Groundskeeper II

ABOUT US

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is one of the leading school systems in Maryland and the nation. To learn more about us and our 2024 -2029 Strategic Plan, please visit our website and our careers page. Join our award-winning workforce and make a difference in the lives of our students!

ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS

Before you begin, please read the job posting below carefully including the Application Requirements specific to this position. Be sure your application reflects experience and education required to meet the minimum and any preferred qualifications listed. Our application guide includes detailed instructions to assist you. Once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes.

Please note that application submission will be available only through 11:59 PM on the date prior to the indicated end date. If no end date is indicated, the posting will remain open indefinitely.

Job Posting End Date:

Reminder: Current permanent and temporary employees must apply through the Jobs Hub in Workday, not the external career site.

DESCRIPTION

This specializes in groundwork. The individual in this position works independently and receives general supervision from the Manager, Assistant Manager, and Leadsperson of Grounds. This position is designated as an “emergency employee” under the AFSCME negotiated agreement and requires a response during inclement weather and other emergencies. Work is evaluated periodically.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must meet all qualifications below to be considered for the vacancy.

A combination of education and experience may be considered.

Education:

• High School diploma or GED (must scan and upload to the online application). Foreign credentials must be evaluated as U.S. High School diploma or above.

Certification/Licensure:

• Valid Class A, Commercial Driver’s License with air brake endorsement and a good driving record with 2 or less points.
• Certificate from the Department of Agriculture for pesticide application in at least one of the following categories of turf, ornamental or industrial weed.
• Requirement to obtain a Certificate from the Department of Agriculture for Fertilizer Application within 6 months of starting in the position.

Experience:

• Five (5) years of experience as a groundskeeper including experience in woody plant material and turf grass management.

PREFERRED EDUCATION:

Completion of two-year certificate program in horticultural, agronomy or turf management is desirable or equivalent training and experience to meet the above requirements.

ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ability to utilize a computer to send/receive emails, type letters, enter work orders and other data entry.
• Ability to pick up, carry and handle tools, materials, and equipment of 80 to 100 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, sit, bend, squat, kneel, climb use arm, and hand movements and reach above shoulders for extended periods of time.
• Ability to work in adverse weather conditions.
• Operate backhoe, tractor, cultivation equipment, ditch witch, dump truck, and various types of hand tools.
• Assist with leadership of assigned crew and function as Leadman as required.

The above list is a summary of the functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all job responsibilities, tasks, and duties.

Employee Safety

• The employee is responsible for the use of safety devices and protective equipment in order to minimize the frequency and severity of work-related accidents. The employee is responsible for using safe practices and methods in the operation and supplies related to their job.
• The employee is further responsible for correcting any conditions within the building or grounds that may be hazardous to employees, students, or staff assigned to the building and reporting same to the appropriate administrator.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The below list is a summary of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for success in this position, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list.

• Knowledge of stormwater management and bio-retention pond maintenance.
• Working knowledge of transit operations to determine grade for wall construction, drainage, etc.
• Knowledge of the care and maintenance of ornamental plant materials and turf grass.
• Ability to read and comprehend scale drawings for landscape and irrigation plans.
• Ability to calibrate various spray and fertilizing equipment.
• Working knowledge of landscape plant installation, turf and grass management, irrigation installation, and nutrient management.
• Knowledge of the operation of landscape grading and digging equipment including the ability to operate a transit.
• Ability to write reports as to time and materials used.
• Knowledge of safe driving practices and proven safe driving habits by verifying driving records.
• Ability to interact with the general public as well as professional and classified employees of the school system in a pleasant and business-like manner.

The person selected for this position must meet all requirements of the physical examination administered by a medical service selected by the Howard County Department of Education.

Licensure

• Possession of a Maryland Class A CDL driver’s license with air brake endorsement and satisfactory driving record with two (2) or less points on your record.
• Current holders of a Commercial Driver’s license must register with, allow background query, and receive clearance from the FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse.

The person selected for this position must provide a copy of their complete driving record.

Working Hours and Conditions

• Work hours are normally 6:00am to 2:30pm.
• This position is designated as an “emergency employee” under the AFSCME negotiated agreement and may require a response during inclement weather and other emergencies. When work cannot be scheduled during the school year during normal hours, weekend/evening and shift work may be required as allowed by the AFSCME negotiated agreement. Maintenance employees are issued a school system cell phone to receive calls from their supervisor and respond to emergency events as needed.

• This position is classified as “essential” and requires the ability to be on call and respond to calls 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Individuals in this position are issued an HCPSS mobile phone for these purposes. Accepting this position would require that you meet these requirements during your tenure with HCPSS.
• This work may involve exposure to uncomfortable or unpleasant surroundings such as rain, snow, ice, and other outdoor conditions.
• This work involves exposure to hazardous conditions which may result in injury.
• Work involves special physical demands such as lifting 80 to 100 pounds or more, climbing ladder, etc.
• This work requires use of protective equipment such as goggles, gloves, mask, etc. This position may/will be required to work outside of normal working hours, occasional evening hours and weekends.
• The employee is responsible for using safe practices and methods in the operation of equipment and supplies related to their job.
• The employee is responsible for correcting and/or reporting any conditions within the building or grounds which may be hazardous to employees, students, or staff members assigned to the building.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Complete applications must be submitted, and once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.
 

SELECTION CRITERIA

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be included in further evaluation. Interviews will be limited to those applicants who, in addition to meeting the basic requirements, have experience and education which most closely match the position qualifications and the needs of the school system.

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION

Compensation

This is a 12-month per year position on the Maintenance/Warehouse Salary Scale in the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) employee unit. The current salary range for this position is Grade VI.  Step placement will be in accordance with the salary procedures of the Howard County Public School System and the AFSCME Master Agreement which considers relevant prior experience. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, this position is not exempt from overtime.

Retirement

Membership in the Maryland State Retirement Agency (MSRA) pension plan is a mandatory condition of employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria defined in the State Personnel and Pensions Article and the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR). A qualifying employee cannot reject membership, nor can an ineligible employee elect membership. The annual contribution to the pension plan will be 7% of an employee’s annual salary.

Benefits

HCPSS offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees. Information about additional benefits such as paid time off can be found in the negotiated agreement for employees in this bargaining unit.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Professional references will be contacted prior to any offer of employment. Recommended candidates will be required to provide references from current and recent supervisors.

All employees, regular and temporary, must be fingerprinted, have a criminal background investigation completed, and successfully complete the Maryland Employment History Review, pursuant to Section 6-113.2 of the Education Article, Annotated Code of Maryland. In addition, some positions will require completion of a physical examination and/or drug testing.

Anyone offered employment is required to provide proper identification and documentation of eligibility for employment in the United States. HCPSS participates in E-Verify and does not offer employee sponsorship.

For questions regarding this posting, please contact:   [email protected]

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

To request an accommodation during the application or interview process due to a documented disability, please email [email protected].

HCPSS celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any kind. HCPSS is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees in providing them with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at HCPSS are based on organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability,  sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, veteran status or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.