Head Groundskeeper

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervise the maintenance of grounds and related equipment in the absence of the Director of Buildings & Grounds.

• Ability to maintain and care for school grounds. Perform all aspects of landscape maintenance.

• Supervise seasonal workers, part-time or full-time staff assigned to grounds and personnel assigned to snow removal operations.

• Must be able to lift and move moderate loads (40-60 lbs.) on a regular basis and heavier loads (60-100 lbs.) on less frequent basis.

• Able to layout, maintain and mark athletic playing fields and related equipment.

• Possess and maintain a valid Illinois D with no restrictions.

• Ability to read blueprints, schematics and sketches.

• Ability to work overtime as required.

• Ability to operate snow and ice management equipment and run the snow and ice removal operations in the absence of the Director.

• Demonstrates proficient use of English language in written and oral forms.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Use/operate computer equipment and software related to the position.

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all staff and the public.

• Other duties as assigned by the Principal, Athletic Director, Assistant Athletic Director or the School Board may deem appropriate.

• Consistent calendar review to anticipate and complete building needs for scheduled events. Adapts assignments based on changes to building schedule and/or unexpected events (e.g. weather conditions etc.)

• Maintains daily clear electronic communication with the Athletic Director regarding field conditions

• Maintains and cares for school grounds and performs all aspects of landscaping maintenance; including the following but not limited to: mows, trims and maintain turf areas; chemical and physical removal of weeds; rake and remove leaves, ground litter and trash container pickup; ground level tree and shrub maintenance; woodchip and ornamental bed maintenance; planting and installing plant material; watering turf and plant materials.

• Determines daily work assignments for assigning and scheduling the grounds crew and monitor work to completion.

• Supervises seasonal workers, part-time or full-time staff assigned to grounds and personnel assigned to snow removal operations.

• Train grounds workers on safe work practices and the proper use of equipment.

• Maintain and repair grounds infrastructure as needed.

• Maintain athletic fields, equipment and associated inventories. Layout and mark athletic field.

• Maintain synthetic turf field and associated equipment.

• Maintain and repair ground equipment, ensuring it operates safely, economically, and in accordance with established safety guidelines and regulations.

• Purchase parts, supplies and equipment as needed.

• Operate snow and ice management equipment and run the operation in the absence of the Director.

• Must be available for emergency call-backs during holidays, weekends, and outside of the traditional workday.

• Other related duties as required or assigned.

• Must be physically able to perform the duties outlined above.

QUALIFIED CANDIDATE WILL BE ABLE TO SUCCESSFULLY OPERATE AND POSSES A WORKING KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Hand tools

• Power tools

• Computer systems and software

• Synthetic Turf maintenance

• Vehicle & trailer maintenance & operation

• Tractors, loaders, farm implements and other heavy equipment maintenance & operation

• 2-way radio operation

• Chemical pesticide application

• Small equipment repair

• Snow and ice removal operations

SKILLS TO SUPPORT THESE DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintains punctual and regular attendance;

• Conscientious and self-motivated with a strong work ethic;

• Works well with students and staff;

• Ability to maintain confidentiality;

• Ability to control situations that might otherwise escalate;

• Responds appropriately to sensitive and emergency situations;

• Basic computer proficiency

• The ability to communicate effectively with students, parents and visitors;

• Ability to maintain a safe environment both inside and outside of the school building;

• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers, students and parents;

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time.

• Will be required to work both indoors and outdoors, occasionally experiencing exposure to various weather conditions;

• Other skills as determined by administration

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma required; a degree or certification in landscaping is preferred.

• Possession of an Illinois Pesticide Operators License or the ability to obtain one within six months of employment. An Illinois Pesticide Applicators License is preferred.

• Experience in scheduling and coordinating grounds maintenance work is preferred.

• Experience in planning and managing snow and ice removal operations, including performing routine maintenance on related equipment, is preferred.

• Experience in athletic field maintenance is preferred.

• Experience operating grounds equipment, with the ability to perform routine maintenance, is preferred.

• Experience in construction trades and infrastructure maintenance is preferred.

• An equivalent combination of education and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position may also be considered.

WORKING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to work outdoors for extended periods in all weather conditions.

• Must be able to perform effectively in a fast-paced and occasionally high-stress environment.

• Willingness and ability to work long hours, including during adverse weather conditions, as needed.

• Must be in good physical condition and capable of performing strenuous physical labor.

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, and perform other physical tasks for prolonged periods.

• Must be able to climb and work safely from ladders.

• Regular exposure to herbicides, chemicals, combustible materials, and high noise levels is expected.

WORKING DAYS/HOURS

• Monday - Friday, 6:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m

• Duties and responsibilities may require working hours beyond set hours and days.

REPORTS TO

Director of Building and Grounds

EVALUATED BY

Director of Building and Grounds

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Yes

SALARY & BENEFITS

• Start Date on or around July 15, 2025

• $81,684.51 (includes $6,600.00 skilled stipend) ($39.27 approximately per hour including skilled stipend) for the school year July 1, 2025- June 30, 2026. Annual salary prorated by start date.

• Hours per day - 8

• Hours per year - 2080

• Days per year - 260

• IMRF pension the employee is vested after 10 years of employment

• 10 paid vacation days

• 17 paid holidays

• 14 sick days

• Medical & dental insurance

• Paid term life insurance policy equal to annual base salary

FLSA STATUS

• Non-Exempt

As a matter of policy, the race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, unfavorable discharge from military service, or any other unlawful basis of discrimination, including harassment as defined and provided by the Illinois Human Rights Act and all other applicable state and federal laws shall not be considered either a qualification or disqualification of any applicant