Groundskeeper/Utility Worker

Position Overview:

Under minimal supervision, works directly with staff, faculty and outside contractors and vendors to assist in the maintenance and enhancement of outdoor spaces, including gardens, lawns and landscapes. Duties include planting, pruning, mowing, weeding and applying fertilizer and pesticides.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

Planting and Maintenance

• Plant trees, shrubs, flowers and other plants according to design plans and seasonal needs; maintain plants health through watering, fertilizing, pruning and pest control
• Mow, edge, fertilize and aerate lawns to maintain their health and appearance
• Remove weeds and apply mulch to suppress weed growth and retain moisture in garden beds
• Prune trees, shrubs and hedges to maintain their shape, health and appearance
• Maintain sidewalks, patios and hardscape areas, ensuring they are clear of weeds
• Maintain and repair gardening tools and equipment, ensuring they are safe to operate
• Ensure a safe work environment by adhering to safety regulations and using appropriate safety equipment
• Keep grounds clear of debris and litter
• Remove snow and ice
• As directed, perform building support duties, which include custodial and maintenance tasks on all facilities including the seasonal support to the ice arena
• Other related duties as assigned by the director of buildings & grounds.The listing of position duties and responsibilities is not necessarily exhaustive for this position. Omission of specific duties does not preclude the assignment of other duties if such duties are a logical assignment to the position.

Skills and Qualifications

• Understanding of plant care, soil management, pest control and landscaping principles
• Proficiency in using a variety of hand and power tools including lawnmowers, trimmers and other gardening equipment
• Ability to identify and resolve issues related to plant health, pest control and landscaping maintenance
• Accuracy and quality in all tasks, from planting to pruning
• Ability to effectively communicate with clients and team members
• Valid driving license

Minimum Qualifications:

• Working Conditions:
• May be subject to being on-call
• Carry a cell phone
• Work with hazardous materials
• Schedule changes based on the needs of the school
• Work extended hours to complete/perform scheduled or emergency functions and events
• Required to work under adverse weather conditions and varying temperatures (indoor/outdoor)

Physical Requirements:

• Required to work in confined spaces that may require extended periods of stooping, bending or kneeling, and standing for long periods
• Involves a great deal of walking
• Must possess normal vision, hearing and physical dexterity
• Required to do own laboring, lift to 50 pounds safely and be able to transport equipment (push and pull) including carts, which may carry 400 pounds

Required:

• 3 years experience performing gardening and landscaping
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and proven project management skills
• Computer literacy (MS Word/Excel, work order tracking and payroll systems)
• Availability for scheduled and on-call work evenings and weekends
• High school graduate or equivalent

Preferred:

• Experience in supervision/proven skills
• Valid Minnesota driver's license/must pass DMV background check
• Working knowledge of construction materials and methods

Team Participation:

• Participate as a contributing member of the buildings & grounds team
• As appropriate, give input for ways to improve procedures and policies currently in use to ensure business is conducted in a safe, responsible manner
• Willing to assist in other areas and with other tasks not defined in the position description

Pay Range:

$20-25 per hour

This salary range includes the expected annual salary for this position. In making a salary determination, we consider professional experience, applicable qualifications and other job-related factors. Based on these factors, a candidate's salary offer could exceed this range.

The Blake School is a pre-kindergarten through grade 12, co-educational, nonsectarian, independent day school enrolling 1,316 bright, talented students from nearly 56 Twin Cities-area communities. Founded in 1900, The Blake School has the advantage of facilities and campuses designed for specific developmental ages. Blake's mission is to engage students with a dynamic, academically challenging education in a diverse and supportive community committed to pluralism and a common set of values. Students pursue an integrated program of academic, artistic and athletic activities, preparing for college, lifelong learning and purposeful lives as community and global citizens. The school community is also guided by its Commitment to Pluralism and values .

The Blake School believes that a diverse society enriches all individuals and communities. Diversity of race, ethnicity, national origin, geography, religion, gender, affectional or sexual orientation, age, physical ability, and marital, parental or economic status forms the fabric of our society. As a result of these beliefs, The Blake School actively seeks students, families and employees who value and contribute to the fullness of a diverse community within the context of its mission. In doing so, we recognize our responsibility to help make each person's experience a success. EOE