GROUNDSKEEPER

The Groundskeeper is responsible for maintaining the appearance, cleanliness, and safety of outdoor areas, including lawns, gardens, walkways, and other landscaped areas of the organization. The role involves performing a variety of tasks such as mowing, trimming, planting, and weeding to ensure that the grounds are well-kept and aesthetically pleasing. The Groundskeeper will also assist with minor repairs, seasonal clean-up, and equipment maintenance.

Essential Duties

• Maintain lawns by mowing, trimming, edging, and aerating as needed.
• Plant, water, fertilize, prune, and trim trees, shrubs, and flowers to ensure healthy growth and maintain the aesthetic appearance of the landscape.
• Remove weeds, debris, and trash from grounds, walkways, and landscaped areas regularly.
• Operate and maintain groundskeeping equipment and tools such as lawnmowers, trimmers, blowers, and hand tools.
• Assist with the installation and repair of irrigation systems to ensure proper watering of lawns and landscaped areas.
• Apply fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals to control pests and weeds, following safety guidelines and protocols.
• Perform seasonal maintenance tasks, including leaf removal, snow and ice removal, and preparation of outdoor areas for different weather conditions.
• Perform minor repairs to outdoor structures, fences, walkways, and other grounds-related fixtures.
• Report any safety hazards, equipment malfunctions, or maintenance needs to the Grounds Maintenance Supervisor.
• Assist with setup and breakdown of outdoor areas for special events as needed.
• Follow all safety procedures and guidelines to ensure a safe working environment.
• Ability to provide 24-hour on-call coverage, including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed. Must be available to respond to emergencies or urgent requests during these times to ensure continuity of care/services.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Demonstrates flexibility with assignments within professional scope/duties/licensure.

Preferred Experience

• Previous experience in groundskeeping, landscaping, or a related field is preferred.
• Basic knowledge of landscaping techniques, lawn care, plant care, and grounds maintenance equipment.
• Ability to operate and maintain groundskeeping tools and equipment safely and effectively.
• Physical ability to perform manual labor outdoors, including lifting, bending, standing, and working in various weather conditions.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to follow instructions and complete tasks efficiently and independently.

Required Licensure/Education

•   Valid drivers license - must be able to submit proof of valid driving record.

Preferred Education

• High school diploma or GED

Employee Health Requirements

Exposure/Sensory Requirements:

Exposure to:

Chemicals: Fertilizers, pesticides, weed killers, cleaning agents.

Video Display Terminals: Average

Blood and Body Fluids: Potential is not likely, position generally works outdoors.

TB or Airborne Pathogens: Potential not likely, position generally works outdoors.

Sensory requirements (speech, vision, smell, hearing, touch):

Speech: Needed for training/presentations, telephone communication, facilitating meetings.

Vision: Read communications, construction/finishes, quality inspections, and environmental inspections.

Smell: Sensitivity and recognition of odors derived from various cleaning processes, odors generated from malfunctioning equipment.

Hearing: Telephone communication, meetings and equipment operating characteristics.

Touch: Writing and computer entry, filing

Activity/Lifting Requirements:

Percentage of time during the normal workday the employee is required to:

Sit: 15%

Twist: 5%

Stand: 20%

Crawl: 0%

Walk: 20%

Kneel: 2%

Lift: 5%

Drive: 15%

Squat: 5%

Climb: 3%

Bend: 5%

Reach above shoulders: 5%

The weight required to be lifted each normal workday according to the continuum described below:

Up to 10 lbs: Frequently

Up to 20 lbs: Frequently

Up to 35 lbs: Frequently

Up to 50 lbs: Occasionally

Up to 75 lbs: Occasionally

Up to 100 lbs: Occasionally

Over 100 lbs: Not Required

Describe and explain the lifting and carrying requirements. (Example: the distance material is carried; how high material is lifted, etc.):

Lifting and handling fertilizer, salt and other materials up to 20' and weighing up to 80# unassisted. Can perform same work at same height with greater weights with assistance. May need to carry salt and materials up to 80#, 100\"\" unassisted and over 100#, the same distance with assistance.

Maximum consecutive time (minutes) during the normal workday for each activity:

Sit: 120

Twist: 10

Stand: 85

Crawl: 0

Walk: 60

Kneel: 10

Lift: 20

Drive: 120

Squat: 10

Climb: 15

Bend: 20

Reach above shoulders: 10

Repetitive use of hands (Frequency indicated):

Simple grasp up to 15 lbs.

Pushing & pulling Normal weight: up to 200#

Fine Manipulation: Adjustment of operating machinery, pruning and grafting of plants.

Repetitive use of foot or feet in operating machine control: Driving powered lawn care equipment with up to 30# of force.

Environmental Factors & Special Hazards:

Environmental Factors (Time Spent):

Inside hours: 1

Outside hours : 7

Temperature: Extreme cold to extreme hot

Lighting: Very dark to very bright

Noise levels: Very loud to very soft

Humidity: Humid to Dry

Atmosphere: Dust, fumes, odors, gas, poor ventilation

Special Hazards: Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Other - Operates and maintains lawn care equipment.

Protective Clothing Required: Goggles, gloves, face shields, hearing protectors, respirators.