Grounds Specialist III (Building/Grounds Specialist III)

Responsibilities

• Operates mowers (zero‑degree turn, push), string trimmers, edgers, wood chippers, chainsaws, pruning equipment, aerators, heavy equipment, pressure washers, and backpack blowers.
• Utilizes various hand tools including shovels, rakes, pitch forks, mattocks, pruning shears, sprayers, spades, hoes, post‑hole diggers, hammers, drills, etc.
• Performs minor repairs on grounds equipment.
• Plants, fertilizes, applies pesticides, prunes and provides general care of shrubs, trees and lawns; assists in upkeep of irrigation and drainage systems and removal of refuse from campus.
• Assists with removal of pests including fire ants, snakes, wasps/bees, and rodents.
• Assists in other projects related to grounds keeping such as building forms for sidewalks, edging for shrubbery beds, tree removal/install, laying sod, and installing plant beds.
• Assists with maintenance and basic trades duties on main campus and off‑campus centers as directed.
• Operates vehicles on and off campus as necessary to support grounds‑keeping operations.
• Assists in painting; replaces, installs and repairs signage on campus; and maintains/repairs parking lots and sidewalks.
• Removes ice/snow during winter storms.
• Performs other duties as required.

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma.
• Custodial or grounds‑keeping experience directly related to the area of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• High school diploma.
• At least two years of directly related work experience or a 10th‑grade education and at least four years of directly related work experience.

Knowledge

• Safety practices relevant to grounds and maintenance.
• Tools, equipment, materials and supplies used in grounds and maintenance.
• Techniques, methods and practices used in grounds and maintenance, including turf maintenance, pesticide application, arboriculture, and heavy‑equipment operation.

Abilities

• Understand and follow oral and written instructions, and read maps.
• Use a computer to read emails, report time, and complete online or virtual training.
• Possess a valid South Carolina driver’s license.

Additional Information

Applicants indicating degree(s) on the application may be required to provide unofficial copies of transcripts during the application process and an official transcript upon hire.