Grounds Maintenance Technician

Job Classification:  Staff, Full Time, 12 Month, Non Exempt

Reports to:    Grounds Maintenance Supervisor

Department:   Facilities 

Summary

The individual performs various grounds keeping duties on school property, requiring individual initiative and independent judgment. Incumbents work independently under general direction following clearly defined procedures and practices. Responsibilities include all aspects of grounds care on campus lawns, fields, sidewalks, roads, and parking lots. The position requires working outside in all kinds of weather and temperature extremes throughout the seasons, ability to lift 50 lbs, operate and perform maintenance on grounds care equipment. The individual may be asked to work on group projects, assist others in the maintenance of their zone, and perform duties as determined by the Supervisor of Grounds and the Director of Facilities.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Perform grounds maintenance tasks on assigned campus zones including: planting projects throughout campus, edging (by hand or machine) sidewalks and beds, hand raking of grass and leaves, hand weeding, picking up refuse, campus trash and recycling, removal of dead animals or their waste, mulching beds and trees, soil and turf renovation, tree pruning and removal, clean up and maintenance of sidewalks and asphalt parking lots, splitting and handling of firewood, and operating mowers and trimmers in a safe and efficient manner – with best maintenance practices for optimal and consistent appearance of the campus for community residents and visitors.
• 24/7 availability during seasonal snow and ice removal; using snow removal equipment or performing hand shoveling, on campus walks steps and roads, sometimes in adverse weather conditions. Application of deicing materials as needed, as directed by supervision.
• Proficient in the safe operation and maintenance of all grounds care mowers, power and hand equipment. Observing safety procedures and requirements at all times and using good judgement as to weather conditions, slope, possible hazards, and operating safety around people and objects in the work zone. 
• Proficient in operating tractors and loaders, snow removal equipment, use of wood chipper, and, willing to be trained in the operation of backhoe and forklift. The individual will maintain all equipment to manufacturer’s OEM specifications, including routine changing of mower blades and belts without assistance, responsible for daily checking and servicing of fluids and lubrication of ground’s equipment, troubleshooting and performing minor repairs, document maintenance performed, and report serious maintenance concerns to their supervisor.
• May load or unload delivery trucks of material for grounds or equipment used throughout the school campus. May set up bleachers and athletic equipment for the school athletic program and set up chairs and tables for graduation.
• Assist other crew members in special grounds projects as determined by the supervisor. Willingly help other co-workers in the completion of grounds projects throughout campus, or assist Facilities personnel in group tasks that require demanding physical labor in all kinds of weather.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Must be able to bend, stoop, lift up to 50 lbs., walk multiple steps, push a hand mower on banks, and climb step ladders.
• Knowledge of use and care of motorized equipment and hand/power tools used in grounds maintenance work.
• Knowledge of the proper use of chemicals, fertilizers, and pesticides.
• Must possess ability to communicate effectively in written form and computer email, work order, and timekeeping programs via computer.
• Must be able to work cooperatively and communicate well with fellow coworkers and Facilities staff, and be cordial with all members of the school community.
• Must follow all safety procedures and requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Two to four years of experience in grounds care maintenance. 
• Valid driver’s license. 
• Any combination of experience, training, and/or education approved by Human Resources.

Physical Demands

The conditions herein 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 job functions.

• Environment: Work is performed mostly in outdoor environments in all types of weather and temperature conditions. May be exposed to prolonged exposure to harsh sunlight, loud noise from power equipment, poison ivy or other noxious plants, deicing compounds, dusty working conditions, herbicides, insecticides, and other pesticides, horticultural chemicals and their fumes or residuals. The individual is required to wear protective gear such as gloves in application of ice melt, dust masks in dry conditions, wear noise reduction hearing protection in all uses of power equipment, and be ready for work in steel/composite-toe footwear. Must adhere to all stated manufacturer’s labeled safety equipment for equipment and product.
• Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to walk, stand, and sit for prolonged periods of time; to frequently stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, reach, twist, grasp, and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull moderate to heavy amounts of weight, frequently lifting  50 lbs bags (ice melt); sufficient manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination to operate a variety of grounds maintenance tools and equipment and vehicles such as mowers, tractors, and chainsaws; and to verbally communicate to exchange information. 
• Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction. 
• Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction. 

This description is intended to provide a general scope of the position. This job description may include other duties as assigned by the manager.