Groundsman II

POSITION:     Groundsman II (4) Positions - Physical Plant Department

                       Talladega, Alabama
Reports to:    Grounds Foreman

ABOUT ALABAMA INSTITUTE FOR DEAF AND BLIND (AIDB)

Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB) is the world’s most comprehensive education, rehabilitation, and service program serving individuals of all ages who are Deaf, Blind, DeafBlind, multidisabled, and their families. Founded in 1858, AIDB serves more than 30,000 infants, toddlers, children, adults, and senior citizens with hearing and vision loss throughout Alabama each year.

Our services span a lifetime and include five campuses in Talladega, a statewide network of regional centers, Early Intervention services, traditional and nontraditional educational opportunities in residential, day, and outreach settings, and a manufacturing facility known as Alabama Industries for the Blind (AIB), the state’s largest employer of adults who are Blind. AIDB’s three K-12 schools — Alabama School for the Blind, Alabama School for the Deaf, and Helen Keller School of Alabama — provide specialized educational services that empower students to achieve their full potential.

Our employees are among the organization’s most valuable assets and resources. We share a commitment to leveling the playing field for all. Our mission makes AIDB a unique place to work.

About the Role

The Groundsman II is a skilled maintenance professional responsible for preserving the safety, functionality, and appearance of the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind's campuses through comprehensive grounds maintenance, landscaping, and outdoor facility support. This position performs a wide range of landscape maintenance duties, including mowing, trimming, planting, pruning, irrigation support, equipment operation, and seasonal grounds care, while ensuring all campus grounds reflect AIDB's commitment to providing a safe, welcoming, and aesthetically pleasing environment.

Working under the direction of the Grounds Supervisor or designated Physical Plant leadership, the Groundsman II independently completes assigned work orders and maintenance projects with minimal supervision. The position requires the safe operation of commercial grounds maintenance equipment, adherence to established safety standards, and the flexibility to support special events, campus improvement projects, emergency response efforts, and other Physical Plant operations as needed.

The Groundsman II plays an essential role in supporting AIDB's educational, residential, and administrative facilities by ensuring outdoor spaces remain clean, attractive, accessible, and functional for students, employees, visitors, and the communities AIDB serves.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Basic Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or GED required. 
• Licensure & Insurance: Valid Driver License with an acceptable driving record that meets AIDB vehicle insurance requirements. Driving accommodations may be made for applicants with an exceptionality.
• Must meet suitability requirements for employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience: Two (2) years of experience in grounds maintenance, landscaping, horticulture, or a related field. 
• Formal Training: Formal training in landscaping, horticulture, turf management, or grounds maintenance. 
• Machinery & Systems: Experience operating commercial landscaping equipment, tractors, and using irrigation systems and landscape maintenance practices. 
• Botanical Knowledge: Knowledge of Alabama plant materials, turf grasses, and seasonal landscaping practices.  

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Grounds Maintenance & Turf Care

• Lawn Care: Maintain campus lawns through mowing, edging, trimming, weed control, and operating string trimmers, push mowers, riding mowers, and zero-turn mowers. 
• Seasonal Turf Care: Perform seasonal lawn care including fertilization, aeration, over seeding, and debris removal. 
• Landscape Upkeep: Maintain landscaped areas by planting, watering, fertilizing, mulching, and replacing flowers, shrubs, trees, and ornamental plants. 
• Pruning & Tree Care: Trim, prune, and shape shrubs, hedges, and small trees to maintain healthy growth and appearance; remove dead or hazardous trees, limbs, and vegetation as directed. 
• Irrigation & Cleanliness: Assist with irrigation system inspections, repairs, and watering schedules; remove leaves, sticks, litter, and debris from grounds, sidewalks, parking lots, and common areas. 
• Recreational Areas: Maintain athletic fields, recreational areas, and outdoor gathering spaces. 

Equipment Operation & Maintenance

• Equipment Operation: Safely operate weed eaters, push/riding mowers, tractors, utility vehicles, leaf blowers, hedge trimmers, chain saws (when properly trained), pressure washers, and other light/heavy grounds equipment as authorized. 
• Equipment Care: Perform daily inspections and basic preventative maintenance on equipment, reporting malfunctions promptly. 
• Tool Storage: Clean and properly store tools and equipment after use. 

Campus Support & Event Operations

• Moves & Event Setup: Assist with campus moves involving furniture and supplies, and set up/remove tables, chairs, tents, and equipment for campus events. 
• Fixtures & Trade Support: Install signage, fencing, and outdoor fixtures; assist other Physical Plant trades during maintenance or special projects. 
• Emergency Response: Support emergency response activities, including storm cleanup, debris removal, and clearing snow, ice, or weather-related hazards. 

Safety & Compliance

• OSHA Compliance: Follow all AIDB safety procedures and OSHA regulations. 
• PPE & Equipment Safety: Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), maintain safe work areas, and properly secure equipment. 
• Hazardous Materials: Safely handle fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, and landscaping materials per applicable regulations. 
• Work Safety: Practice safe lifting techniques and proper equipment operation, reporting hazardous conditions affecting campus safety promptly. 
• Technical Knowledge: General knowledge of grounds maintenance principles and landscaping practices. 
• Equipment & Tools: Ability to safely operate grounds maintenance equipment and hand tools. 
• Independent Execution: Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions, and work independently with minimal supervision. 
• Physical Capability: Physical ability to perform strenuous manual labor in various weather conditions. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

The Groundsman II position requires the ability to perform physically demanding work, including:

• Performing strenuous manual labor outdoors in varying weather conditions. 
• Standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, and carrying materials. 
• Operating commercial landscape machinery, power tools, light and heavy equipment. 
• Practicing safe lifting techniques and navigating various outdoor terrains. 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Professional Development and Certifications

• Sign Language Proficiency: Employees are expected to develop effective communication skills with individuals served by obtaining a minimum SURVIVAL level of sign language proficiency within thirty-six (36) months of employment. 
• General Duties: Complete work orders accurately, communicate effectively with personnel, maintain a professional appearance, and perform other duties as assigned. 

Upon offer of employment, the applicant must submit to a fingerprint background check at an agency designated and paid by AIDB. This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job goals, qualifications, and responsibilities, and the employee may be required to perform other related duties as assigned.

SALARY:       $15.25 - $17.89 C5 Rank 31

(260 days)  

                     Direct deposit is required; bi-weekly payroll