Groundskeeper (Public Works)

This position, under administrative direction, is responsible for overseeing landscape maintenance services for Walworth County buildings, grounds and parks. This position ensures that county grounds are kept in excellent condition for full and productive use. This is a working foreman type of position with the understanding that whoever assumes this position will be working alongside those that may be supervised in the field.

SUPERVISION

This position will assign, supervise and review the work of laborers, seasonal employees, Master Gardeners, and contracted service providers engaged in the care and maintenance of county grounds.

SCHEDULE

Days: Monday - Friday

Work Hours: 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Hours Per Shift: 8

Shifts Per Pay Period: 10

Position FTE: 1.00 full-time, hourly non-exempt

This job description reflects management's assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

Inspect county grounds to assure safe and sanitary conditions.

Coordinate crews in work involving landscaping and maintenance of county grounds.

Prioritize, plan and assign work and supervise crews in planting, fertilizing, and trimming lawns, trees, bushes, hedges, shrubs using hand tools or motorized vehicles.

Landscape (including assistance in design) new ground areas, repair damaged ground areas, replace bushes, hedges, shrubs, and trees. Plant and weed flower beds.

Apply herbicide and pesticide chemicals to grounds, trees, bushes, shrubs and lawns to control plant diseases and insects.

Supervise and assist with snow removal from sidewalks and parking lots and apply salt and anti-icing agents on sidewalks and parking lots during winter operations.

Ensure compliance with all Federal, State, and County policies regarding the proper performance of the position (i.e. Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services).

Responsible for the care and cleaning of all equipment used in grounds maintenance such as mowers, tractor/trailers, skid steers, woodchippers, snowplows/trucks, salt spreaders, and a variety of hand/power tools.

Requisition materials and supplies for all aspects of grounds keeping.

Recommend to supervisor projects that may be necessary to improve conditions on and about the county grounds.

Assist in the development of and ensure compliance with grounds maintenance budget.

Prepare and maintain records and reports including spray logs for herbicide and pesticide applications.

Perform related work as assigned.

Demonstrate a commitment to county safety and risk management efforts.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

High school plus two additional years of formal preparation and two to three years of relevant prior work experience. Associates degree in turf grass management, horticulture/landscape horticulture, or certificate in professional grounds maintenance preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. Prior supervisory experience preferred.

Interactions and Communications

Responds to requests and initiates contacts to exchange general and sometimes complex information with others.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Valid Wisconsin commercial driver's license - class A or B required upon hire

Wisconsin Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification - Certification is required within one (1) year of the date of hire.

Must wear steel toe safety shoes. Employees in this position will receive a $100 annual stipend for the purchase of safety shoes per Walworth County Ordinance Section 15-394.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Analytical-the individual synthesizes sometimes complex and diverse information. Ability to read blueprints, interpret standard drawings and specifications, survey notes, maps and reports.

Knowledge-the individual understands office procedures, methods and equipment including personal computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

Mechanical---the individual can perform basic carpentry, small engine repair and maintenance as well as the ability to operate weed/string trimmers, hedge trimmers, lawn mowers, tractors, lawn sweepers, snow blowers, snowplows, power washers, tractors and a variety of small hand tools.

Planning/organizing-the individual prioritizes and plans own work activities, uses time efficiently and develops realistic action plans with supervisor.

Problem solving-the individual identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner and gathers and analyzes information skillfully.

Oral communication-the individual speaks clearly and concisely in positive or negative situations. Ability to respond to difficult and sensitive public inquiries.

Quality management-the individual looks for ways to improve and promote quality and demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.

Safety-the individual understands safe work practices and methods.

Written communication-the individual writes clearly and concisely.

Decision Making

This position has authority to make decisions that are within general procedures and protocols; supervision is available as required or requested. These decisions directly impact performance in the job and/or within the department and information is provided with additional research and observations which contribute to the overall decision-making process. Examples of decision-making required include determination of equipment used and methodology of lawn mowing and fertilizer/pesticide applications and determining the methodology and equipment used for snow removal on sidewalks and parking lots.

Thinking and Problem Solving

In relation to established procedures, protocols and policies of the County, challenges and problems occurring in this position tend to be diverse but are typically covered by precedent or established practice.

WORK ENVIRONMENTThe work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, and outside weather conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; high, precarious places; toxic or caustic chemicals; extreme cold; extreme heat; risk of electrical shock; and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

PHYSICAL DEMANDSThe physical 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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

TO INCLUDE:

Formal Walworth County Electronic Application

Education & Experience Review

Verification of Driver License

Oral Department Interview

Reference Check

Background Check

Post Offer Physical Exam

Drug Screen

Other job related tests may be required.