Groundskeeper

Under direction of the Maintenance and Custodial Director the Groundskeeper is responsible for maintaining and enhancing outdoor spaces, including parks, and other landscaped areas. The role involves performing a variety of tasks related to plant care, equipment, operation, and general grounds maintenance. Demonstrates strong ethical, professional, and service oriented customer service. Essential Duties & Responsibilities: The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

Responsible for maintaining and enhancing the outdoor areas of the property, ensuring that lawns, gardens, and other landscapes are well-kept and aesthetically pleasing. This role involves a variety of tasks related to landscaping, grounds maintenance, and ensuring the overall cleanliness and functionality of outdoor spaces.

Key Responsibilities:

Landscape Maintenance:

• Mow, trim, and edge lawns regularly.
• Plant, weed, mulch, and water flower beds, shrubs, and trees.
• Prune and trim trees and shrubs to promote healthy growth and maintain aesthetics.

Groundskeeping:

• Clean and maintain outdoor areas including walkways, parking lots, and recreational areas.
• Remove debris, leaves, and litter from the grounds.
• Ensure proper functioning and maintenance of irrigation systems.

Equipment and Tool Management:

• Operate and maintain groundskeeping equipment such as mowers, trimmers, and blowers.
• Ensure all tools and equipment are in good working order and report any malfunctions or repairs needed.

Seasonal Tasks:

• Prepare and maintain outdoor spaces for different seasons (e.g., winter snow removal, spring planting).
• Apply fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides as needed, following safety guidelines.

Safety and Compliance:

• Follow all safety protocols and procedures to prevent accidents and injuries.
• Comply with local regulations regarding waste disposal and chemical use.

General Maintenance:

• Assist with minor repairs and maintenance tasks related to outdoor facilities.
• Report any issues or hazards to the supervisor promptly.

Customer Service and Communication:

• Provide courteous and professional service to residents, guests, or customers.
• Address and resolve any concerns related to grounds maintenance in a timely manner.

Supervision:

Works under the direction of the Maintenance and Custodial Director or Designee

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Supervises no one.

Minimum Qualification Standards:
Education, Certification and Experience:
Must have a high school diploma or GED certificate, a valid Drivers License. Relevant work experience in landscaping or grounds maintenance preferred. Knowledge of safety practices and use of personal protective equipment. Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug test.

Skills:
Physical Dexterity: Ability to handle tools and equipment with precision and care. This includes skills for operating machinery like mowers and trimmers. Manual Handling: Skill in lifting, carrying, and maneuvering heavy materials safely and efficiently. Gardening Skills: Expertise in planting, pruning, weeding, and general garden maintenance. Equipment Maintenance: Skills in performing basic repairs and maintenance on landscaping equipment and tools to ensure they operate efficiently. Problem-Solving: Ability to identify and address issues related to plant health, pest control, and equipment malfunctions. Time Management: Skill in prioritizing tasks and managing time effectively to complete work within deadlines, especially during peak seasons. Attention to Detail: Careful attention to the quality of work, ensuring that landscapes are maintained to a high standard and tasks are completed accurately. Knowledge Application: Ability to apply knowledge of plants, soil, and landscaping techniques to achieve desired results. Safety Practices: Proficiency in following safety procedures and protocols to avoid accidents and ensure safe working conditions. Customer Service: If interacting with clients or the public, skills in communication and problem resolution to address concerns or provide information. Adaptability: Flexibility to adjust to changing weather conditions, unexpected challenges, and varying job requirements. Communication: Effective verbal and written communication skills for reporting issues, coordinating with team members, and possibly interacting with clients or the public.

Knowledge:
Plant Biology and Horticulture: Understanding different types of plants, their growth habits, and care requirements, including knowledge of soil types, fertilizers, and pest management. Landscaping Techniques: Knowledge of various landscaping methods, such as planting, pruning, mulching, and design principles, to maintain and enhance outdoor spaces. Equipment Operation and Maintenance: Familiarity with the proper use, maintenance, and repair of landscaping equipment and tools, such as lawnmowers, trimmers, and irrigation systems. Soil Science: Insight into soil types, composition, and how to amend soil for optimal plant health and growth. Est and Disease Identification: Ability to identify common pests and plant diseases and understand appropriate treatment methods. Irrigation Systems: Knowledge of different irrigation methods and systems, including installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Safety Procedures: Understanding of safety protocols related to chemical use (e.g., pesticides, herbicides), machinery operation, and general groundskeeping tasks to prevent accidents and ensure a safe work environment. Environmental Regulations: Awareness of local regulations and best practices related to environmental conservation, waste disposal, and chemical use. Weather Patterns: Understanding how weather conditions affect plant growth and grounds maintenance tasks, including seasonal variations and climate impact. Customer Service: Basic knowledge of customer service principles, especially if interacting with clients or the public, to address concerns or provide information.

Ability:
Technical Skills: Proficiency in using and maintaining landscaping equipment and tools (e.g., mowers, trimmers, chainsaws) is essential. Attention to Detail: A keen eye for detail ensures that landscaping, grounds maintenance, and aesthetic elements are well-managed and meet quality standards. Problem-Solving: Groundskeepers often need to troubleshoot issues such as equipment malfunctions, pest problems, or plant health issues and find effective solutions. Time Management: The ability to prioritize tasks and manage time efficiently is crucial for completing work within deadlines, especially in busy seasons. Knowledge of Plants and Soil: Understanding different types of plants, their needs, and soil conditions helps in proper care and maintenance. Safety Awareness: Being aware of safety procedures and protocols to prevent accidents and injuries while operating machinery or handling chemicals. Communication Skills: Good communication is necessary for coordinating with other team members, reporting issues, and interacting with the public if needed. Adaptability: The ability to adapt to changing weather conditions, unexpected challenges, and varying tasks is important for effective grounds maintenance.

Physical Demands:
Lifting and Carrying : Groundskeepers frequently lift and carry heavy objects like bags of soil, mulch, or equipment. This can involve lifting up to 50 pounds or more. Manual Labor : Tasks such as digging, planting, and raking require physical effort and stamina. This work often involves bending, crouching, and kneeling . Operating Equipment : Groundskeepers use various equipment like lawnmowers, trimmers, and blowers. Handling and maneuvering this equipment can be physically demanding. Walking and Standing : The job often involves long periods of walking or standing on uneven terrain, which can be tiring and physically taxing. Endurance : Working in different weather conditions, such as heat or cold, and sometimes for extended hours, requires good physical stamina. Climbing and Reaching : Tasks may include climbing ladders for tree trimming or reaching to maintain high or difficult-to-access areas.

Work Environment:
Outdoor Settings: Groundskeepers typically work outdoors in a variety of environments, including parks, gardens, sports fields, golf courses, and residential or commercial properties. Exposure to varying weather conditions is a regular part of the job. Weather Conditions: Groundskeepers often work in hot, cold, wet, or windy weather. They may need to adapt to extreme temperatures and precipitation, which can affect the comfort and safety of the job. Physical Environment: The job may involve working on uneven or sloped terrain, which can be physically challenging. Groundskeepers may also be in areas with heavy vegetation, dirt, or debris. Noise Levels: The work environment can be noisy, especially when using equipment like lawnmowers, trimmers, or leaf blowers. Ear protection may be required to prevent hearing damage. Exposure to Chemicals: Groundskeepers may handle fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides. Proper training and protective equipment are necessary to safely manage chemical exposure. Seasonal Variation: The workload and type of tasks can vary with the seasons. For example, lawn care and planting might be more intensive in spring and summer, while leaf removal and winter preparation may be prominent in fall and winter. Team or Solo Work: Depending on the job, groundskeepers may work as part of a team or independently. Team environments require coordination and communication, while solo work demands self-motivation and time management Public Interaction: In some settings, groundskeepers may interact with the public, such as in parks or community spaces. This requires professionalism and good communication skills. Safety Considerations: Groundskeepers need to be aware of safety practices to avoid injuries from equipment, chemicals, or environmental hazards. Proper training and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) are crucial Maintenance Facilities: Groundskeepers may work out of maintenance facilities or sheds where equipment is stored and repaired. These facilities can be basic or more advanced, depending on the organization.