Grounds Keeper

About the Role

Perform grounds maintenance, conservation, and improvement duties as part of a grounds crew. Inspect and care for trees and shrubs, including planting, transplanting, removing, pruning, fertilizing, and managing a vegetation control program under specific supervision and in accordance with established priorities and policies. Tasks require moderate use of individual analysis and judgment while adhering to federal and state laws, as well as district policies, procedures, and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Perform grounds keeping duties as part of a grounds crew under the direction of an assigned supervisor; refer problems that cannot be solved to the immediate supervisor.
• Mow grassed areas, rake grass and leaves, fertilize, trim, and edge grass and trees.
• Dig with pick and shovel and backfill excavations.
• Maintain appearance and health of plants, grass, shrubs, and flowers at various district locations.
• Be responsible for district vehicle and vehicle inventory (if assigned), materials, tools, and equipment, including making adjustments and using safe operating procedures; request scheduling of required maintenance and inspections and keep vehicle, tools, equipment, and work areas clean and orderly.
• Assist other employees in the proper use of tools, equipment, and machinery, including safety procedures.
• Follow established safety practices to prevent damage to buildings, utilities, and other property.
• Load and unload tools and materials and operate tools, equipment, and machinery used in grounds maintenance, including pruning equipment, jackhammer, wheelbarrow, trenching machines, and push or riding lawn mowers.
• Perform heavy manual work such as spreading topsoil, fertilizer, planting and transplanting lawns, shrubs, trees, and flowerbeds.
• Apply chemicals after being trained in the safe application of pesticides and herbicides.
• Cooperate with co-workers and routinely report necessary information to the immediate supervisor.
• Make decisions under general supervision using individual analysis in accordance with established priorities and policies; refer major decisions to supervisor.
• Attendance at the work site is required to meet essential job functions.
• Participate in professional development activities as required by the district.
• Follow established safety procedures and techniques to perform job duties; support district/department goals.
• Maintain a professional code of ethics and perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED) preferred.
• Ability to follow verbal and/or written instructions.
• Ability to read and understand instructions related to grounds maintenance and safety procedures.
• One (1) year of experience in grounds maintenance or related duties preferred.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.
• Valid Texas or New Mexico driver’s license.
• Must be insurable by the district’s auto liability carrier.
• Subject to the YISD drug and alcohol testing policy and regulation.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Must be able to lift, carry, push, and/or pull up to fifty (50) pounds frequently.
• Work under all weather conditions.
• Adaptable to work a shift schedule and/or hours other than regularly assigned.
• Extended periods of walking, standing, bending, reaching, kneeling, stooping, climbing, and heavy lifting.
• Ability to climb ladders up to 8 feet unassisted and higher with assistance.
• Exposure to insects and all kinds of weather conditions.
• Ability to work with pesticides, herbicides, and other potentially hazardous materials in a safe manner.