supplies and materials for the purpose of maintaining availability of required items and completing jobs efficiently.
Evaluates landscaped areas, equipment, sprinkler systems and grounds (e.g. fields, parking areas, etc.) for the purpose of identifying repairs and/or replacement needs, maintain schedules and preventing erosion.
Other Job Functions
Assists other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities.
Assist on special projects as may be identified by Management.
Maintain regular and consistent attendance and punctuality.
Requests materials, supplies, parts, and equipment for the purpose of ensuring that adequate materials are available to complete assignments in a timely manner.
Perform other related duties consistent with job description and assignment.
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Minimum of two years’ increasingly responsible experience in skilled grounds keeping work or a combination of training and related experience equal to minimum requirement. Prior grounds keeping, preferably in a school or multi-site public environment preferred.
Skills to: operate all types of power tools used in grounds keeping including both light and heavy groundskeeping equipment, scissor lifts, boom trucks, and cranes in a safe manner; read and interpret plans, blue prints and/or schematics; perform basic math calculations to correctly determine fertilizer and chemical applications; use standard office equipment including computer, telephone, printer and copier; effectively use Microsoft Office computer applications including Word, Outlook, and Excel; use work order database and CMMS systems; communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively both orally in person and by phone and in writing.
Knowledge of: principles and practices of grounds keeping systems and procedures, principles and practices of work coordination and evaluation; applicable codes, policies, regulations and laws governing work procedures and practices of the trade; methods, materials, equipment, and tools used in the trade; CMMS systems, particularly SchoolDude; MSD sheets (what they are for and how to use them); applicable safety rules, practices, and procedures; local, state and federal repair, installation and operation codes; standards for safe use of fertilizers, chemicals (i. e. herbicides, pesticides, etc.) and equipment.
Ability to: manage and prioritize multiple tasks to schedule, plan, and manage a number of activities, and jobs simultaneously; prepare and maintain accurate records; work with diverse individuals and/or groups; maintain flexibility to work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; independently interpret data within defined guidelines and utilize and analyze the information to reach conclusions and make recommendations; problem solve to identify issues and create action plans; establish and maintain constructive relationships; adapt quickly to changing work priorities; develop and implement a program for the maintenance, repair, replacement, and installation of grounds keeping products; prepare estimates for time and materials; work from sketches, shop drawings and blueprints; coordinate projects with contractors; analyze technical information and prepare related reports; train others in technical skills; prioritize and schedule daily calls and preventive maintenance; read and comprehend MSD sheets; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Significant Physical Abilities include: frequent lifting/carrying/pulling, bending/stooping/ kneeling/crouching/twisting; reaching/handling/manual dexterity, talking/hearing conversations, visual acuity/depth perception with or without visual accommodation. Daily physical expectations vary between sitting at desk, being on feet for long periods of the day, being on back under machinery making repairs, or performing maintenance and/or inspections on systems. Must be able to work in crawlspaces, roofs, tunnels, vaults and climb ladders as needed. Lifting all types of weight, occasionally up to 80 pounds.
Extensive travel within the district to multiple school sites as well as some travel outside the district are involved in this work.
Work is year-round; both inside and outside in the environments. Inside work in shop or other buildings is often dusty with exposure to chemicals. Outside work can include exposure to the elements for long periods of time. May be required to work various shifts to avoid disruption of school or work.
Education Required: High School diploma or equivalent.